Daily
Mankato
Saturday, March 7th, 2026
Good morning, Mankato. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 7th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ 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. Mankato Free Press
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ 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 Free Press
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ 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). Mankato Free Press
- ➤ 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. Mankato Free Press
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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. KEYC
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ 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. KEYC
- ➤ 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. KEYC
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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.
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F1RST Wrestling: LIVE!
6:30-9:30 p.m. — Kato Ballroom — All ages welcome — Catch thrilling live pro wrestling in Mankato, Minnesota!
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
Don't look for happiness. Look for meaning.
~ Ryan Holiday
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