Kelsey Barchenger
Morning Anchor | Kato Living Co-Host
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Kelsey Barchenger started at KEYC on December 31, 2014. She grew up in Elysian, MN, and graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College. Kesley earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies with a minor in English. She did her internships at KEYC, WCCO-TV in Minneapolis, and Radio Mankato. She began her career out of college at Waseca County News, where she worked as a Newspaper Reporter. In October of 2016, she was promoted to the Morning and Midday anchor for KEYC.
• Kelsey loves being able to build relationships with people all over southern Minnesota. The most rewarding part of her job is being able to see those same people at the mall or a coffee shop and talk with them.
• She hates the cold and would move to Hawaii in a flash if she didn’t love what she does every single day!
• What's your favorite part of your job?
I love having something different to do every single day.
• What's your dream story?
I’d love to do a story similar to the one the reporter did on Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, where I’m reporting on delicious food falling from the sky.
• What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I wanted to be a doctor. That changed when one of my classmates fainted at the doctor’s office.
• What got you interested in the news?
When I was younger, I’d prop my dad’s camera up on our kitchen counter and create my own game shows. My mom was always the lucky contestant and she always went home a winner. I just loved the concept of taking my own ideas and making them into something bigger for everyone to see.
• Have you ever been told that you look like someone famous?
I’ve been called Miranda Lambert a time or two… maybe it’s just the blonde hair?
• If you could spend a week anywhere, where would you go?
I would be gone to Hawaii in a flash. I love the warm weather, beaches, and AMAZING Hula Pie!
• What's your favorite food?
I am in love with every single flavor of ice cream or frozen yogurt.
• What's your favorite sport to watch?
I love watching football! I bet on the Vikes winning the Super Bowl every single year… I lose money every single year.
Education
Updated: 13 hours ago
|By Lisa Cownie and Kelsey Barchenger
Chris Hawkey and Rocket Club play their hearts out inside the Kato Living Studio!
Updated: 14 hours ago
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
Kelsey and Lisa enjoy a good yoga workout, from time to time -- and they found a way to make its impact even greater.
Updated: 14 hours ago
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
Kelsey and Lisa visited Costa’s Candies in downtown Owatonna for a behind the scenes look at how they make their creations that have been making southern Minnesota happy for more than 100 years.
Updated: Mar. 20, 2023 at 4:44 PM CDT
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
Heather Von Bank of MSU Mankato visited the Lisa and guest-host, KEYC News Now’s Meteorologist Caitlyn Lorr to talk about parenting, new technology, and how to keep up with the times!
Updated: Mar. 20, 2023 at 4:41 PM CDT
|By Lisa Cownie and Kelsey Barchenger
Recently Lisa and Kelsey had a chance to meet up with Chef Tracy in the Cherry Creek Kitchen for an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that will help the family bounce into spring!
Updated: Mar. 15, 2023 at 6:33 PM CDT
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
As National Caffeine Awareness Month continues, Kelsey and Lisa look look at the science behind everyone’s favorite buzz. Kato Living had Jen Donkin, a dietitian with River’s Edge Hospital in St. Peter.
Updated: Mar. 15, 2023 at 6:31 PM CDT
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
Alternative Roots Farm stopped by the Kato Living studio show off their own beauty: tall grass cider.
Updated: Mar. 15, 2023 at 6:28 PM CDT
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
Kelsey and Lisa are betting audiences won’t believe their eyes when they get to see what’s in store for them! Hint: Miss Mankato and Miss North Mankato are in the studio!
Updated: Mar. 14, 2023 at 4:29 PM CDT
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
Danielle Deopere of New Ulm’s More Than Music, which provides mindful meditation through the use of music, visited the Kato Living studio.
Updated: Mar. 14, 2023 at 4:25 PM CDT
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
The dynamic duo of Kato Living stopped by Tune Town to see how Carl's shop, on 630 North Riverfront Dr., in Mankato. was doing.
Updated: Mar. 14, 2023 at 4:24 PM CDT
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
Today’s Tuesday Tunes segment features some big-time dance music from Mankato’s own Kris and the River Dutchmen, a spectacular old time dance band! For those polka fans, out there...stay put!
Updated: Mar. 14, 2023 at 4:23 PM CDT
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
Today is Pi Day! Now, most people know that Pi refers to its mathematical meaning. However, Kelsey and Lisa had other ideas in which to to celebrate; and what better way to spend it than with a pizza pie, at Jake’s Stadium Pizza!
Updated: Mar. 13, 2023 at 4:48 PM CDT
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
Author and Gustavus Adolphus College alumni Kristin Johnson wrote a book called “Fearless," about the Mar. 29, 1998, EF-3 tornado that devastated the St. Peter community.
Updated: Mar. 13, 2023 at 4:43 PM CDT
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
Heather von Bank, Professor and Department Chair of Family Consumer Science at MSU-Mankato is helping us kick off a new weekly segment on Kato Living.
Updated: Mar. 13, 2023 at 4:40 PM CDT
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
Sewing is a great way to enjoy oneself and create some cool, fun stuff. The ladies of Kato Living will be discussing Stitch Witchery.
Updated: Mar. 13, 2023 at 4:37 PM CDT
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is estimated to affect up to five percent of the adult population. It can be painful and debilitating. It is also treatable. Kelsey and Lisa find out more from Ethan Germscheid, owner of TOV Chiropractic.
Updated: Mar. 10, 2023 at 4:39 PM CST
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
Some upcoming classes at the Hilltop Hy-Vee will teach you how to roll your own sushi.
Updated: Mar. 10, 2023 at 4:34 PM CST
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
Kelsey and Lisa learned all about what’s trending in the wonderful world of countertops when they visited Elegant Creations in Waseca.
Updated: Mar. 10, 2023 at 4:24 PM CST
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
Jacqueline Karsten of Drummers Garden Center visits the Kato Living studio to chat with Kelsey and Lisa about the wonders of Succulent plants!
Updated: Mar. 10, 2023 at 4:18 PM CST
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
‘Tis the season for Shamrock Shakes! Kato Living is getting a special delivery on the air -- with a special message about the meaning behind the Shamrock Shake promotion. It’s for a great cause!
Updated: Mar. 10, 2023 at 4:12 PM CST
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
Kelsey and Lisa found out why River Rock Coffee & Tea is becoming so popular in two communities.
Updated: Mar. 9, 2023 at 4:38 PM CST
|By Lisa Cownie and Kelsey Barchenger
Merely Players community theater are celebrating 40 years with a special performance of “The Nerd” this weekend.
Updated: Mar. 9, 2023 at 4:30 PM CST
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
Melanie Kittleson from Schone Haut in New Ulm stopped by the Kato Living studio to talk to Kelsey and Lisa about the do’s and don’t’s of skin care.
Updated: Mar. 9, 2023 at 4:18 PM CST
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
Christa Wadekamper from Barefoot Lane, in Waseca, was is in the Kato Living studio to talk about getting that first loaf of bread baked!
Updated: Mar. 9, 2023 at 3:33 PM CST
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
Playing the guitar is one thing, but Kelsey found a local artisan! Ben Williams of Hogbac Accoustics creates them for himself and others. He can even fix one up if it needs repairs!
Updated: Mar. 9, 2023 at 3:32 PM CST
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
Kelsey and Lisa visited with Linnea Ortley-Yetter at Denco Lighting -- a local business that’s helping folks look on the bright-side, when it comes to home improvements.
Updated: Mar. 8, 2023 at 4:37 PM CST
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
Kelsey and guest-host, KEYC News Now’s own Sports Director Rob Clark, learned about some handy tools that can be helpful to the muscle recovery process, when TJ Jeanetta from River Valley Running visited the studio!
Updated: Mar. 8, 2023 at 4:23 PM CST
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
The Alternative Roots Farm was in studio to show Kelsey and guest host, KEYC News Now’s own Sports Director Rob Clark, what fruit tree grafting is and how you can take part in an upcoming workshop.
Updated: Mar. 8, 2023 at 4:19 PM CST
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
Kelsey and Lisa head on over to the Kato Escape Room, where they checked out the local attraction that’s perfect for quick thinkers who are ready to take on some mind games!
Updated: Mar. 7, 2023 at 4:47 PM CST
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Rob Clark
The Lancers Marching Band has been in the community for 45 years.
Updated: Mar. 7, 2023 at 4:38 PM CST
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Rob Clark
A local group looks to help families of multiple children.
Updated: Mar. 7, 2023 at 4:28 PM CST
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Rob Clark
Not only do they play country and classic rock, they include a little comedy too.
Updated: Mar. 6, 2023 at 4:38 PM CST
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
Happy Manic Monday!! Cathy Brennan returns to the studio with her weekly word on healthy living with Kelsey and guest host, KEYC News Now’s own Sports Director Rob Clark!
Updated: Mar. 6, 2023 at 4:30 PM CST
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
Nate Ellis from Heartland Security joined Kelsey and guest host, KEYC News Now’s own Sports Director Rob Clark, to talk more about how to keep the home safe.
Updated: Mar. 6, 2023 at 4:22 PM CST
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
What better way to celebrate Women’s History Month than to show off how local women have contributed. Jessica Potter with the Blue Earth County Historical Society is in the studio to share some of their stories with Kelsey and guest host, KEYC News Now’s own Sports Director Rob Clark!
Updated: Mar. 6, 2023 at 4:12 PM CST
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
The folks at Kato Living thought it’d be a great opportunity to highlight some home improvement ideas ahead of the big show. Lisa and Kelsey recently visited Rickway Carpet in North Mankato to learn all about the latest carpet trends, courtesy of the their Sales/Advertising Manager. Tammy Beeman.
Updated: Mar. 3, 2023 at 4:33 PM CST
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
Grey Duck Photobooth joined the Kato Living studio to present two different selfie station photobooths for weddings or just about any occasion or event!
Updated: Mar. 3, 2023 at 4:25 PM CST
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
Glitz Prom joins the Kato Living family to talk more about saying “Yes” to the right dress! Anyone who watches the show knows what that means: FASHION SHOW!
Updated: Mar. 3, 2023 at 4:16 PM CST
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
It’s known for producing a wide variety of wines, but now, one New Prague winery is dabbling into the world of cocktails! Next Chapter Winery from New Prague visited Kato Living to talk vodka cocktails!
Updated: Mar. 3, 2023 at 4:11 PM CST
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
Kato Living is kickstarting a new Friday feature, highlighting a place that many others also hold near and dear to their hearts: the coffee shop. Today’s spotlight is on the cute, homey, and delicious Brew’d Awakenings Bistro in Janesville.
Updated: Mar. 2, 2023 at 4:53 PM CST
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
Maura McBreen of Wounded Haven Counseling stopped by the Kato Living studio to talk about mental health with Kelsey and Lisa for Mental Health Day.
Updated: Mar. 2, 2023 at 4:50 PM CST
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
Tucked away in a special little spot along Riverfront Drive is Artistry Cove, which offers patrons all things Minnesota art. To learn more, Lisa and Kelsey visited the shop, located at 515 North Riverfront Drive Suite 160, to learn more.
Updated: Mar. 1, 2023 at 4:40 PM CST
|By Lisa Cownie and Kelsey Barchenger
Going to make a big purchase? Whether it’s a house or a car or something else, there are pros and cons when it comes to financing.
Updated: Mar. 1, 2023 at 4:27 PM CST
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
While there are many good things about aging, there are also some not so great things; one of them is a decrease in metabolism. However, there are ways to combat this! An expert from Fit and Grit Training in Mankato stopped by the studio to show Kelsey and Lisa how to pick/keep up the pace!
Updated: Mar. 1, 2023 at 4:18 PM CST
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
As most viewers know, when it comes to finding the right pet, for many, the smaller it is, the better! Today, Lisa and Kelsey take a look at some very small creatures, indeed, with Pet Expo’s Samantha Welcher’s providing the tour!
Updated: Mar. 1, 2023 at 4:10 PM CST
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
Kelsey and Lisa found a store that loves to highlight the great makers of Minnesota. The best part? It’s right in Old Town Mankato! The ladies take you inside Mankato’s Hazelkin!
Updated: Feb. 28, 2023 at 4:36 PM CST
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
Kato Living’s Tuesday musical guest is something of a family effort...literally. The family acoustic band, Family Tradition, which mainly plays country, is made up of a father, son and daughter.
Updated: Feb. 28, 2023 at 4:25 PM CST
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
Stephanie Fischer of Bedrock Pediatric Sleep Coaching visited the Kato Living Studio to talk about Eat, Play, Sleep and offer some tips to help parents to getting their kids on a schedule and establishing a healthy pattern.
Updated: Feb. 28, 2023 at 4:20 PM CST
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
Kato Living featured Riley Hiller from All Star Nutrition in studio to give Kelsey and Lisa answers to some common questions about dietary supplements.
Updated: Feb. 27, 2023 at 4:33 PM CST
|By Kelsey Barchenger and Lisa Cownie
Cathy Brennan returns to Kato Living for her weekly chat in the studio, to discuss the benefits of living a proactive life, rather than being reactive.
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