SANDPOINT – In 2006 KRFY began, as most great Sandpoint ideas do, with a small group of friends attempting to solve the world’s problems.

That discussion over a beer at Eichardt’s led to an application with the FCC for a license to broadcast in 2007. After years of community outreach, fundraising and planning, 88.5 KRFY went live on the air on Jan. 25, 2011. Today the station is operated by a staff of two part-time employees and 20-plus volunteers and is governed by its volunteer board of directors.

For its efforts and its contributions to the community, the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce recognized 88.5FM KRFY Panhandle Community Radio as its volunteers of the month for January.

KRFY provides an eclectic variety of programming, from nationally syndicated “Democracy Now”, to local news, events and politics on the “Morning Show”. There is something to titillate everyone’s eardrums all day from Sunday morning gospel to Thursday evening folk music, regional favorites, music through the decades, jazz, classical, SVP and the Hump Day Café.

You’ll hear familiar voices from our own community putting their personal spin on these genres. These volunteers all have careers, families and lives that they take time from to bring you enriching programs.

Panhandle Community Radio, broadcasting as 88.5 KRFY, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and is a commercial free, full-powered FM radio station, supported by community underwriters and donations.

The numerous volunteers who make KRFY possible include: Jim Healey, Ricci Witte, Bernie Moser, Bob Aldrich, Bob Hawn, Chris Bessler, Don Childress, Gail Fendley, Howard Child, Jack Peterson, Jackie Henrion, Jennifer Lempke, JoAnn Rohyans, John Rohyans, Julie Kallemeyn, Mandy Place, Mike Bauer, Phil Hough, Suzy Prez, Julie Gagnon and Carrie Logan and the Cedar Post crew led by Connor Bird with Will Love coordinating.

Other volunteers include: Susie Jewel, Gael Swinford, Jean Gerth, Julie Perchynski, Charlie Parrish, Joni Meigs, Christine Kester, Kerry Kresge, Doug Jones, and Joyce Childs.

Greater Sandpoint Chamber officials invited the community to join them in thanking the volunteers of 88.5FM KRFY Panhandle Community Radio for their service to our community.