Good morning, Mankato.

Workers began tearing down the old Landmark Center in January and are now working on the City Center Hotel site downtown.

Two hotels—a four-story Element by Westin with 126 suites and a 10-story AC by Marriott with 156 rooms—will share a lobby connected to the skywalk and are expected to be finished by 2026 at a total cost of $92.7 million.

New data released Thursday shows the Mankato-North Mankato area added 0.3% more nonfarm jobs (57,712 total) while manufacturing jobs fell by 1.1%—service and private service jobs increased by 0.6% and 0.7% respectively.

The Department of Employment and Economic Development said local job growth lagged behind markets like Rochester as the state added the largest monthly job gain since March 2024.

South Central College will host a health sciences open house from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at its North Mankato campus at 1920 Lee Boulevard, where visitors can tour the campus & speak with faculty to learn about courses, applications, and financial aid.

Annette Parker, president of South Central College, will lead a free lecture on workforce readiness on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Free Press building on South Second Street—registration is not required.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said it will end two food purchase programs in the next 60 days, cutting about $12 million in funding for Minnesota schools and food banks.

This move stops support for buying food from local farmers — a change that could affect student meal access.

Federal earmark funding has been cut, affecting projects in Minnesota like Carver's levee upgrade and Mankato Regional Airport's new control tower design—both aiming to secure millions for improvements.

Carver Mayor Courtney Johnson said the city will start work next year with $9 million already raised while airport officials look for other funding under the continuing resolution.

MAPLETON—A section of Blue Earth County Road 29 about 2 miles southwest of Mapleton will close for a bridge replacement project starting Monday.

The road will reopen in July, and through-traffic will follow a detour via Blue Earth County Road 7 and Highway 30.

The Waseca boys basketball team won the Section 2AA title against Belle Plaine 76—66 on Thursday night and will play in next week’s state tournament.

The BOLD boys basketball team clinched the Section 2A title with a big win over Madelia on Thursday night—earning a spot in this year’s state tournament.

The Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s girls basketball team earned a 65-61 overtime win over Sacred Heart in the Class A quarterfinals— they now advance to the semifinals and will face MACCRAY Friday at 2 p.m. at Williams Arena.

Karaoke Night Fundraiser

A Thursday night karaoke event featuring opportunities to learn about local causes including VARP, Mavathon, and CADA House.

Mankato's Largest Kids' Consignment Sale

The Munchkin Markets Spring Consignment Sale offers deep discounts on gently used children's clothing, toys, and gear at Country Inn & Suites in Mankato.

Spring Fling Craft Show

10 AM – 8 PM — River Hills Mall — Free admission — Discover a variety of handmade products and unique gifts from local vendors at this vibrant spring shopping event.

Spring Fling Craft Show at River Hills Mall

The Spring Fling Craft Show showcases an array of handmade products and unique gifts from local vendors over a three-day period.

Real Estate Meetup in Mankato

6-8 p.m. — Crooked Pint Ale House — Free entry — Discuss real estate with local experts and network with fellow investors.

Dual-ing Pianos with Scottie Miller & Tom Hunter

11 AM – 3 PM — Centennial Student Union — Ticket prices vary — Experience the dueling talents of acclaimed pianists Scottie Miller and Tom Hunter in an entertaining musical showdown.

Spring Fling Craft Show

10 a.m. – 8 p.m. — River Hills Mall — Free admission — Explore a vibrant array of handmade products, unique gifts, and local vendors at this spring shopping event.

Natural Healing Expo

10 AM – 4 PM — Courtyard by Marriott Hotel & Event Center — Ticket required — Explore organic approaches to healing for body, mind, and spirit at this holistic conference.

Spring Fling Craft Show

10 a.m. - 8 p.m. — River Hills Mall — Free admission — Discover a vibrant marketplace filled with handmade goods and local treasures this spring.

Maverick Conference on Financial Success

11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. — Centennial Student Union — Free entry — Learn from experts in Agribusiness and personal finance education at this informative conference.