Good morning, Mankato.

Veterans Memorial Bridge is closed for reconstruction and will affect local traffic for most of the year; over 20,000 drivers crossed it daily before closure, and the project marks its first full update since 1986 (reflecting decades of evolution from ferries to bridges).

Island Pezi, owned by the Prairie Island Indian Community, plans a new cannabis dispensary at 1809 Adams Street in the River Place Center within the coming months after long city meetings.

Local consumer dispensary slots remain in high demand following recent openings by Rise and Voyager.

The Blues on Belgrade festival is rescheduled due to road construction along the 100 block of Belgrade Avenue in lower North Mankato, and organizers plan to hold the event on Sept.

19.

Mankato Christian Academy is proposing a new facility in North Mankato and is inviting residents to give feedback during an open house (today, 7-8 p.m. at the North Mankato Fire Station Number 2) on its plan for the Waters North subdivision.

Xcel Energy's transmission line project was approved by the Public Utilities Commission, adding a 130-mile 345-kV line from Mankato to the Mississippi River near Kellogg + a 20-mile 161-kV line near Rochester.

The project aims to ease congestion, support renewable energy, and save $3.8 billion over 40 years.

MnDOT has started voting on 30 finalists for its Name a Snowplow contest; residents may vote once to choose up to eight candidates before noon Friday.

The contest, now in its sixth year, has previously produced names like Betty Whiteout, Han Snowlo and Plow Bunyan.

Trivia for the Trades

6 PM – 9:30 PM — Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Mankato Hotel and Conference Center — Varies — Enjoy a fun trivia night while supporting trades education with dinner and drinks.

Who is Jesus? Mankato

6-9 p.m. — Ostrander Auditorium — Free entry — Explore the life and teachings of Jesus Christ during an unforgettable night.