Friday, January 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Mankato. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 2nd of January.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Casey Ek’s photo essay showcases a year of community moments in Mankato, featuring school outings at Spring Lake Park plus key local events that reflect both joys and challenges in our shared history. Mankato Free Press
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Bethany Lutheran College and Minnesota State University reported enrollment exceeding pre-COVID levels, with Bethany reaching 928 and MSU’s 15,721 marking a 3% increase in fall 2024. Both colleges face challenges like space constraints + visa delays but expect modest growth in student numbers. Mankato Free Press
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City crews started clearing roads after Sunday's snowfall by using salt trucks first and then plowing main streets, while North Mankato teams began as early as 3 a.m. Residents are urged to clear driveways+parking areas to help speed the process. Mankato Free Press
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January 2026 League Challenge
All day — The Dork Den — $10 entry — Compete in the first League Challenge of 2026 and claim your Pokémon Play Pack and prizes.
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Bemidji State Beavers vs Minnesota State Mankato Mavericks Men's Basketball
3:30-5:00 p.m. — Centennial Student Union — Ticket prices vary — Catch the exciting matchup between the Beavers and Mavericks on the court.
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Twins Caravan at Mankato Chevrolet
Noon–2 PM — Mankato Chevrolet — Free to attend — Enjoy lunch and meet special guests including Kris Atteberry.
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Northern State Wolves vs. Minnesota State Mankato Mavericks Men's Basketball
5:30-7:10 p.m. — Taylor Center — Ticket prices vary — Watch an exciting men's basketball matchup live from Taylor Center.
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Mavericks vs Cougars: Men's and Women's Doubleheader
5:30-7:05 p.m. — Centennial Student Union — VIP tickets available — Catch the thrilling match-up between the Minnesota State Mankato Mavericks and Sioux Falls Cougars in this highly anticipated doubleheader.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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