Good morning, Mankato.

An 82-year-old, identified as Gerald Orville Fredricks, died Monday afternoon in rural Mankato when he accidentally started his tractor while it was in gear on 570th Avenue in Lime Township Section 19—emergency crews tried to resuscitate him but were unsuccessful.

North Mankato woman Kelsey Jo Chatleain, 37, was sentenced to 60 days in jail on Tuesday after a drug sting that traced back to a November 2023 meth sale, with 37 days served and five years on probation—she faces another sentencing on April 15 in Nicollet County for additional drug charges.

On Tuesday, a 41-year-old man led a sheriff's deputy on a high-speed 14-minute chase near St. Clair before officers stopped him in a front yard in Pemberton and arrested him—no injuries were reported.

At Hosanna Lutheran Church in Mankato, over 950 youth and students painted a 10 ft by 12 ft mural of Jesus walking on water that was unveiled Tuesday.

Ken Bunde led the project as each participant painted a small square showing details like one disciple in the water guarded by a dolphin and 11 in a boat—each piece connecting them to the Bible story.

MSU Mankato reported that a student was detained by ICE last Friday — university president Edward Inch said the arrest hurt the campus community — and students shared worry on Monday.

ICE has not provided further details about the incident.

Officials from the Mankato/North Mankato Area Planning Organization, MnDOT, and local communities will host an open house on April 8 at the Eagle Lake American Legion (100 N.

3rd St.) to share potential improvements to Highway 14 between County Road 12 and Highway 60. The event will run from 5 to 7 p.m. with a formal presentation at 5:30 p.m.

Blue Earth County Elections Administrator Michael Stalberger testified today on bills that will set state ballot-processing rules in writing to match practices already used in Blue Earth County for handling absentee ballots and meeting application deadlines.

The measure, introduced by Rep. Brad Tabke and passed by the House Elections Committee in March, aims to standardize election procedures statewide.

Living Meadows in Madelia will expand its services by constructing a new state-of-the-art $7.5 million assisted living and memory care facility with 10 apartments and 14 secure memory care units—designed to meet the growing demand among baby boomers.

The project is in the pre-application phase for a USDA loan and will break ground once approvals are in place, which could take six to 18 months, according to administrator Tom Goeritz.

The Minnesota Twins and Gray Media have signed a multi-year deal to show 10 Tuesday night games starting Tuesday, April 15.

The games will air free on KEYC to bring over-the-air Twins baseball back for local fans for the first time since 1988.

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.

Bar Bingo

6 PM — Fraternal Order of Eagles — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of bingo with friends in a community atmosphere.

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare

Evening — Minnesota State University Theatre & Dance — Ticket prices Vary — Experience all 37 of Shakespeare's plays in a hilarious and fast-paced production.