Saturday, March 29th, 2025

Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Mankato.
Good morning, Mankato. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 29th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ VINE, a local nonprofit, ended its Special Access Services program last February and cut hours for its PEARLS and Caregiver Support services after a 51% funding drop due to shifts in state funding via MNRAAA. CEO Melinda Wedzina said staff helped clients transition to other providers—ensuring that resources were reallocated while the Caring Connection program now directs new participants to similar services. Mankato Free Press
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Actress Elizabeth Gillies will appear on Monday at 8 p.m. in the MSU Centennial Student Union Ballroom for a moderated Q&A on her acting career and recent music release, and organizers expect about 250 attendees with tickets ranging from $10 for students to $70 for VIP access (which includes a signed poster and a 15-minute session) while free parking is available from 6:30 p.m. Mankato Free Press
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Miko Laidlaw, an MSU professor who grew up in Japan, will share her immigrant experience in a free lecture and art exhibit at Ostrander Auditorium in Centennial Student Union at 7 p.m.—she plans to explain how her background has shaped her art and teaching. Mankato Free Press
- ➤ Minnesota State University, Mankato named Amy Cooney as vice president for university advancement and Joe Kmiech as vice president for technology and chief information officer after national searches. Cooney will start on April 1 and Kmiech will begin on July 1 following their appointment announcement by University President Edward Inch on Friday. KEYC
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ In 1857 St. Peter nearly became Minnesota's capital when a bill passed the territorial legislature until Joe Rolette delayed its processing, leading to St. Paul being chosen instead. Local legislators Erica Schwartz and Nick Frentz have proposed bills to honor St. Peter as the state's honorary capital. KEYC
- ➤ The Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety will launch a month-long campaign in April to cut distracted driving after 29 deaths and 137 injuries occurred last year. Officials will deploy safety vehicles equipped with cameras—helping officers spot dangerous driving—and use state grants to boost local enforcement. KEYC
SHOP NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Mankato.
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Minnesota State men's hockey team ended its season with 27 wins, 9 losses and 3 ties after a 2 to 1 loss in double overtime to Western Michigan in the NCAA Tournament. The team earned the MacNaughton Cup and Mason Cup and improved its win total by nine under second-year head coach Luke Strand—showing progress from last season. KEYC
-
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.
-
Bunny Breakfast Buffet
7 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Hilltop Hy-Vee Grocery Store — Kids eat free with adult entree — Enjoy a themed breakfast with an egg hunt and crafts on Easter Saturday.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

Stay Connected Anywhere with This Powerful Portable Charger
Never worry about dead batteries or missed calls again. This high-capacity, portable power bank is a game-changer for anyone who relies on their devices throughout the day. With the ability to charge up to five devices at once, it’s perfect for families, professionals, and travelers alike.
Its compact design makes it easy to carry, while its powerful output ensures your phone, tablet, earbuds, and more stay fully charged no matter where you are. Say goodbye to low-battery anxiety and hello to uninterrupted productivity.
Whether you’re commuting, on vacation, or working remotely, this charger is your ultimate power solution. Stay connected, stay powered, and never miss a moment.
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Mankato.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
In life, you need either inspiration or desperation.
~ Tony Robbins
About Daily Mankato
Welcome to the Daily Mankato, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Mankato, Minnesota community. If you like the Daily Mankato, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Mankato.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Mankato and across Minnesota. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Mankato
A free Mankato community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.

© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailymankato.com/sitemap