KHOI is a community radio station that is striving to get on air within the year, with help from the community and its passionate volunteers. The station, located on Main Street, will showcase local programs and music centered on central Iowa.

“On KHOI, we want to hear the voice of Story County; everyone is unique and we love that. People are all strange and interesting. We want to hear what they have to say,” said Ursula Ruedenberg, KHOI’s board chairwoman.

Community radio is not commercial broadcasting and differs from public radio in several ways. Unlike public radio, KHOI welcomes all voices from the community and will give anyone the chance to be heard on air. The local radio station prides itself on keeping no separation from the community to the airwaves. This means virtually anyone can come volunteer, whether it be on air, producing or technical support. Everyone is welcome.

KHOI was granted its frequency in 2009 and was given three years to get on air, making its deadline August 2012. If KHOI doesn’t have the funds to get on air by this time, it will lose its frequency. Funds are needed to purchase radio equipment necessary to produce shows, and the station has set a goal of $100,000 to get on air; as of now it is at $15,000.

To reach its goal, KHOI said it is looking for community support. The station is selling T-shirts, putting on events and always accepting donations. All proceeds go toward getting the radio station up and running. The biggest fundraiser begins Nov. 4 and is a concert event entitled “Pandemonium at the Pantorium.”

“The music scene in Ames is going to benefit from KHOI. This station will make all kinds of music from the Ames area completely accessible,” said Nate Logsdon, board member and director of Maximum Ames Music Festival. “Local bands will be heard on the air. It’s a really exciting thing.”

KHOI will feature local bands, radio shows and emergency broadcasting. The station is affiliated with Pacifica Radio and also will feature a few national programs like Democracy Now with Amy Goodman. The station, 89.1 FM, will be a full-power frequency that will cover all of Story County and parts of Hamilton, Boone and Hardin counties.

KHOI is focused on supporting the local economy and hopes to add to the culture of the Main Street district. KHOI is located in the historic Pantorium, and many involved are excited about bringing new life to the historic building.

“Pantorium is an older name for Laundromat. The building was built in the 1920s and the city has decided it’s suitable for restoration, so hopefully we will have this place looking as it did when it first opened,” said Tom Beell, KHOI volunteer and ISU professor of journalism and communication.

KHOI’s volunteers feel strongly about the connection with the radio station and Ames and are excited to get the station started.

“We are all about supporting our community,” Ruedenberg said. “We want to make our town more vibrant. We are interested in hearing the voices you don’t normally get to hear. We want to bring sincerity and entertainment to the community by connecting everyone in a fun and exciting way.”