ANOTHER OFFICE-ER: John Burroughs grad and co-star of "The Office," Ellie Kemper, has signed on to host the Mid-America Emmy Awards show here on Oct. 9.

Kemper, 30, who plays Dunder Mifflin receptionist Erin Hannon, will host the Emmy show in the Majestic Ballroom of the St. Louis Renaissance Grand Hotel beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Jim Kirchherr, senior producer for KETC-TV (Channel 9), is president of the Mid-America chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The Mid-America chapter includes the television markets primarily in Missouri, Arkansas and Illinois. Kirchherr said he is thrilled Kemper will be hosting the show and added that "she will bring a Hollywood flair" to it.

For her part, Kemper said she was grateful to a well-known St. Louis institution for giving her something important while growing up - Ted Drewes.

"I am so honored to be hosting the 2010 Mid-America Emmy® Awards in my hometown of St. Louis," Kemper said in a news release. "Conway School, Ladue Junior High, and Burroughs provided me with invaluable opportunities to perform and to write. And Ted Drewes provided me with really good frozen custard. I am very lucky to have grown up here."

The show's Jenna Fischer and Phyllis Smith also were raised in St. Louis.

The awards show is open to the public. Tickets are $125 and include dinner. Information at 314-533-2993.