Good morning, Mankato.

Today, the Mankato Family YMCA Brother/Sister Mentoring Program announced its annual Guiding Light Award winners—Sam Murray as Brother/Sister Community Based Mentor, Lori Vetsch as School Based Mentor, Mary Groothuis and Andrew Miller as Pen Pal Mentors, and Tim Cashman as Community Mentor Program Partner—to honor volunteer mentors working with local youth. The awards will be presented on April 14 during an appreciation dinner at Minnesota State University.

Local poultry producer Jean Braatz — from My MN Farmer near Montgomery — said rising egg prices caused by avian flu have spurred a surge in demand for pullets, with a Craigslist ad selling out in three days.

Authorities expect virus spikes when wild birds migrate and urge backyard flock owners to follow biosecurity precautions.

Jamie Lee Carey, 38, of Mankato was charged with two felonies for first-degree drug sales, two for drug possession and two for firearm violations—after a Minnesota River Valley Drug Task Force stopped his vehicle on Monday following a tip about drug trafficking, which led investigators to find 22.9 grams of fentanyl and 81.9 grams of methamphetamine in a black bag.

North Mankato officials announced that four college administrators have been named as finalists to replace South Central College President Annette Parker, who is retiring this summer after ten years of leadership (the candidates come from Florida, Wisconsin, Indiana and New York).

The finalists will visit campus Tuesday and Wednesday and Minnesota State chancellor Scott Olson will make a final recommendation before the board meets on April 16 (the search was guided by a committee of students, staff and community leaders).

The Greater Mankato Diversity Council is hosting a nonpartisan town hall meeting on March 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Room 220, Wiecking Center Auditorium—on the campus of Minnesota State University—to discuss health care, economic development, housing, the workforce and democracy.

Today, the Minnesota State men’s hockey team will take the ice for the Mason Cup Championship against St. Thomas shortly after 7:00 p.m.—head coach Luke Strand said the team remains focused after securing an automatic NCAA tournament bid.

The Mankato East boys basketball team beat Orono 64-62 in a tight semifinal game—winning with a late shot from Amari Nobles.

They will face Alexandria Area in the Class AAA championship game Saturday, March 22nd at 1:00 p.m. at Williams Arena.

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.

North Mankato Taylor Library Annual Egg Hunt

9-11 a.m. — North Mankato Taylor Library — Registration required — Enjoy an exciting egg hunt for kids and meet the Easter Bunny!

Cinderella

12:59 p.m. — Minnesota State University Theatre & Dance — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of Cinderella with beloved songs and a timeless story of hope.