Good morning, Mankato.

Almost a year after his death, Kelsey Ogren is helping the community celebrate the life of Dennis Vosika, a 34-year-old Mankato resident who dreamed of starting a power washing business and a charitable foundation.

Friends and family show their support with #Live4Dennis shirts that honor his joyful spirit.

Gordy Westermann, nearly 92, is winding down his nearly 25-year volunteer ramp work at SMILES as he nears his birthday on March 30 (he helped build about 500 ramps since the early 2000s).

Nonprofit leader Howard Rosten will soon look for a successor to learn his essential techniques.

Mankato Riverblenders Chorus will hold their show (A Broadway Celebration) at Hosanna Lutheran Church at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 25, to honor Bruce Gray, a community leader whose 45-year service at Gustavus enriched many lives.

Dave’s Hot Chicken will open in Mankato at the former Hardee’s on Madison Avenue later this summer.

Minnesota Chicken owner Alex Humphries said they finalized the lease and are working through design and permitting steps — a plan to bring Nashville-style hot chicken to the community.

GreenSeam will present its 2026 State of the Agricultural Ecosystem Report on National Ag Day, March 24 at Maverick Innovation Gateway (230 Stadium Rd, Mankato).

The event will feature industry experts discussing trends in business growth, investment, and workforce dynamics.

City leaders have put a $13.5M wetland restoration project on hold as property owners declined to sell the needed farmland, according to a city memo.

The city applied for an MPCA grant to study improved drainage solutions and will review Rosewood Pond this winter — aiming to address flooding concerns.

A $1.2 million makeover will update Highway 169 near the north entrance by adding trees, replacing turf with native plants, installing roundabouts, pedestrian underpasses, and new bike trails - local cities and the state have agreed to split funding.

Work will begin early next year to boost safety and curb appeal.

MnDOT will launch a six-month deactivation study the week of March 16 to evaluate removing intersection lighting at two Blue Earth County intersections near Garden City and Eagle Lake — officials will monitor crash data before deciding on removal.

The Waseca boys basketball team beat Glencoe Silver Lake in the Section 2AA semifinals on Monday night, winning 91-79 with Deron Russell scoring 51 points.

They will face Belle Plaine tomorrow (at 7:45 p.m.) for a state tournament spot.

JWP Bulldogs boys basketball team beat Nicollet 75+58 in the Section 2A semifinal on Monday and will face Springfield in the championship game Wednesday at 6 inside the Taylor Center.

Belle Plaine boys basketball team won 76-55 over Blue Earth Area in the Section 2AA semifinals on Monday night — they will play Waseca for the title tomorrow at 7:45 p.m.

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!