KMSU Community Stories

March 25, 20206 - In this week's Community Spotlight, Mankato Area Public Schools Superintendent Paul Peterson stops by to talk about legislative priorities, a super summer, and the need to support future students with lifestyle pathways.  

Sam Schirmers and Amy Phares from Mankato Area Public Schools stop by to talk all things Summer ACES, including registration, enrollment, and even employment opportunities.

Mankato Area Public Schools Superintendent Paul Peterson stops by to talk about how area schools are handling increased immigration enforcement in our area.  He also talks about student involvement in school board meetings and updates us on the ongoing discussion about what education might look like in the future.

January 07, 2026 - For this week's Community Spotlight, Dwayne chats with Katlyn McCourtney and Joan Morrison from Mankato Area Public School's Early Learning program.  Learn more about upcoming applications for Preschool and Early Childhood Family Education programs.

The broadcast begins with a preview of the performance with MSO Executive Director Bethel Balge and MSO Music Director and Conductor Ernesto Estigarribia-Mussi, followed by the December 20th performance at St. Peter High School.

Dec. 17, 2025 - KMSU's Karen Wright interviews author Frank Ginther exploring Dawn Manor, a grand estate that has stood the test of time in the heart of the Wisconsin Dells since 1855. The book is a historical exploration of the opulence, community gatherings, ghostly encounters and meticulous preservation efforts of this remarkable estate which is now a restaurant open to tourists.

December 10, 2025 - Jonathan Brandt, Executive and Artistic Director of Mankato's Merely Players discusses the group's latest production, Fruitcakes! a popular, heartwarming and humorous holiday play running two weekends, Dec. 10-12 and Dec. 19-21.

Dec. 3, 2025 - Resource and Donor Development Director Jill Cusick of the Mankato Area United Way provides an update on the fundraising efforts for the organizations and how you can contribute or volunteer.

Dec. 3, 2025 - Minnesota Morning Host, Karen Wright, is retiring this month from KMSU after 20 years of service. She has done thousands of interviews and will miss the many individuals she has had the honor of interacting with over those years. We are posting her favorite interview which she did on  April 3, 2019 with her musical idol, Olivia Newton-John. We wish her well!
     *Note - songs have been edited from the interview.

Dec. 2, 2025 - KMSU is a member of AMPERS, the Association of Minnesota Public Educational Radio Stations. Joel Glaser, President and CEO of AMPERS discusses the organization's first-ever fundraiser in light of federal cuts to all public media.