I could understand previously (in the digital age) when KEYC only had network programming in HD. But now they carry everything in HD (syndicated, network and news) in HD. FOX Mankato on cable and satellite (Directv, not Dish) is in HD although the OTA signal is still 480i widescreen.
I know North Mankato is in Nicollet county because when I had Directv I "moved" my address to there to get the Mpls nets + KEYC as sig viewed because....well I wanted to see "Bandwagon"

and my antenna sometimes couldnt get it in Northern Scott County

Its interesting how satellite is set up there. With Dish in both Mankato and North Mankato you get KEYC, KEYC-DT2, the national PBS and KSTP & KARE imported. Directv gives you those 4 + WUCW (CW23) from the cities in Mankato (Blue Earth Co) whereas North Mankato gets Minneapolis + KEYC (but not KEYC-DT2)
Its funny that at our lake house (Aitkin) there are days I'd rather watch the ANALOG translator of KQDS Duluth there then to watch KMSP FOX 9 (from the Brainerd translator which is digital)