FreepCast

The NEW FreepCast, Episode 23 — #ELECTIONS2024

In the journalism world, there's not bigger night than an presidential election. Managing Editor Joe Spear and photographer Casey Ek talk about covering the races as well as other news, including layoffs at KEYC and the story of a young boy who received a heart transplant.

The NEW FreepCast, Episode 22 — Election talk with election guru Mike Stalberger

On this episode of we take a deep dive on the elections with Blue Earth County's Mike Stalberger. Also, reporters Holly Marie Moore and Brian Arola join Managing Editor Joe Spear in a discussion about partisan groups influencing the non-partisan school board race. 

The NEW FreepCast, Episode 20 — We talk SPORTS with special guest Chad Courrier.

In this episode of FreepCast we've got special guest Free Press Sports Editor Chad Courrier. Chad takes us behind the scenes a bit on the annual Jug Game between Mankato East and West, and the special guest that brought heightened security to the game.

The NEW FreepCast, Episode 19 — More Dam talk, new top cop

In this episode we discuss the continued love affair Mankato has with the beloved Dam Store. We also talk a bit about Mankato's new director of public safety.

The NEW FreepCast, Episode 18 — Some *Dam* good news!

In this episode of FreepCast we trumpet the return of the Dam Store to the site of the former Wagon Wheel restaurant in downtown Mankato.
We also discuss the felony charges filed in the case of the dog that was shot in South Bend Township back in March, the highly anticipated decision on the hiring of the new director of public safety, and the city of Mankato making affordable housing a priority.

The NEW FreepCast, Episode 17 — Ricky Necessary, Jr., former fentanyl user, talks about drug use, recovery

This week on FreepCast, we're doing something a little different. 
Reporters Brian Arola and Robb Murray sat down with Ricky Necessary, Jr., an Ohio native who has lived in Minnesota for several years. His experience, struggles and nightmares with drug use are a cautionary tale. You won't want to skip this one, folks. This interview was part of our ongoing coverage of the fentanyl crisis and its impact on southern Minnesota.

The NEW FreepCast, Episode 16 — Bier on Belgrade CANCELED! Also, Wacipi, mental health, & too many deer!

The NEW FreepCast, Episode 15 — Music Man Dale Haefner

Each semester at Minnesota State University, there are a handful of on- and off-campus concerts by world-class musicians. The man behind it all is Dale Haefner, who is currently in his 28th year of helming the MSU Performance Series.
In this episode, Dale — who also happens to be a member of a little band called City Mouse — talks about the genesis of the series, the strategies behind getting bands to come to MSU, and the lineup for the fall semester.

The NEW FreepCast, Episode 14 — Newly retired Mankato police chief AMY VOKAL!!!

From undercover drug task force agent to the top job in the Mankato Department of Public Safety, Amy Vokal has seen just about everything in a career that spanned more than 30 years. On this episode she talks about her retirement, changes in the department, navigating the evolving face of Mankato, and how the job of being a police officer has changed.

The NEW FreepCast, Episode 13 — Mankato Community Collage creator JOSH MADSON!!!

In this episode Robb Murray sits down with the myth, the man, the legend — Josh Madson!
Josh is the brains and creative genius behind the now-famous Mankato Community Collage. Josh talks about the project, the unique journey that landed him in Mankato and what's next for his viral, joy-inspiring creation.