Good morning, Mankato.

The North Mankato Taylor Library has chosen the nonfiction book 'Will to Murder' for this spring's Community Read, a longer selection that explores the 1977 Glensheen murders.

The program will feature an author talk (April 10), a documentary screening (April 24), and plans for an overnight Duluth visit.

Mankato police charged Devin Deon Taylor—35 with first-degree drug sales and third-degree drug possession after agents surveilled him, found drug evidence on March 12, and he will appear in court on March 27.

Samantha Jo Baxter, 35, of Coal Township, Pennsylvania, was convicted on March 11 for malicious punishment of a child in Waseca County District Court and received a one-day jail sentence with an additional 363 days stayed under two years of supervised probation—domestic assault charges were dismissed in the case.

Mankato will host Blackberry Smoke for the Rattle, Ramble and Roll Tour 2025 at the Vetter Stone Amphitheater on June 6.

Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center box office and Ticketmaster—this marks the band’s return since their August 2022 show with Jamey Johnson and Ella Langley.

Over the next two weeks, 10 nursing students and two faculty members from Kansai Medical University in Osaka will join a Minnesota State University program that offers English classes, lectures, clinical observations and simulation training to boost transcultural nursing skills.

The program will help nurses work in diverse communities.

MANKATO — The eastbound lanes of East Main Street between North Riverfront Drive and North Second Street are closed due to a demolition project.

The lanes will reopen on March 31 and westbound traffic remains open.

Blue Earth County commissioners are meeting today at 9 a.m. in the Historic Courthouse second-floor meeting room—Nate Lotton will update on MRCI services, Land Use Planner Garett Rohlfing and Zoning Administrator John Considine will present the annual feedlot report, and Michael McLaughlin will review Veterans Services activities—.

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.