J.R. Dunn’s Forrest Jack Investments Country 1400 KRUN Ballinger TX abruptly ceased operations on Wednesday after weeks of ongoing damage from storms.
KRUN lost parts of its roof in May, while subsequent storms have flooded the building and caused the ceiling to collapse in five rooms. Dunn told KLST-TV’s Concho Valley Homepage, “It’s rained for 3.5 weeks. I’ve had maybe four days of good weather where it did not rain, but it hadn’t been enough time to get a roof on. With that … we’re sitting there with 2 inches, 3 inches of water setting in the floor of the station.”
He told the television station that in order to restore operations he would need a benefactor or benefactors to fund an estimated $125,000 in repairs to the building. He said, “Unless we can find a benefactor or someone who’s willing to invest some money in it that can do better than myself, I think we’re just sitting there at yes, we probably will have to end it. After 80 years, it’s a tough deal to go through, and for me to be the one that loses it really hurts also, personally.” He continued, “The economics of Ballinger, Miles and Winters no longer are what they used to be, and with several of the companies coming in that are national chains, they have dropped any advertising that was going on before, and it has really affected the radio station.”
A note on the station’s website states, “Since August 1947, KRUN-AM 1400 has been proud to serve Ballinger, Runnels County, and the AgriPlex of Central West Texas. Today, following the devastating storm damage to our facilities, KRUN-AM signs off for the final time. We are deeply grateful for every listener, advertiser, employee, broadcaster, coach, athlete, farmer, rancher, business owner, and friend who made this station part of their lives. Thank you for allowing us into your homes, vehicles, farms, ranches, and businesses for generations. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our loyal employees Steve Everett, Gary Everett, and Kristi Smith for their years of dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to KRUN-AM 1400 and our community. While the airwaves may fall silent, the memories never will. May God bless Ballinger, Runnels County, and the AgriPlex.”
