Good morning, Mankato.

Greater Mankato Restaurant Week returns from Monday through March 15 with 11 local restaurants offering special menus with fan favorites like blueberry chicken tacos plus spicy cream cheese wonton pizza to boost business during this slower season.

A Twin Cities restaurant group signed a lease on the vacant Hardee's at 1405 Madison Ave on Thursday and plans to open a Dave's Hot Chicken franchise there in the coming months.

The group is targeting a late-summer opening and will work through design, permitting (steps before construction).

Mankato native Tod Petersen, 67, returns to Chanhassen Dinner Theatre in 'Guys & Dolls' where he plays grandfather Arvide Abernathy through August.

The seasoned actor recalls early days at East High School (first time he found his stage voice) and brings decades of experience to the role (spanning many shows).

The 50th annual Dr. Michael T.

Fagin Pan African Conference takes place March 16 at Minnesota State University’s Centennial Student Union Ballroom where Sen. Bobby Joe Champion, the first Black Senate president, speaks at 4:30 p.m. Presentations run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. & attendees must register.

Conservation leaders and private and public representatives will gather today and tomorrow at the Future of Southern Minnesota Lakes Conference to discuss improving water quality & managing lakes amid challenges from nearby farmland.

Organizers expect practical, step-by-step measures to preserve local ecosystems and cultural ties.

Mankato East swimmer Elliot Bartell capped his high school career by winning his third straight state championship in the 100 yard butterfly on March 6, reinforcing his standing as a local sports standout.

St. Mary’s girls basketball won a thriller over Bold to secure the Section 2A title; Gustavus and Bethany will face off in the NCAA DIII Regional Semifinal.

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!