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Team
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Patti Leatherman
General Manager
Patti Leatherman
General Manager
I grew up in Storm Lake, Iowa, one of eight children, and met my future husband Dan while we were both in the broadcasting program at community college. We married in 1981, beginning our life together as well as our careers in radio and television.
After working in media early on, I spent 23 years at a bank here in Chillicothe, which has been home for nearly 30 years. We raised two sons and a daughter, all now married and living in Missouri. I have three grandchildren here in Chillicothe, and a dog who keeps me company.
In 2018, after the passing of my husband, I took over management of KCHI, which he bought in 1996 and built into a success. Like many small business owners I wear many hats, juggling administration, HR, sales, inventory, community outreach, and staying on top of all FCC compliance.
I feel so fortunate to work with a dedicated team, and to be part of a community that supports local radio and depends on KCHI as a trusted source of local news and information. I’m grateful every day to be part of both KCHI and Chillicothe.
Tom Tingerthal
News Director
Tom Tingerthal
News Director
I have been News Director at KCHI Radio since August of 2003. I began working in radio in 2002 after attending Brown College in Minneapolis, MN, where I earned an Associate’s Degree in Radio Broadcasting.
Before broadcasting, I had several careers, including Quality Control and Material Specialist in both fall protection and Electronics Manufacturing. I was a dispatcher for a trucking company, and I worked in several restaurants and have catered weddings and events for friends and family.
I have certification in Electronics, Computer Programming, and Culinary Arts. My hobbies include Cooking, Bread Making, and Amateur Radio.
My wife, Darlene, and I have no children. We have been married since 1984 and are both originally from Red Wing, MN.
Brent Hesse
Sports Director / Afternoon Host
Brent Hesse
Sports Director / Afternoon Host
As the Sports Director at KCHI, I cover all the local high school sports which includes providing play-by-play of the games. I am also the afternoon show host, airing live from noon to 6pm!
My favorite experiences while at KCHI have been broadcasting state final four tournament runs for the Hornets baseball and girls’ basketball teams, along with reporting on the Kansas City Chiefs at games and training camp.
Originally, I’m from Indiana, where I grew up, went to school, and began my broadcasting career. I am one of five boys so between myself and my brothers, we have our own basketball team!
Chillicothe is a very tight knit town which allows families, friends and neighbors the opportunity to follow along with the action – and that’s one of the most gratifying parts about my job. It makes my day when a parent or athlete tells me that a loved one wasn’t able to attend but they were listening on the radio! I’m glad that KCHI can inform and connect such a passionate community.
Maggie Brown
Remote Morning Host
Maggie Brown
Remote Morning Host
I’m Maggie Brown, excited to fill the morning host slot at KCHI. I worked with the station earlier in 2025 on a temporary basis and now I’m back full-time! While I’m not in the studio in Chillicothe on a daily basis, I am fully involved in the town and everything going on there. My show is the show you’ve always heard in the morning: local news and weather, farm markets, community calendar and I love to announce your birthdays!
A little about me: I’ve been in radio for the last 8 years and I’m actually located in the Chicago area. I enjoy running and going on adventures with my two dogs, Chip and Midge!
Thank you for letting me part of your lives every day on KCHI!
Michelle Epperson
Office Manager / Sales Associate
Michelle Epperson
Office Manager / Sales Associate
Originally from Northwest Iowa, my husband Trent and I have three daughters and live just outside Chillicothe.
I serve as both Office Manager and Sales Representative at KCHI Radio, which plays a vital role in keeping the Chillicothe area informed, entertained, and connected. From coordinating with advertisers to keeping the office running smoothly, I enjoy being at the heart of a station that’s truly a community cornerstone—whether it’s broadcasting local high school sports, storm alerts, or hometown news.
When I’m not at work, you’ll likely find me with a good book in hand, spending quality time with my family, or watching the Kansas City Chiefs during football season.
Tassie Elkins
Senior Sales Associate
Tassie Elkins
Senior Sales Associate
Since 2016, I’ve worked in marketing and advertising at KCHI Radio, helping local businesses build customized plans that support their goals and budgets. I write and schedule some of the commercials heard on the air and do my best to ensure each message is clear, creative, and effective. I truly enjoy helping others grow and succeed.
Originally from Kansas City, I’ve lived in this area since the late 1990s and have loved calling it home. When I’m not at work, I’m happiest spending time with my husband Jeff, our two ornery cats, and our wonderful family, including two grown children, a son-in-law we love like our own, and five amazing grandkids we absolutely adore.
It’s a joy to work alongside such a supportive, talented group of people at KCHI. We’re proud to serve this community and care deeply about the businesses and individuals that make it so special.