RAPID CITY - KEVN-TV, which broadcasts in Rapid City on Channel 7, spent most of last week off the air after an apparent power surge damaged the station's Skyline Drive transmitter.

General manager Cindy McNeill said the station was knocked off the air Saturday. The station was mostly restored about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday.

The outage affected only viewers in Rapid City and the Southern Hills who don't subscribe to cable TV. KEVN's cable viewers never lost the station. And the Terry Peak transmitter, which serves the Northern Hills on Channel 5, remained on the air, as well, McNeill said.

"People were very gracious and patient," she said.

She said technicians are still investigating the cause of the transmitter's failure, but it is believed to be due to some type of power surge. Temporary repairs were made, and new parts have been ordered.

There are still areas in the Southern Hills that are not getting the KEVN signal, McNeill said. "If you're not getting it, feel free to call. We'd like to know the areas that are still affected," she said.

To report problems, call 394-7777.

Contact Dan Daly at 394-8421 or dan.daly@rapidcityjournal.com