Photos Provided
KELA & KMNT Radio staff promote a variety of community events.
By Cynthia Mudge
For the C-C Chamber of Commerce
With “A Country Christmas” as the theme of the 75th annual Santa Parade, selecting KMNT Country Radio as this year’s Grand Marshal was a perfect fit. KMNT – “The Mountain” – has been Lewis County’s country station since 2005 when Clear Channel Communications purchased the station. In 2007, Bicoastal Media acquired KMNT-FM and KELA-AM from iHeart Radio (formerly Clear Channel), solidifying KMNT’s role as the region’s leading country broadcaster at 104.3 FM. KMNT has been a Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce member since 2005, and its sister station, KELA, has been a member since 1998.
KMNT is an active supporter of community initiatives throughout the year. During the holidays, the station teams up with Lewis County Title for the 5th annual Lewis County Forgotten Children’s Fund Toy Drive on December 5. The Forgotten Children’s Fund is a volunteer-led organization dedicated to ensuring local children and families experience a joyful Christmas.
The station also partners with the United Way of Lewis County to support Dolly Day, helping promote early literacy and children’s access to books. Additional programs KMNT has supported include fundraising for meal organizations such as Timber River Connections and the Lewis County Food Bank Coalition, ensuring resources go directly where they are needed most.
“KMNT is honored to be selected as the Grand Marshal for the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce Santa Parade,” said Lindy Waring, General Manager of KELA/KMNT. “We’re grateful to be part of a tradition that brings our community together in holiday cheer and look forward to celebrating the season with the community we are proud to serve.”
KMNT broadcast live from the Santa Parade from 9 to 11 a.m. before heading out to cover a high school playoff game. Supporting local high school teams is another meaningful way KMNT remains committed to its listeners and the community it serves.
Photo Provided
Lindy Waring, KELA/KMNT General Manager, volunteers and donates to many causes.
