FCC databases on KXPL show no change in ownership, and as far as I can tell, no application for an FM translator.
The FM translator window recently closed, and I doubt there will be another for quite some time, due to the objections the Prometheus Radio Project and others threw in the works for the nearly 1000 applicants last time. I have not verified the existence or non-existence of such an application for them yet, however.
I can tell you if they did apply for one, they did not make the latest "singleton" list of non-contested frequencies that were handed out without auctioning, and by application process-only.
Ownership shows as, "New Radio System" via the FCC databases. Their (required) uploads of issues/programs to the new FCC website are not in English, and are deficient in content. Latest is a February monthly program "schedule" which is not what the FCC wants, and it should be is a quarterly filing for January-Feb-March, uploaded by April 10th of this year. (Many stations have broken this filing rule, and I suspect that the FCC, in going "online" with public files will very much be watching for this when renewals of license are filed...this has yet to come out in the wash for any stations to the best of my knowledge.)
The FCC also, surprisingly did not make AM stations post their FM translator licenses associated with the AM's which I find strange. Given that the translator has to rebroadcast the AM parent station, you'd think they'd want the FM translator license cross-referenced on the public file with the AM. In our case, we created a file folder and uploaded it to the FCC public files anyway for inquiring minds.
Keep listening! Sounds like an interesting scenario developing down that way....wish I could help you more with your interesting find!