A 47-year career in the KRVN Engineering Department comes to an end this week when Jim Liffrig retires. His primary responsibility over the years has been the 880 AM transmitter site near Holdrege. Fresh out of engineering trade school in Minneapolis, Liffrig moved from Minneapolis to Holdrege with intentions to work for a couple of years, then return to the city. But, a love for Holdrege and his vocation kept him on the job for 47 years.
Liffrig has been witness to many changes in technology during his tenure. He says such changes allowed each successive 880 AM transmitter to be smaller in size than the previous one. When he came onboard, KRVN was still using the same transmitter that KRVN signed on with in 1951. He described it as being 10′ wide with four doors on the front. Today’s 880 AM transmitter is about the size of an upright freezer.
Other changes Liffrig has seen include the use of automation technology, and changes from commercials on cart machines and music on turntables. Reflecting on his career, Liffrig had helped the station stay on the air through tornadoes, ice storms, blizzards and downed transmission towers. Liffrig noted that there were two Nebraska Rural Radio Association radio stations when he arrived in 1977. It has now grown to 15 radio stations across the state, something he says he is very proud to be a part of the growth.
Liffrig was recently elected as Mayor of Holdrege, a position he enjoys and looks forward to devoting more time to in retirement.
