OTTUMWA — After years of lobbying, Iowa Public Radio is coming to Ottumwa.

The supervisors proclaimed March 21 “Iowa Public Radio Day” in Wapello County. Getting IPR to Ottumwa has been a priority for the county since 1999. Lobbying began even earlier.

Supervisors objected to the absence of public radio from local airways, saying it was wrong to deny Ottumwa residents state radio that is publicly funded. Supervisor Steve Siegel said residents could receive sporadic signals in their cars, but that was it.

“I couldn’t get anything on my radio in my office,” Siegel said. “Initially the problem was there were other stations, nonprofit stations, competing.”

Other problems cropped up with the antenna, funding and miscellaneous snags. The board responded with resolutions, lobbying and phone calls to elected officials. Use of the radio spectrum complicated things. The government allots specific frequencies for specific uses. If stations are already broadcasting on the range for public radio, there isn’t room for a new broadcast.

Things finally fell into place for a spring start. The break came recently with an e-mail that announced the March 21 air date. Joan Kirkman told Siegel IPR plans a kickoff event at Bridge View Center on March 21. The event will include a concert by Bob Dorr’s Blue Band, broadcast on IPR.

“They’re going to have a celebration that evening, it’s a Friday, at Bridge View,” Siegel said. “I guess what we’re doing here is trying to get the word out. This is a wonderful thing for the community. It’s been a long time coming.”

Ottumwa will actually receive two signals. IPR will broadcast on 89.1 and 91.1 on the FM dial. The difference is the amount of power behind the signals. The weaker signal will cover Wapello County, Siegel said. IPR plans to use that signal for classical music.

The stronger signal will have a more typical range of public radio programming, including news, events and music. IPR will begin testing the signals in mid-March.

Tuesday’s agenda was light. Supervisors approved $4,531 in funding for the Area 15 Regional Planning Commission. The funding is an annual contribution.

The board also approved hiring a new sheriff’s deputy.

Matt Milner can be reached at (641) 683-5359 or via e-mail at mwmilner@mchsi.com