KMSU Community Stories

Sept. 12, 2025 - Brian Schwingle, Forestry Expert with the MN DNR discusses how and where to see the best color in Minnesota. He also talks about the science behind the color change and how weather impacts its brilliance and longevity.

Sept. 11, 2025 - The Mahkato Wacipi Powow will take place Sept. 19-21 at Land of Memories Park, Mankato. Powwow Chairman, Dan Zielske, and Volunteer Coordinator, Alice DeYoung, talk about the history of the event and the need for volunteers.

Sept. 10, 2025 - Mankato Zero Waste is hosting its second "Mankato Zero Waste in the Park" on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025 from noon to 3 p.m. at Sibley Park, Mankato. Jane Dow and Sue Hytjan discuss what you can learn at the event and activities you can participate in such as the clothing swap, have your clothes repaired by volunteer seamstresses, bring food for the food shelf, and activities for the kids.

Aug. 20, 2025 - Mankato is hosting its 4th annual Fentanyl Poisoning and Overdose Awareness day, Sun. Aug. 24 at Erlandson Park, noon - 3:00 p.m. KMSU's Karen Wright talked with Kim Gustavson Lang and Nancy Sack, mother and grandmother of Travis Gustavson who died at age 21 from accidental Fentanyl overdose. Chad Rush, with the Minnesota River Valley Drug Task Force also discussed the prevalence of drugs in our area and encouraged everyone to attend the important event.

July 23, 2025 - Minnesota Star Tribune CEO and Publisher Steve Grove talked with KMSU's Karen Wright about the changing news media and how the publication is adapting to changes in technology and funding.  Groves also discussed his recently published memoir, "How I Found Myself in the Midwest: a Memoir of Reinvention.

June 25, 2025 -The 33rd Kiwanis Thunder of Drums event is happening in Mankato on July 8, 2025. Doug Faust describes the event and explains what drum corps are all about.

June 18, 2025 - What is Juneteenth? How and why do we celebrate It? And what's happening locally on June 19th? Greater Mankato Diversity Council director, Mohammed Alsadig explains.

June 4, 2025 - Mankato Area Public Schools offers education to adults. Adult Basic Education Coordinator, Karen Wolters, talks about the various programs which are offered throughout the summer beyond GED.

May 28, 2025 - Mankato Area Public School Superintendent, Paul Peterson, discusses what makes students successful in the MAPS district, the new "focus" schools which will be available this fall, graduation, and the legislative session.

May 21, 2025 - What does it take to create an "Age-Friendly" community? VINE CEO, Melinda Wedzina describes an age-friendly initiative coming to the Mankato/North Mankato area with input from residents.