Good morning, Mankato.

YWCA Mankato will host its 53rd Women of Distinction celebration on April 23 at the Country Inn & Suites to honor women for leadership, including Helen Bednar, Linda Good, and SkyAnne Walker and award winners from Advancing Racial Justice and Legacy categories marking 100 years of service.

The EPA has approved temporary use of E-15 fuel during warmer months to ease rising gas prices and help farmers use last year’s corn surplus.

Lawmakers are urging a permanent change that may boost ethanol demand ahead of spring planting.

Truck drivers relying on diesel in Mankato face rising prices as AAA reported Tuesday’s average of $4.98 per gallon, nearly 50% higher than last year, and local companies warn that increased fuel costs may push consumer prices + call for improved regulation.

Rasmussen College-Mankato celebrated 21 nursing students with a pinning ceremony at Hosanna Lutheran Church on Thursday, March 26, marking their transition to professional roles before spring graduation (families joined the event in support).

Some students plan to work locally while others will move to Wyoming to join growing healthcare teams.

St. Peter Public Works and MnDOT report extra potholes on busy roads like Highway 22 and Sunrise Drive — crews are patching them quickly this spring and drivers can report issues online.

The final year of the $36.9 million Highway 22 project will resume detours on April 15 for upgrades, including added lanes and improved intersections, weather permitting.

MnDOT will host an open house at its district headquarters on Tuesday, April 7, 3:30–5:30 p.m. to answer questions.

The Winter Slam demolition derby returns to St. Peter at the Nicollet County Fairgrounds on Saturday with 125 registered drivers competing in five classes + food vendors drawing crowds.

Gates open at 8 a.m. and full-day entry costs $25.

The Minnesota State men’s hockey team is starting its NCAA Tournament run today when it faces Western Michigan in Loveland, Colorado after winning the Mason Cup (head coach Luke Strand said the squad is focused on building momentum for upcoming rounds).

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.