‘A Klaas Act’ — Veteran Twin Falls Broadcaster Announces Retirement
Twin Falls, Idaho ( KMVT-TV / KSVT-TV ) -The year was 1969 and the station was KEEP. That's when a young man started giving Southern Idaho their top news.
Kelly Klaas said, "Well I had been in radio for a while, but in the early to the mid-70's of course, the gas crisis started. People were lined up at gas stations. The price of gas was doubling and tripling over night it seemed like.”
Now after 45 years in broadcasting, radio legend Kelly Klaas will retire with one long list of accomplishments.
"I did the coverage on Evel Knievel, the live coverage, when he attempted to jump the canyon. There was of course 9/11 is the big one that sticks out in my mind. I met Ronald Regan a time or two. I had Wolf Man Jack on my show back on keep radio in the early 70's. So there's been a few highlights that I'll keep in my memory bank for a while,” said Klaas.
After so many years on the radio, you might ask what's next for this local legend?
"I just want to enjoy life. I want to see my grandkids. I have some hobbies that I want to get involved in. I have a voice over business that I want to keep going, and just do some of the things that I haven't been able to do when I have to punch a clock every day."
News Radio 1310 KLIX News Director Benito Baeza says although top story will continue, the coverage will be slightly different. "I think that they'll really miss out on someone who knows the Magic Valley. He grew up here. I don't think he ever left, other than to go on a trip out of the Magic Valley. So I mean he is one of those you'd call a true Idaho boy,” said Baeza.
Klaas has just one hope for the next voice of Top Story. "My hope for the next person in line, is that they make it their own show,” Klaas said.
And after 45 years in radio--living up to his last name--as a true "Klaas Act".