The man who signed KELO-TV on the air in May 1953 before going on to host the longest-running children's program in the country has died. Dave Dedrick, also known as Captain 11, passed away in Sioux Falls at the age of 81.
Dedrick was one of the first employees at KELOLAND; his was the first voice to be broadcast when KELO-TV first began broadcasting on May 19, 1953. In addition to his duties as Captain 11, Dedrick also worked as a weather forecaster during nightly newscasts..
In 1955, Dedrick won a coin toss to become the host of a new children's program. He entertained generations of children for 41 years as Captain 11. To this day, fans of the show can recite the opening to Captain 11, which began with, "One man in each century is given the power to control time." And at the end of every show, Dedrick issued a reminder to his young fans:
"Remember, gang. Mind mom and dad, eat everything they tell you to eat, brush your teeth and say your prayers before you go to bed. That's the most important part. So long crew, nice being with you."
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