Meet Southeast Minnesota’s Most Talked About Local Influencers
One might assume that famous actors, athletes, politicians, or musicians are the biggest influencers in Southeast Minnesota. Not so. In Rochester, Owatonna, Faribault, Preston, Austin, and all points in-between it is the talented personalities that grace the radio airwaves, dominate social media, and regularly attend or host community events. They are heard, seen, and followed by thousands daily. In fact, no organization has more of these community advocates and influencers and reaches more people in Southeast Minnesota than Townsquare Media.
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In an ever-changing media landscape, the personalities of Townsquare Media continue to devote their time and resources to the Southeast Minnesota communities we serve, specializing in the creation and distribution of original, motivating, inspirational, and entertaining experiences that connect us all.
They are heard, seen, and followed by thousands daily. In fact, no organization has more of these community advocates and influencers and reaches more people in Southeast Minnesota than Townsquare Media.
We create on average 30 pieces of new content daily centered around the Southeast Minnesota region covering everything from the latest local news and weather, human interest stories, local events, business openings/closings, opinion pieces, and unparalleled local sports coverage. The content we create is shared for free on our radio stations, our websites, our free mobile apps, in daily email newsletters, and on social media. Our 13 brands reach more than 133,800 local radio listeners each week, an average of 346,910 monthly local visitors to our station websites, and 72,624 social followers all across the region.
We aim to be more than Southeast Minnesota's favorite source for music, news, and entertainment. Townsquare Cares and our team is also dedicated to being an integral part of local fundraisers, community service, and engagement. We want to make a difference -- and have a little fun.
Here’s an introduction to the personalities behind the microphones and the content you see on our websites:
Andy Brownell
Andy is a member of the KROC news team and the host of Rochester Today on News-Talk 1340 KROC AM & 96.9 FM. He was born and raised in Rochester, in fact, his great-grandparents were among the original settlers of the area in the 1880s. Andy has always been interested in broadcasting and enrolled in the Austin Technical College Radio and TV program, where he discovered his love for radio. Andy is a news junkie and started as an intern at KROC-AM under the supervision of legendary news broadcaster Bob Ryan in 1982. One of his most memorable moments was covering former President Ronald Reagan’s brain surgery at Mayo Clinic. He remembers getting a kick out of some of the sophomoric behaviors of the national TV reporters and the people managing public relations for the Reagan family. Andy takes his responsibility to keep the community informed seriously, writing about a variety of local and regional topics on a daily basis, as well as highlighting many of the numerous local nonprofit organizations and the good work they do in our community. He’s a critical thinker and enjoys covering the local and state government stories the most as they have a major impact on our daily lives. When Andy’s not wearing his objective journalist hat, he enjoys hanging out with his family, friends, and neighbors around the neighborhood. He also especially enjoys the Thirsty Belgian. His favorite part about Minnesota is the summers, he tolerates winter so he can enjoy mid-May through September. If given the opportunity to invite three celebrities over for dinner, he says he can’t think of a single one. You can listen to Andy on Rochester Today weekdays from 11 AM to noon on News-Talk 1340 KROC AM & 96.9 FM.
Carly Ross
Carly Ross is the Brand Manager for Kat Kountry 105, late-morning host on 106.9 KROC, and afternoon host on Power 96 and KDHL The Mighty 920. She was born and raised in Eagan, MN and is thrilled to have been able to get a job she loves without having to move very far. Carly started out working toward a degree in TV broadcasting but quickly fell in love with radio after a friend talked her into doing a college radio show and she found out it was way more fun than she thought it would be. She landed an internship at a radio station in the Twin Cities before coming to work here at Townsquare Media. Carly is a very upbeat person and works hard to entertain her audience, and she loves meeting and talking to listeners at local events. She is passionate about the environment and jumps at opportunities to talk and write about things we can do to help the planet. Carly also enjoys sharing interesting stories about Minnesota, especially if it’s about a haunted place. When it comes to local causes and nonprofit organizations, if it has to do with helping animals or the environment, she’s in. Carly’s favorite thing about Minnesota is the outdoors -- hiking, camping, boating -- and she says the nature we’re able to experience is like nowhere else. There’s also a good chance you’ll run into Carly at a Caribou coffee shop or at a local brewery soaking in the atmosphere and trying new beers. Spending time with friends and family is important to Carly, but she’s also content to stay home and hang out with her cat, Moscato. If she were to invite three celebrities over for dinner, they would be Sarah Hyland, Tom Hanks, and Twenty One Pilots (we can count them as one person, right?) You can listen to Carly weekdays from 9 AM to noon on 106.9 KROC, 1 PM to 5 PM on KDHL The Mighty 920, and 3 PM to 7 PM on Power 96.
Curt St John
Curt St John is the morning host on Quick Country 96.5 and afternoon host on 103.9 The Doc. He was born in Wausau, Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Curt worked in radio in Eau Claire for nearly 20 years before meeting his wife and moving to Rochester 8 years ago. He wanted to be on the radio since he was a little kid and finally got his “big break” landing a job as the mascot in parades and appearances for the station in his hometown. The station was a Chicago Cubs affiliate and the mascot was a really big bear suit that he wore to almost every parade in central Wisconsin that summer. Curt has since earned his place as the host of one of the most listened-to morning shows in southeast Minnesota. He has had many cool moments throughout his career, but his most memorable is getting the opportunity to interview Garth Brooks. Answering the phone and hearing, “Hey Curt, it’s Garth…” was something he will never forget. Curt loves to write about the off-the-beaten-path things that make Minnesota unique and really enjoys all the quirks of living here in the land of 10,000 lakes. He’s a BIG animal lover and supporting the various animal rescues in the area is important to him. Curt and his wife volunteer at Paws and Claws Humane Society and have adopted all of their animals (three cats and a dog) from there, as well as Camp Companion. Curt’s favorite thing about Minnesota is the North Shore from Duluth to Grand Marais. He also loves trying all of Minnesota’s excellent craft beers, so you’ll no doubt find him enjoying an IPA at Little Thistle Brewery, LTS Brewing, Grand Rounds Brew Pub, Thesis, Beer Project, or Kinney Creek. The three celebrities Curt would invite over for dinner are David Letterman, Tina Fey, and Jennifer Aniston. You can listen to Curt every weekday morning from 6 AM to 10 AM on Quick Country 96.5
Gordy Kosfeld
Gordy Kosfeld is the News and Sports Director for KDHL AM The Mighty 920. He was born in the Turkey capital of the world, Worthington, MN and grew up in Spring Valley, MN. Gordy graduated from Brown Institute in Minneapolis in 1980 and worked in Desoto, MO; Ottumwa, IA; North Platte, NE; Des Moines, IA; and Rochester, MN; and started at KDHL in 1987. Gordy is a well-known local sports commentator and an award-winning journalist. In 1985 and 1986 he was awarded the best small market newscast and best documentary by the Associated Press. The Documentary was on the 10th anniversary of the exit from Vietnam selected best documentary regardless of market size. In Faribault, News Network awards include: 2001, MN Emergency Management Directors Outstanding Media Award. 2009 and 2011, the Region One athletic director's award. October 2014, Angelo Giuliani Award from MN High School Baseball Coaches Assn. 2013 President's Call To Service Award from Barack Obama. 2014, Book of Golden Deeds Award Faribault Exchange Club. 2017 Faribault Daily News Lifetime Achievement Award. Gordy has interviewed many great people over the years, including former President Jimmy Carter and Vice President Walter Mondale. He co-chaired the Rice County Relay For Life for over a decade and still emcees the event each August. His favorite thing about Minnesota is the big hearts of the people. He enjoys writing poetry, riding his bike, playing tennis, horseback riding, and exploring state parks. Some of his favorite places to visit are River Bend Nature Center and Big Woods State Park. If he could invite three celebrities over for dinner, he would choose Abe Lincoln, Billy Graham, and Martin Luther King Jr. You can listen to Gordy weekdays mornings on The Mighty 920 KDHL AM from 7 AM to 9 AM, on AM Minnesota from 9:30 AM to 10 AM, during the midday report from Noon to 1 PM, and during the news hours at 5 PM, and 6 PM. Gordy is also the voice of Carleton Knights football on Power 96 and Basketball on KDHL.
James Rabe
James Rabe is the host of the Early Morning Show on Y-105FM, the early afternoon host on 103.9 The Doc, the late afternoon/evenings host on Fun 104.3, and co-host of Rochester Today on News-Talk 1340 KROC AM & 96.9 FM. James was born in Detroit, MI and grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. He landed in Rochester in 1987 when his sister said, “Hey, c’mon, move out here with my son and me.” James got into radio because of his brother. He worked at the station down the hill and loved it. He came home with girls’ phone numbers. James’ brother also worked at the Big Boy Restaurant and came home smelling bad. The choice was obvious for James. He’s spent time broadcasting in Petoskey, MI; Rochester, MN; Fargo, ND; Twin Falls, ID; and finally back home here in Rochester. James has had so many memorable moments in radio over the years, but one of his favorites is wearing a giant onesie all morning to raise a record number of diapers for Rochester’s Crisis Nursery. James is fun, upbeat, loves puns and writing breakfast reviews. More importantly, he loves writing stories to amplify local nonprofits. Getting to meet the interesting, funny, and courageous people involved with our local nonprofits is a highlight for James. NAMI Southeastern Minnesota is a local cause near and dear to James as they do a tremendous amount of good with programs to help people dealing with mental issues. The suicide prevention programs he’s taught students really help him see the world beyond himself. The Gift of Life Transplant House is also very important to James. In December of 2012, James had a kidney transplant. His sister, the one who told him to move here, was his donor. There are no words, so all he can do is amplify their message the best he can. His favorite thing about Minnesota is the winter. He love, love, loves winter. The cold, the crisp, the way the trees look the way the lakes look. He just loves it. When he’s not working, hanging out with friends is what makes James happiest. Some of his favorite places to hang out include Salut Bar, Grand Rounds, Grandmas Kitchen, Pescara, Newt’s Downtown, and Frank-n-Stein Restaurant in Byron. If James could invite three celebrities to dinner he would choose Tony Bennett, George and Amal Clooney, and Caitlin Alexander (KTTC) her husband and adorable baby. You can listen to James every weekday from 6 AM to 10 AM on Y-105FM, from 10 AM to 2 PM on 103.9 The Doc, and 3 PM to 7 PM on Fun 104.3.
Jarred Becker
Jarred Becker is the morning host and local sports broadcaster on AM 1390 KRFO in Owatonna. He was born in Ponoma, CA, grew up in Chino, CA, and found his way to Minnesota after meeting his now fiancé while attending Waldorf University in Iowa. Jarred found his love for radio and sports broadcasting listening to the late radio broadcaster for the Los Angeles Angels, Rory Markas, growing up. As a big hockey fan, Jarred’s favorite thing about Minnesota is the level of support the sport gets from youth all the way to the pros. He loves sharing information about fun things to do around SE Minnesota with listeners on-air and online. Jarred is a sucker for animals and enjoys volunteering at the local rescues whenever he can. You can almost always find him at Seth’s Down Under in Stewartville on Wednesday nights for burger night. The rest of his free time is usually spent at home with his fiancé and their two cats. If he could invite three celebrities to dinner at his house it would be Ryan Reynolds, Kelsea Ballerini, and Teemu Selanne. You can listen to Jarred on AM 1390 KRFO every weekday morning from 6 AM-10 AM.
JB Wilde
JB Wilde is the Operations Manager for the Townsquare Media stations in Rochester and Preston. He was born in Long Island, NY where he dreamed of hosting his own late-night talk show. While he didn’t end up becoming the next David Letterman, his dream has led him throughout the United States and finally to Minnesota. JB got his start in radio in college where he was given the mic to play the “Soft Sounds” on 90.3 WHPC. Since then, he’s been lucky enough to grace the microphone in NY, PA, CT, NC, GA, OH, DC, WY, and MN. Some of his favorite moments of his career are from his younger “Wilde at Night” years when he had a slew of contests where listeners did crazy stuff. JB loves sharing insights about leadership and has a passion for helping people grow and become the best at what they do. He has a keen eye for the future and is a goal-oriented achiever. The cause most important to JB is the American Cancer Society. His father and father-in-law both passed away due to cancer and it’s important to him that we eliminate this awful disease. Since moving to Minnesota, the people have easily become his favorite part of the North Star State. They’re kind, helpful, and have made him and his family feel at home. JB’s family is so important to him and he lives to see his wife and two sons smile. His favorite places to hangout include the subway and skyway as he loves the hustle and flow of a bustling city center. Choosing three celebrities to invite over for dinner, JB would go with the fascinating ones. Kanye West, David Letterman, and Sara Silverman.
Jerry Groskreutz
Jerry Groskreutz is the Farm Director for KDHL AM The Mighty 920. He was born and raised in Wells, MN and grew up on a crop and dairy farm. After graduating from Wells Easton High School, Jerry earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education from the University of Minnesota. After graduation, he returned to the family farm consisting of 600 acres of corn, soybeans, alfalfa, sweet corn, peas, and 100 dairy cows. In the fall of 1995, after 18 years, he traded the milking parlor for a radio microphone. He still gets up at 3:15 AM every day. In addition to farm broadcasting, covering the farm news, weather, markets, meetings, county fairs, FFA conventions and so on, Jerry continues to farm his land in Southern Minnesota. He has a passion for agriculture and enjoys writing and talking about the technology used in farming and how much food we can produce while protecting the environment. He is involved with the Faribault Chamber of Commerce on the Agra-Business Committee and the “Adopt a Third Grade” program. Jerry and another farmer, Brent Fuchs, visit all the third-grade classes in Faribault. They bring items from the grocery store that the kids recognize that all have some form of corn or soybeans in them. They show pictures and teach the kids how corn and soybeans are planted, harvested, dried, and hauled to processing plants that turn them into what they know in the grocery store. Jerry’s favorite thing about Minnesota is the rich, productive soil and the changing seasons. When he’s not on the mic, Jerry loves being out on the farm, taking care of crops and mowing the lawn. He doesn’t have much time for hobbies, other than watching Minnesota Gophers football and basketball, although, most often he is listening to the games on the radio while working on the farm. Jerry can’t think of any celebrities he would invite to dinner – they would have nothing in common! You can listen to Jerry weekday mornings from 5 AM to 9 AM on KDHL AM The Mighty 920, and during AM Minnesota from 9:30 AM to 10 AM.
Jessica Williams
Jessica Williams is a co-host of the Early Morning Show with James Rabe on Y-105FM and also does a solo weekend show that is nationally syndicated across many other Townsquare Media radio stations. She is also the afternoon host on 103.1 KFIL. Jessica was born in Des Moines, IA and grew up in Fort Dodge, IA. After she graduated with her BS in Marketing from Iowa State University, she lived and worked in the Twin Cities for a year. She was engaged to her now-husband who was working at IBM in Rochester, and when they got married, she decided to pursue a career in Rochester. Jessica has a passion for helping nonprofits and is the former Marketing Coordinator for Rochester Area Family YMCA. Prior to joining Townsquare Media in 2017, she freelanced for several years for various marketing companies creating graphics for billboards, print marketing, and social media marketing strategies and graphics. She has run an in-home daycare, and also worked as a realtor. Jessica loves using her voice in some way to help those that are having a hard time using theirs. Her favorite things to write about are women or kids in our area doing great things, as well as people or organizations making a difference somehow. Jessica is an advocate for many local nonprofit organizations including Ronald McDonald House, United Way of Olmsted County, Channel One, Feed My Starving Children, The Landing, new Warming Shelter in Rochester, Dorothy Day House, Salvation Army, Women’s Shelter, SEMCIL, Pacer, and any other organization that helps kids/families dealing with cancer or mental health/anxiety. Jessica is authentic in everything she does, and as a result, connects well with people. Her favorite things about Minnesota are the Twins and being near the water and visiting the many amazing small towns. Jessica loves boxing, lifting weights, cycling, going to concerts, and eating at Chesters. Jessica is happiest when she’s helping others -- usually with social media marketing campaigns or as an emcee at a charity event. If she could invite three celebrities to her house for dinner, she would choose Chip Gains, Rachel Hollis, and Brene Brown. You can listen to Jessica weekday mornings from 6 AM to 9 AM and weekends from 3 PM to 7 PM on Y-105FM, and weekdays noon to 6 PM on 103.1 KFIL.
Kim David
Kim David “KD” is the News Director for News-Talk 1340 KROC AM & 96.9 FM. He was born and raised in Rochester and grew up listening to KROC. Kim first became interested in radio when he saw Clint Eastwood play a radio show host in “Play Misty For Me.” His interest grew when he started a radio station on the ship he was in while in the Navy. While attending radio school in Minneapolis, Kim was contacted about an opening at KROC and he jumped at the opportunity to work for the station he listened to growing up. Kim started at KROC in 1977 the day Elvis died. Since then, Kim has had many memorable moments in radio, one of his favorites is the US Olympic hockey team win over Russia in 1980. KROC was one of only a few stations in the country that carried the game live and listeners flooded our phone lines for hours after the big “Miracle On Ice” win. Kim is an award-winning journalist and the most experienced newscaster and news reporter in Rochester. He is up every day before the sun rises getting ready for his weekday morning drive news updates. Kim works hard to deliver the latest local and state news, breaking stories, sports, and weather updates and takes pride in keeping the community informed on-air and online. If It’s happening in Rochester, Kim knows about it first! Supporting local causes and charities like Channel One, Salvation Army, and the Boys and Girls Club is also important to Kim. He is also active in his church, the Co-Cathedral of St John the Evangelist. His favorite thing about Minnesota is the constant change in weather and the unique mix of rural and urban communities. When he’s not reporting the news, KD enjoys cooking, baking, and trying new restaurants and craft beers. If he could invite three celebrities over for dinner, Kim would choose John Fogerty, Norah Jones, and The Pope.
Luke Lonien
Luke is the Brand Manager and morning host for 103.1 KFIL and also the play-by-play announcer for local sports broadcasts. Luke grew up in Stewartville and spent two years at RCTC before leaving the area to finish his education at Minnesota State University, Mankato. He then came back to Stewartville after college and has been there ever since. Luke had a passion for play-by-play at a young age and would even announce his own video games as a kid, which drove his parents nuts. After college, he landed an internship with the Rochester Honkers, made a few connections and started working at Townsquare Media in 2016. Luke's favorite part of his job is covering state tournaments. He has called numerous state football, state basketball, and state baseball games and says seeing the student-athletes get a chance to compete on one of the highest levels in the state is always thrilling. Luke carries his sports expertise over to our websites, recapping games and sharing his views on different topics surrounding all things sports. He also works hard to keep the community informed of breaking news and what it means for our communities. Luke’s unparalleled work ethic is evident in everything he does. He is passionate about supporting local first responders and loves helping people and meeting new people. Luke also enjoys bowling, playing softball, snowmobiling and being outside. He loves the unique offerings of all four seasons but is certain there is nothing better than a Minnesota summer. Spending time with family and friends is important to Luke, especially his wife and their dog Minnie. If he were to invite three celebrities to dinner, he would choose Gordon Ramsey (to cook), Joe Mauer (his favorite Twins player), and Al Michaels (one of the greatest broadcasters of all time). You can listen to Luke weekday mornings from 6 AM to noon on 103.1 KFIL.
Melissa Hall
Melissa Hall is the late morning host on AM 1390 KRFO and also the host of Talk of the Town. She was born and raised in Albert Lea, MN. After a brief stint in central Iowa, she came back to Minnesota and ended up in Owatonna and has been living there for about 22 years now. Melissa has been in radio for about 6 years now and so many memorable moments throughout the years. She loves meeting people and knowing that some of the stories she writes about and shares on-air can make such an impact. She enjoys writing local human-interest pieces and sharing funny, off-the-wall stories. Melissa is great with people and can talk to anyone about anything. There are so many local causes and charities that are important to Melissa because they are important to the community, but the one that she is most involved with is the Special Olympics and anything that has to do with raising money for this great cause, such as the Polar Plunge. When she’s not working, Melissa enjoys a good book with a good cup of coffee, spending time at local parks, the water park, and enjoying a beverage at the local watering holes. Her favorite thing about Minnesota is the fall. The changing leaves, air cooling down after a hot and humid summer, bonfires, and the smell of frost in the air. The celebrities Melissa would invite over for dinner would be the guys from Metallica and Patrick Stewart. You can listen to Melissa weekdays from 10 AM to Noon with Talk of the Town at 9:40 AM on AM 1390 KRFO.
Paisley Dunn
Paisley Dunn is the afternoon host on Quick Country 96.5 and the morning host on Kat Kountry 105. She was born in a suburb of Denver and grew up in Thornton, CO. Paisley started her broadcast career in TV with the hopes of becoming a big-time sports reporter. She found out really fast that being serious all the time isn’t her thing, and a friend recommended she try radio. She landed her first radio job in Burlington, Iowa after sending in her TV audition tape, and then moved to Rochester the summer of 2019 to work here at Townsquare Media. Paisley has already had so many amazing moments in a relatively new radio career, but her favorite has to be meeting Trace Adkins and introducing him on stage before his show in Rochester. Paisley has a BIG personality and has the incredible ability to light up a room when she enters. She loves to write about the great outdoors, new adventures to go on, animals, farming, country music, and the country lifestyle. She brings a young, and a fresh, new perspective and her happy positive attitude is contagious. She never fails to make people smile. Paisley is passionate about animals and kids and is all-in when it comes to volunteering with organizations that help either one, especially kids playing sports. She enjoys mentoring local kids and finds it to be incredibly rewarding. Paisley’s favorite thing about Minnesota is that there is always something to do, whether it be concerts, outdoor activities, or local festivals, there’s never a dull moment. She loves cows, going to the gym, hiking, shooting her bow at Coyote Creek, playing soccer, going on adventures, seeing new things, and coffee… Paisley absolutely LOVES her coffee. If she could choose three celebrities to invite over for dinner Paisley says, “ONLY THREE! I can’t choose! BUT… if you made me just pick three, I would say, Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, and Sandra Bullock. If one of them couldn’t make it… my alternates would be JJ Watt, Toby Keith, Garth Brooks, Tuff Couper, Carrie Underwood or Erin Andrews. I’d have Luke Bryan because he seems like a lot of fun and we could talk redneck stuff. Miranda Lambert because I adore her and her and I seem to be very similar. Finally, Sandra Bullock because if there was ever a movie made about my life I feel like she would play me. Every movie she has played in, I’ve felt like she was talking about my life!” You can listen to Paisley weekdays from 6 AM to 10 AM on Kat Kountry 105 and 3 PM to 7 PM on Quick Country 96.5.
Paul Shea
Paul Shea is the Operations Manager for Townsquare Media stations in Faribault and Owatonna and the host of the Power 96 Morning Show. He was born in Edina and grew up in New Brighton. Paul’s interest in broadcasting came at an early age when he took a summer school course on radio broadcasting at the age of 9. He would interview vendors at the farmers market in St. Paul that would then be aired on MPR in the Twin Cities. He went on to study at Brown College and graduated in 2012 with a degree in radio broadcasting. From college, he began his radio career in Albert Lea and then joined the Townsquare Media team in 2018. One of Paul’s most favorite moments of his career so far is spending time with a young man who came to the radio station to see what it was all about. Paul spent about an hour with him showing him how the board works, how commercials are put together, and even let the young man join him on air. The boy left that day with the biggest grin on his face. Along with covering local news, events, and other happenings around town, Paul enjoys writing about animals and beer. Paul and his wife are proud sponsors of the Freeborn County Humane Society and volunteer at the shelter cleaning litter boxes, walking dogs, and anything else they might need help with. After work, you can generally find him with a beer in his hand and music in the background, whether it be at a bar, festival, or the golf course. He also loves working on projects around his house and farm and spending time with his wife and animals. His favorite thing about Minnesota is the four very different seasons. Three celebrities Paul would invite to dinner are Andy Cecere (US Bank CEO), Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Shania Twain. You can listen to Paul weekday mornings from 6 AM to 10 AM on Power 96.
Roy Koenig
Roy is the Sports Director and afternoon announcer on AM 1390 KRFO. He was born in Connecticut and grew up in Hibbing, MN. After high school, Roy attended Brown Institute, worked in South Dakota from 1989 to 1991 and then began working at KRFO in Owatonna where he has been ever since. Roy’s passion is doing play-by-play broadcasts for local sports and has a unique ability to paint a picture of a game. His favorite moments of his career include calling state championship games, interviewing Garth Brooks and Kirby Puckett, and most recently landing on Sports Center with a call of a St. Olaf basketball game. Roy enjoys writing about sports, family, and running. When he’s not working with the Special Olympics, Young Life, and Youth 1st, you can find Roy at the hockey rink, the high school gym, running with his daughter, or at Plaza Morena for a good meal. If he could invite three celebrities to dinner at his house, he would choose Luke Bryan, Tom Hanks, and PJ Fleck. You can listen to Roy every weekday from 3 PM to 5 PM on AM 1390 KRFO.
Samm Adams
Samm Adams is the co-host of Dunken and Samm in the Morning on 106.9 KROC. She was born and raised here in southeast Minnesota. When she was in 10th grade, her English teacher pulled her aside and said, “When you talk, people listen. You do really well in front of people, you should consider broadcasting.” So, after high school, she went to school for broadcasting and that’s when she got bit by the radio bug. She dabbled in TV, but it didn’t light her fire as radio does. Samm loves the spontaneity of radio and enjoys being a huge part of charity events and meeting people in our community. She’s helped animals get adopted from Paws and Claws Humane Society by sharing their story, and supporting cancer-fighting events is very important to her. Samm showcases her big personality and sense of humor in everything she does. She loves to laugh and finds humor in everything. She loves writing about positive things happening around the community and local lifestyle pieces in general, and if she learns something she thinks will help others, she’ll write about it. Samm’s favorite part of Minnesota is the people, especially when it comes to local businesses and the level of customer service you don’t get anywhere else – “maybe it’s that whole Minnesota nice thing,” she says. If she’s not enjoying a beverage or a quality meal at Little Thistle, Twigs, Forager, or Whistlebinkies, she’s out playing volleyball, softball, working out, hanging with family, or meeting a new adoptable animal at Paws and Claws. If Samm were to invite three celebrities to dinner, she would choose Ellen, Betty White, and Michelle Obama. You can listen to Samm every weekday from 6 AM to 9 AM on 106.9 KROC.
Troy Dunken
A girl once told Troy Dunken he was funny and had a nice voice and encouraged him to intern at the local radio station. They hired him after three months, and the rest is history. Troy is now the Assistant Operations Manager for Townsquare Media Rochester and also the Brand Manager for 106.9 KROC and Y105FM. Dunken & Samm can be heard weekday mornings on 106.9 KROC. He grew up in Nebraska #GBR, and radio is what brought him to Rochester. One of the most memorable moments of his career so far is getting issued a press pass by the White House to watch the President speak at Target Center. As a father of young children, hanging out with his family is what makes him happiest. Troy is always on the go finding new family-friendly activities and loves to write about them and share with the community so other families can experience the fun events and attractions, too. Troy has a very creative mind and loves coming up with fun ways to engage with the community whether it be on-air, online, or at a local event. When it comes to supporting local causes and charities, Channel One is at the top of his list. He says he can’t stand the thought of young children going to bed hungry and loves the work Channel One does for families in need. Troy’s favorite thing about Minnesota is being in a canoe on the water in the summer. He loves being outdoors and Douglas Trail and Chester Woods are his go-to places. You might also find Troy enjoying the libations at Whistle Binkies and The Tap House. The three celebrities he would invite to dinner are Mick Jagger, Taylor Swift, and Bill Burr. You can listen to Troy every weekday morning from 6 AM to 9 AM on 106.9 KROC
Aaron Galloway
Aaron Galloway is the Digital Managing Editor for all of our Townsquare Media stations in SE Minnesota. He was born in Utah, moved to Texas in Junior high, and graduated from high school in Wuerzburg, Germany. From Germany, Aaron returned to Texas where he studied Marketing at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls. Radio had a big influence on Aaron's life growing up, and he jumped at the opportunity to work in the industry shortly after graduating from college. Aaron joined the Townsquare Media team in 2008 in Wichita Falls, TX as an Account Executive and two years later became the Digital Managing Editor where he worked until joining the team here in SE Minnesota at the beginning of 2019. Aaron works behind the scenes with all things digital, managing websites, mobile apps, social media, as well as working directly with our local personalities to implement a holistic locally-focused content strategy that works across all of our platforms. Aaron is a dog lover and particularly fond of Great Danes. He has rescued/adopted five Danes over the past 14 years and is a passionate supporter of organizations that help animals. He also has a soft spot in his heart for children and has served as a member of the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Aaron's favorite thing about Minnesota is the four distinct seasons, and he loves finding new ways to experience each of them with his wife, daughter, and dogs. If he could invite three celebrities to dinner, Aaron would choose Steve Young, Jack Black, and Julia Roberts...
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