Good morning, Mankato.

Ashlee White (director at Visit Mankato) was honored as the 2026 Emerging Leader at the Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference in Duluth this month.

She has led a five-year strategic plan to boost local tourism and strengthen community growth.

Local nonprofits end Black History Month and plan new community events.

The Greater Mankato Diversity Council will host a Freedom Walk from MSU to Civic Center Plaza, and 3C Connection Organization will hold a gala Friday at 7 p.m. at the Mankato Place Mall, Suite 1700+ entry is free.

Minnesota State University Mankato is requesting ($97M) in state bonding funds to replace its aging Armstrong Hall, which has failing infrastructure.

If approved, 12 months of development will lead to a new facility before the old building is demolished.

Mankato has opened applications for the 2026 Arbor Day Poster Contest for Kindergarten through 5th graders.

Children may submit hand-drawn posters (with the theme 'Growing a Better Tomorrow Together') for prizes of a bag, social media post and a tree planted in their honor, with submissions due by April 3.

Alliance of Therapy Dogs hosts monthly Hound Hugs and Kanine Kisses events in the CSU Hearth Lounge to help MSU students relieve academic stress.

The events occur every third Thursday and the first Monday during finals week (exact times will be posted).

Since Feb. 12, the Minnesota Department of Health has posted weekly wastewater data for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV on its website from 29 sites including Mankato’s Water Resource Recovery Facility — a tool that may help compare community trends with hospital reports.

The Minnesota State men’s basketball team beat Winona State on Wednesday in the NSIC tournament opening round and will play SMSU on Sunday in Mankato — a key matchup for local fans.

The Le Sueur-Henderson wrestling team lost to Minneota 45-18 in the Class A quarterfinals on Wednesday, Feb.

25. They also lost a consolation match against WCA/A/B-E as individual state action begins today.

New Ulm Area wrestling team won their quarterfinal and semifinal matches with scores of 53-17 and 42-12 and will wrestle for the Class AA title against Simley today at 7:00 p.m.

Who is Jesus? Mankato

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

Mankato East Indoor Quad Invite

March 19th — Myers Field House — Registration required — Compete in an indoor track and field meet bringing together local athletes in Mankato.

F1RST Wrestling: LIVE!

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Kato Ballroom — All ages welcome — Catch thrilling live pro wrestling in Mankato, Minnesota!