Good morning, Mankato.

Undergraduate students at Minnesota State University will compete today from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Ostrander Auditorium (Centennial Student Union) for nearly $30,000 in cash prizes as they develop entrepreneurial solutions for boosting rural economies and modernizing farming practices. The event features two tracks that call for proposals on business development and ag-tech innovation.

International politics will take center stage during the Minnesota State University Kessel Memorial Lecture Series at 7 p.m. on April 3 in the Centennial Student Union.

Thomas Berger from Boston University will discuss how Germany and Japan are responding to international challenges— the lecture is free and a light reception with free parking in University Lot 4 will follow.

South Central College announced a partnership with Winona State University that lets students earning an Associate’s degree in Office Administration and Technology at SCC transfer as third-year students into Winona’s Business Education program.

The agreement aims to ease a shortage of high school business teachers in Minnesota — it allows transfers without losing credits.

The North Mankato Fire Department is conducting cold water rescue training at Spring Lake Park around 6:30 p.m. today.

Emergency personnel and equipment are present—residents are asked to keep a safe distance during the training.

Steve Grams, a former St. Peter city councilman known for his work to improve accessibility, died March 6 at age 73.

He served two terms and led efforts like a grant program to help businesses add ramps—his public service left a lasting mark on the town.

At Minnesota State University's health summit held Wednesday, Dr. Liz Kwo—chief commercial officer at Everly Health—said technology in health care helped predict and reduce chronic diseases and offer more personalized care.

She warned that companies must invest in strong data safeguards—essential in protecting personal information—while digital advances change clinical practices.

Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership is planning to redevelop the 90-acre Good Counsel Hill campus, which once housed Catholic sisters and a girls boarding school, into affordable homes, assisted living space, public offices, and community areas following an open house at Pioneer Bank that drew over 80 residents. Meetings (with investors, city officials, and community members) will run through the end of this year, and eight single-family homes along Fourth Street in the Tourtellotte Park area are set to break ground soon using state funds.

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.