Good morning, Mankato.

Bethany Lutheran College’s creative team is building life-sized puppets for the upcoming production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, with faculty and students taking specialized roles (such as sculpting and texturing animals) to bring the show to life.

Mandy Brown, a teacher at Maple River Secondary, won the Golden Apple Award on Wednesday, Mar.

25 after more than 30 students nominated her for her dedication to students. She has earned praise for supporting in-class learning and extracurricular efforts — cheering at games and checking in on progress.

The Minnesota DNR is asking anglers to provide input on fishing experiences and fish habitat concerns for 197 lakes including Madison Lake in Blue Earth County.

Public comments must be submitted by March 31 to help update lake management plans.

The EPA approved a temporary emergency waiver that allows nationwide sales of E-15 fuel, aiming to ease rising gas prices and boost gasoline supplies ahead of summer driving.

Officials said the waiver, normally limited to winter, could pave the way for a year-round option if permanent changes are made.

Mankato East boys basketball lost 56-49 to Northfield in their state tournament opening round on Wednesday afternoon.

They will face Minneapolis South in the consolation bracket today at 2:00 p.m. at Concordia-St. Paul.

Natalie Bremer was named the 2026 WBCA Division II Player of the Year after averaging 21.8 points per game in her final season at Minnesota State — she finished her career as the school's all-time leading scorer with 2,371 points.

Today, Minnesota State hockey coach Luke Strand was named CCHA Coach of the Year for the second time after leading the team to a 14-7-5 conference record — the Mavericks are set to face Western Michigan in the NCAA Tournament opening round Friday at 1:30 p.m. CT.

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.

Micro Wrestling Federation Show

7-10 p.m. — Kato Ballroom — All-ages show — Experience thrilling micro wrestling action with body slams, brawls, and the chance to meet the wrestlers post-event.