New ownership announced for local radio stations

On the retirement of Karl Grimmelmann, owner and general manager of KBFS-AM 1450 of Belle Fourche and KYDT-FM of Pine Haven, the two radio stations are set to be handed over to a communications company owned by three well-known local names.

Tri State Communications, LLC announced on Monday that an agreement had been reached over the sale and was signed on December 7. Tri State Communications is owned by Crook County residents Ogden Driskill, Tyler Lindholm and Andrea Wood.

Grimmelmann commented in the release that he is happy to retire and has full confidence in the ability of the new owners to continue the local service that the listening area depends on.

Tri State Communications will now apply to the FCC for approval of the sale. The approval process could take between three and four months.

KBFS went on the air in February, 1959 and was purchased by Ultimate Caps, Inc in March, 1994. KYDT was built by Ultimate Caps and came on the air in November, 1997.

The purchase price has not been disclosed.