Julie Nelson: The Voice of the Twin Cities and Her Heart for the Community
Every weeknight at 5, 6, and 10 p.m., a familiar face appears on the screens of thousands of Minnesotans. Julie Nelson, the veteran KARE 11 news anchor, has become much more than a reporter; she is a trusted neighbor.
Whether she is delivering breaking news or sharing a heartwarming human-interest story, Nelson brings a rare blend of professional poise and genuine empathy to the desk.
But who is the woman behind the headlines? From her roots in Wisconsin to her life as a “Packer fan in a Viking house,” Julie’s story is one of balance, dedication, and a deep-seated desire to lift up the Twin Cities community.
From the Badger State to Indiana’s Cream and Crimson
Born on November 12, 1971, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Julie Nelson’s journey into journalism wasn’t just a career choice—it was a calling.
She grew up in a household that valued storytelling, graduating with honors from Eau Claire Memorial High School in 1990.
Seeking a world-class foundation, she moved to Bloomington to attend Indiana University. There, she earned two Bachelor’s degrees—one in Journalism and another in History.
This dual focus sharpened her ability to see the “big picture” in every news cycle, a trait that has defined her career for over three decades.
Educational Foundations:
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High School: Eau Claire Memorial (Class of ’90)
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College: Indiana University Bloomington (Class of ’94)
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Degrees: B.A. in Journalism, B.A. in History
A Rapid Rise: The KSTP Years
Julie didn’t take long to make her mark on Minnesota media. She began her local career at KSTP-TV (Channel 5), where her impact was immediate.
Just months after her debut, Mpls. St. Paul Magazine named her “Best Newcomer.” Her ability to connect with the audience was so strong that by the following year, the same magazine listed her as one of the “One Hundred People to Watch.”
At KSTP, she anchored the 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts, setting the stage for her legendary move to the NBC affiliate.
Joining the KARE 11 Family
In September 2003, Julie Nelson made the jump to KARE 11, joining one of the most respected news teams in the Midwest. Over the last 20+ years, she has become the bedrock of the station’s evening coverage.
Career Milestones & Awards
Julie’s trophy case is a testament to her excellence in broadcast journalism. Her work has garnered:
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Regional Emmy Awards for both anchoring and reporting.
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The Regional Edward R. Murrow Award.
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The Eric Sevareid Award.
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Three “Best TV Newscaster” Awards from City Pages.
“Julie’s heart is so full of compassion… you see emotion in her eyes and hear it in her voice.” — Jill Pautz, TreeHouse Vice President.
Life Behind the Camera: Family and the “Packer Problem”
Off-camera, Julie’s life is anchored by her family. She is married to her hometown sweetheart, Kurt Krumenauer. Together, they have two daughters and have raised them in the Twin Cities area.
One of the more humorous aspects of her personal life is her sports allegiance. Growing up in Wisconsin, Julie remains a loyal Green Bay Packers fan. In the heart of Vikings territory, this leads to plenty of lighthearted “treason” at home and in the newsroom.
Personal Stats at a Glance:
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Age (as of 2026): 54
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Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
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Height: Approx. 5’6″ (While some sites confuse her with the 5’10” footballer of the same name, the anchor is of average height).
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Ethnicity: Caucasian
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Nationality: American
A Heart for Service: The TreeHouse Connection
Julie Nelson’s impact extends far beyond the newsroom. She is a tireless advocate for Twin Cities youth. For over a decade, she has served on the board of TreeHouse, an organization dedicated to ending hopelessness in teens.
Whether she is emceeing a spring gala or volunteering her time with Habitat for Humanity and Feed My Starving Children, Julie uses her platform to shine a light on issues like teen depression, bullying, and self-harm.
Net Worth and Salary: What Does a Top Anchor Earn?
While official figures are rarely public, industry standards for a lead anchor in a major market like Minneapolis–Saint Paul suggest a Julie Nelson salary in the range of $150,000 to $250,000 per year.
Given her 20-year tenure and status as a primary face of KARE 11, her net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $2 million as of 2026. These figures reflect her decades of high-level performance and brand value in the Twin Cities.
Clearing Up the Confusion: Is She an Author or a Potter?
Because “Julie Nelson” is a common name, many searchers stumble upon conflicting information. To set the record straight:
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Is she a ceramicist? No. The famous ceramicist Julie Nelson is based in the UK.
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Has she written books? While there are authors named Julie Nelson (writing on parenting and foster care), the KARE 11 anchor has primarily focused her storytelling on the screen rather than the page.
Summary of Julie Nelson’s Legacy
| Feature | Details |
| Current Role | Lead Anchor, KARE 11 (5, 6 & 10 PM) |
| Years at KARE 11 | 22 Years (Joined 2003) |
| Top Advocacy | Youth Mentorship & TreeHouse |
| Defining Trait | Emotional intelligence and community-first reporting |
| Future Outlook | Likely to remain a dominant figure in MN media through the 2020s |
What is your favorite Julie Nelson news moment? Let us know in the comments below!
Sources
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Official KARE 11 Team Profile
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Mpls. St. Paul Magazine Archives
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Indiana University School of Journalism Alumni Records
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TreeHouse Organization Board Member Spotlight
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Regional Emmy Awards (NATAS Upper Midwest Chapter) Recipients List
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