FreepCast

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.

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.

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.

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 i...

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 band...

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.

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.

In the latest episode of FreepCast Free Press Managing Editor Joe Spear and reporters Brian Arola and Robb Murray discuss the heinous crime and severe sentencing in a recent domestic and sexual assault case. The case, which Arola covered for The Free Press, concluded with a prison sentence of 48 years — longer than any recent case with similar charges. Also discussed in this episode were the fate...

In this episode of FreepCast, Managing Editor Joe Spear and reporters Holly Marie Moore and Robb Murray discuss the continuing saga of Mankato's favorite son, Tim Walz. Also discussed: recently published and upcoming election coverage.

On this episode of FreepCast we talk about the only thing anyone's talking about this week: the ascension of our humble coach, teacher, National Guardsman, congressman, governor and now vice presidential candidate: the affable Tim Walz. We also get the inside scoop from photographer Casey Ek on what it's like to photograph a dramatic court hearing.

On this episode we talk about what everyone seems to be talking about: the possibility of Tim Walz being tapped as a vice presidential candidate. We also talk about Bernie Sanders' upcoming visit to Mankato Friday as well as the upcoming sentencing for a vehicular manslaughter case in Mankato.

The latest episode of FreepCast, featuring Free Press Managing Editor Joe Spear, photographer Casey Ed and writer Robb Murray, is now available. This episode discusses the latest news including the homicide in North Mankato, the relocation of the Dam Store to the former Wagon Wheel Restaurant site, North Mankato Fun Days and more.

In the latest episode of The Free Press' podcast, "FreepCast," summer intern Callie Hadler talks about being the new kid covering the biggest story to hit the region in years. Hadler, a journalism student from the University of Minnesota, had only been part of the newsroom for a few weeks when she was told to help cover a story that wound up on the national news: the floods and the crisis at the R...

The latest episode of FreepCast features Managing Editor Joe Spear and reporter Brian Arola discussing the growing crisis of fentanyl use. Fentanyl-related deaths have grown steadily the last few years, and Arola has been the reporter called upon most to cover that story. In this episode, Spear and Arola discuss recent cases that have involved fentanyl use or sale, as well what's being done in the...

Free Press Managing Editor Joe Spear and writer Robb Murray discuss yet another week of covering the wettest summer in years. Also covered: What's coming up for Mankato Magazine, which is now in its 20th year.

Free Press newsroom employees Tim Krohn, Brian Arola, Casey Ek and Robb Murray talk about covering the biggest story this community has seen in a while: The potential failure of the Rapidan Dam.

In this week's episode, Joe and Robb discuss some of the most interesting news of the week including racist messages left on a Mankato resident's car, the soon-to-be-open Tourtelotte Park pool and the retirement of local radio guy Mike Sullivan.

In this episode of FreepCast, Joe and Robb sit down with photographer Casey Ek to discuss the strategies and challenges of getting great photos from sporting events, specifically the latest softball heroics from a handful of local girls high school teams.

In this new iteration of the wildly popular (OK, somewhat popular) podcast from The Free Press of Mankato, Manager Editor Joe Spear and Features Editor Robb Murray introduce the podcast's new direction, and talk about some of the bigger news of the week in Mankato and the nationally.

The skateboard scene in Mankato goes back decades, but in no time was it more interesting — or fraught — than in the late 80s when the city enacted its skateboard ordinance. We sat down with three lifelong skateboarders to get their take on that, as well as skate culture in general, run-ins with police, and more.

Twenty years ago, Tim Tupy and his wife Tammy took a chance and started a business in Mankato called Liv Salon and Spa. A few years later, they started another: Mankato Brewery. On this episode of FreepCast, Tim talks about both businesses, the craft brewery trend, running a business during a pandemic and the perils of seeing Cougars during early morning runs.

Dana Sikkila is the director of the 410 Project , a grassroots, volunteer-run art gallery and creative space. Her name has been in the news in southern Minnesota for about a decade, mostly about shows coming up at the 410, or updates on her Project Bike trips to bike across the state gathering artworks. But on today's FreepCast, we go a little deeper with Dana to find out what motivates her.

On March 1, The Free Published a major reporting project anchored by the brilliant photography of Jackson Forderer. The project followed the painful and tortured life of Kris Bonander, including the death of his partner, Scott Radtke. In this episode of FreepCast, we talk about the story behind the story, and how Jackson was able to get the kind of access he needed to create such wonderful photos.

Like everything else, FreepCast is having to deal with this stupid virus. We'll be back when everything's hunky dory again, K?