Good morning, Mankato.

Several Mankato businesses are updating their offerings — a new Nuka Llakta store with handmade Indigenous American goods opened at River Hills Mall and Olde Brick House is increasing seating at 1521 Tullamore St — while Papa Johns will soon return with a drive-thru at 551 Belle Ave and Birchwood Cottages will start building a new memory care unit in upper North Mankato in May, set to open about 10 months later.

A bill advanced by a state Senate committee on Friday will create a task force to build a memorial honoring Native American military veterans at the Capitol grounds.

Sen. Mary Kunesh said the measure, inspired by a 2020 visit to the National Native American Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., will include 13 members (one veteran from each of 11 federally recognized tribes) to guide the project.

The Mankato East boys basketball team lost to Alexandria Area in the Class AAA state championship game as Alexandria built a late lead on key shots to finish (73-64) and win its first state title (in program history).

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.