Fred Fletcher-Fierro
General Manager, Morning Edition Host, Journalist, Content and News Director, Digital ProducerSince 2017 Fred Fletcher-Fierro has driven up Highway 171 through thunderstorms, downpours, snow, and ice storms to host KRPS’s Morning Edition. He’s also a daily reporter for the station, covering city government, elections, public safety, arts, entertainment, culture, and more. Fred has also spearheaded and overseen a sea change in programming for KRPS from a legacy classical station to one that airs a balance of classical, news, jazz, and cultural programming that better reflects the diverse audience of the Four States.
In addition to programming, hosting, and reporting, Fred worked with NPR and personnel at Pittsburg State to create and launch this website. Regardless of the small staff of KRPS, he felt that listeners across the Four States deserved an up-to-date website where listeners learn more about the news stories, shows, and all of the details that make KRPS what it is today.
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Due to the on-going threat of a Congressional clawback of KRPS’s Community Service Grant provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting the station is prioritizing local staff and core NPR programming. -
KRPS is now at risk of losing its Corporation of Public Broadcasting Community Service Grant. H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, has passed 214-212 in the House of Representatives, and will now move for a vote in the Senate. The deadline for passage in the Senate is July 18, 2025 for a rescission to take effect. -
KRPS is currently airing live streams from NPR, The World and the BBC World Service -
Responding to listener feedback KRPS is adding three completely new music shows and a rebroadcast of two listener favorites. -
Almost 50% of respondents said the engagement began when they responded to a social media ad/post. -
Thomas Ross Seeks Election To Joplin School Board To Create 'Fiscal Responsibility and Transparency'Thomas Ross is a businessman running for Joplin School Board. While the board seats are typically nonpartisan, Ross is one of two candidates endorsed by the Missouri GOP. He is also running for a Missouri House of Representatives seat in District 161. -
David Weaver has raised his children in Joplin and is currently serving a term on the Joplin School Board. As an Accounting Professor at Pittsburg State University, he said he is 'uniquely qualified' for a seat at the board. -
Although school board elections are typically non-partisan Gander, a Navy veteran has been endorsed by the Missouri GOP. -
Lori Muser previously served two terms on the Joplin School Board prior to retiring in January. -
The statue represents all the miners who worked in the Tri-State Mining District during peak production.
