KBND, a key state Emergency Broadcast System component, installed a 30KW generator in 1963 permitting operation during power outages. Subsequently, an auxiliary studio serving as both production room and fallout shelter control room was added. In 1971, daytime power was increased to 10,000 watts. A new transmitter location, outside the Bend urban growth boundary, was sought in 1977. After FCC authorization was granted in 1982 and local land use approval was obtained in 1983, three towers were erected at the present transmitter site off Hamehook Rd., enabling a power increase to 25,000 watts day, 5,000 watts night in 1985. Several years later, daytime power was reduced to the present 10,000 watts. Offices and studios, remodeled in 1985, remained at the Studio Rd./711 NE Butler Rd. location until September 2008 when modern facilities at 63088 NE 18th St. were occupied. Several financial interests have been associated with KBND since 1938. The "Bend Bulletin" newspaper operated the station from its inception until 1945, when ownership transferred to Central Oregon Broadcasting. Frank Loggan became principal owner of the newly formed company after he exchanged his "Bend Bulletin" stock for a 150-share interest. Robert W. Sawyer and Henry Fowler, "Bend Bulletin" editor and associate editor respectively, individually controlled minority interests amounting to 100 collective shares. In 1965, Doug Kahle and Edward Tornberg, owners of broadcast outlets and CATV systems elsewhere, acquired KBND. In 1987, DENCO, Inc., a Seattle-based company, purchased the station for $964,000 before yielding ownership. Present owner Combined Communications acquired the station in 1990. Original staff members included Stanton Bennett, Augie Hiebert, and Frank Hemingway. Bennett helped install the station's first equipment and was chief engineer until leaving for Alaska in 1939. Hiebert, a Bend resident in 1932 when he obtained an amateur radio license as a youth, returned from Wenatchee, Washington to work as engineer and announcer before leaving in August 1939 to help Bennett build KFAR. Wheeler, former announcer and newscaster at KOOS, Marshfield (Coos Bay, Oregon), was employed as commercial manager. Later he was general manager of KWIL, Albany, Oregon. Frank Hemingway, brother of Bend physicians Dr. Robert Hemingway and Dr. Max Hemingway, brought radio experience from CBL Toronto to KBND. Hemingway, a theatrical actor and director, was master of ceremonies for the station's dedicatory broadcast and began delivering newscasts.