Good morning, Mankato.

Twin Valley Council Scouts will collect non-perishable food donations door to door Saturday + households should leave bags at their front doors before 9 a.m. to help local emergency pantries across the Twin Valley region.

On Thursday, the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota hosted the University of Minnesota Gabbert Raptor Center’s spring presentation where visitors saw native birds including an eagle and an owl up close.

Local families enjoyed the chance to learn about the region’s raptors.

On Tuesday, Twin Rivers Council is hosting the free Best in Art event at Shared Spaces at Emy Frentz, 523 S.

Second St. — featuring local artists Kimberly Baerg, William Bukowski, and Liz Draper — where public votes will determine the $500 People’s Choice award winner.

Bassist Liz Draper will launch a five week ensemble program, Playing in the Band, Monday at the revitalized Electric Prairie studio on South Second and Grove.

Sessions offer youth ages 9 to 13 and 14 to 17 and adults to explore rock, hip-hop, jazz and blues while registration remains open.

Le Sueur County held a public hearing yesterday at the County Justice Center for residents to weigh in on keeping the shotgun-only deer hunting policy or allowing rifles.

The county will announce its final decision on April 7.

The MSU men’s hockey team is set to face St. Thomas in the Mason Cup title game today + a win will secure an automatic berth to the national tournament.

Local boys basketball teams have extra time after section tournaments as state play now starts next week.

Coaches say the break gives players needed rest and practice time before the competition.

F1RST Wrestling: LIVE!

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Kato Ballroom — All ages welcome — Catch thrilling live pro wrestling in Mankato, Minnesota!

Free Oral Cancer Screenings in Mankato & Rochester

In honor of Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, Southeastern Minnesota Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery will offer free oral cancer screenings on April 16 from 2 pm to 4 pm at: 2519 Commerce Drive NW, Suite 110, Rochester, Minn., 55901; and 1410 Madison Avenue, Mankato, Minn., 56001. To participate, arrive at one of the clinics during the designated times and ask for a free cancer screening.

Toy Stories on Ice

7-9 p.m. — All Seasons Arena — $10 adult, $5 youth/senior/student — Experience a charming retelling of Toy Story featuring local skaters portraying beloved characters.

Toy Stories on Ice – 51st Annual Ice Show

7-9 p.m. — All Seasons Arena — $10 adult, $5 youth/senior/student — Experience the beloved characters of Toy Story brought to life through local figure skating talents.