Former KBEW owner Paul Hedberg passed away at his home in Southlake, Texas on May 27th. He was born May 28th, 1939 in Cokato, MN.
Hedberg started KBEW in August of 1963. It was the second station in his ownership, joining KMRS in Morris. That total grew to 21 stations in Minnesota and Iowa.
Paul put a premium on his station’s commitment to live and local content was built on being in tune with the rhythms of small rural communities.
Paul’s business and community interests outside of radio were many and in the 1970’s, he was instrumental in getting the department of transportation to re-route Interstate 90 through the Blue Earth Area. He then promoted the installation of the 55 foot Jolly Green Giant that is still a major attraction in the community to this day.
A celebration of Paul’s life will be held in Spirit Lake, Iowa later in the summer. Memorials may be addressed to the Pavek Museum of Broadcasting in St. Louis Park.