Good morning, Mankato.

On Friday, Jan. 2, Jackson and local fan Kellan met on Kato Mornings (following Kellan’s Christmas wish) to share pancakes and questions in North Mankato.

The heartwarming segment highlighted a special local moment.

Circle Inn in North Mankato closed at midnight Jan.

1 after its owner (Jeni Bobholz) missed the 2026 liquor license deadline, noting on Facebook that sale or closing rumors are false. She will address the issue at the council meeting Jan. 5 and aims to reopen by Jan. 9.

Pins and Needles Alterations on North Riverfront Drive is undergoing an ownership change this week when longtime owner Sarah Breitbarth sells the business to employee Claire Zimprich—Breitbarth will continue crafting memory bears from home as she steps back from full-time work.

State Street Theater is hosting auditions for Noël Coward’s supernatural comedy Blithe Spirit on Jan.

8 (6:30 p.m.), Jan. 10 (9:30 a.m.), and Jan. 12 (6:30 p.m.) with performances set for April 10–12. Auditions are open to adult actors as no children’s roles are available.

Mankato Makerspace is awarding 16 $300 grants funded through a Community Development Block Grant to help low- and moderate-income households access creative classes including metalwork, ceramics, and jewelry.

The grant covers two to three introductory classes and includes membership to practice skills (no membership fee is charged).

Residents can recycle Christmas trees at designated sites in Mankato and North Mankato.

North Mankato’s compost site at 600 Webster Avenue is open from 8:30 a.m. to dusk through Sunday, and drop off points in Mankato at Franklin Rogers, Highland, Sibley and Tourtellotte Parks remain until Jan. 30.

North Mankato will consider a resolution at its City Council meeting Monday to adopt the new Minnesota River—Mankato Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan, which will guide stormwater management and water quality until 2036 — the plan does not require immediate funding or ordinance changes.

KEYC’s review of 2025 top sports stories highlights local game moments and community heroes — offering residents a look back at standout plays — as it was published Jan.

2.

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.

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.

Twins Caravan at Mankato Chevrolet

Noon–2 PM — Mankato Chevrolet — Free to attend — Enjoy lunch and meet special guests including Kris Atteberry.

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.

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.