In an era of distant corporations buying local businesses, Linder said it is satisfying to keep stations locally owned.

“We’re excited to bring local ownership back to those two stations. We’re looking forward to a long-term relationship.”

The changes also brought office renovations and changes.

The KTOE building on Old Highway 14 between Mankato and Eagle Lake is undergoing renovation and expansion, to about double its size, to bring in staff from KXLP and The Fan.

Changes at Three Eagles

Three Eagles is also consolidating its offices. The longtime KEEZ office on Highway 169/60 on the LeHillier hill is for sale. The company is moving Z99 and its new KYSM-FM offices to the building on Lee Boulevard in North Mankato, where KYSM AM and FM were located when owned by Clear Channel.

Ron Gates, executive vice president for Three Eagles, said the company is adding on to the Lee Boulevard building to make space for added employees.

Gates, who has been with Three Eagles since it formed in 1996, has been in Mankato for two years.

Two popular morning hosts on KYSM-FM — TJ & Lisa — are no longer with the station.

“It was not our decision that they left,” said Gates, who said they were not fired, but who said he couldn’t comment further.

Gates said there will be no significant programming changes at Z99, Country 103.5 or The Buzzard.