Daily
Mankato
Thursday, January 8th, 2026
Good morning, Mankato. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local owners of Walter Mondale’s nearly 130-year-old childhood home in Elmore plan to list it on the National Register of Historic Places to highlight his legacy—pending state and federal review. They will host tours and events if approved. Mankato Free Press
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On National Bobblehead Day, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum in Milwaukee unveiled its second, limited-edition Stomper bobblehead and produced 2,026 numbered units available online now, with orders expected to ship in May. Mankato Free Press
- ➤ Volunteer Greg Wheelock has spent the past decade restoring McPherson Union Cemetery near St. Clair by placing 55 engraved markers in 2025 — clearing overgrown brush to preserve history. A nearby church group also memorialized St. Bernard’s cemetery through plaque placements and record research. Mankato Free Press
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Mankato firefighters held more than 100 fire safety sessions for over 2,000 locals and are distributing free carbon monoxide detectors this month at the Public Safety Center. The holiday wreath display with changing bulbs reminded residents of safe cooking, battery disposal, and proper cigarette extinguishing to help prevent fires. Mankato Free Press
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Mankato Clinic has named Aaron Johnson as its new CEO. Johnson brings over 18 years of healthcare leadership experience — he joined Dec. 1 after Randy Farrow’s retirement on Jan. 2 — and aims to advance the locally-owned clinic's legacy of quality care. Mankato Free Press
- ➤ Mankato Public Safety offers mental health screenings as part of ongoing stress debriefings for firefighters, and St. Peter volunteer crews can also access anonymous wellness support—helping both departments build a strong network to manage tough calls. Mankato Free Press
- ➤ Local therapists note a post-holiday letdown as service calls increase when routines shift and stress mounts, and they advise residents to maintain consistent sleep, exercise indoors if needed, and schedule regular social meetings to boost mental health. Mankato Free Press
-
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.
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
Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.
~ Rumi
About Daily Mankato
Welcome to the Daily Mankato, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Mankato, Minnesota community. If you like the Daily Mankato, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Mankato.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Mankato and across Minnesota. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Mankato
A free Mankato community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailymankato.com/sitemap