Good morning, Mankato.

On Easter morning, families in Mankato, North Mankato, Eagle Lake, St. Peter and Cleveland will wake to find eggs hidden by volunteers from Mending Spirits Animal Rescue during its second annual Egg My Yard fundraiser — an event that supports the Help Them Heal Program for special needs animals.

Starting next month, the Mankato Free Press will print one combined weekend edition called Free Press Weekender beginning Saturday, May 9.

The new edition merges Saturday and Sunday papers with the same content and ad inserts.

Keepers RV Center now has new owners as retiring Lisa May stays on to help Tyler Deike and Kile Hesse with the transition.

An open house will be held from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on April 9 and 10 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 11 at the rural location (19989 584th Ave).

The Blue Earth County History Center now features Mankato collector Wally Boyer’s Star Wars memorabilia display as part of the TOYS! exhibit.

Boyer will share his collection’s story Saturday, April 24 at 11 a.m. while visitors enjoy the limited-time display.

Mankato Area Public Schools’ four-year graduation rate reached 85.4% in 2025 from a low in 2023, and officials highlighted early intervention programs & improved support as key to the improvement while noting that gaps among racial groups still need to be closed.

Statewide efforts like the READ Act are also aiding progress.

Southern Minnesota School of Music announced it needs $25,000 by Sunday, Apr.

6 to keep paying teachers and avoid shutting down by month’s end. Donations can be made as checks at its main address, 110 S Broad St.

Front Street Plaza LLC was approved for $1.16 million in grant funding to clear the old Walgreens site for a project that will include 150 apartments, a 35,000 sqft office, a parking ramp, and retail space.

Zoning review is set for later this April with construction to start late summer.

A DEED grant of $1.16 million supports downtown Front Street Place on a 2.57-acre block, funding soil stabilization and public infrastructure.

The redevelopment will build a five-story office, a six-story mixed-use building with 150 apartments and retail space and create 45 jobs but still requires municipal permits and public subsidies.

The Minnesota State softball team split a doubleheader Thursday at the Mavericks All-Sports Dome, with the Mavericks winning 9-1 and the Mustangs taking 3-1.

The Mavericks are set to face Sioux Falls in a doubleheader today — game one starts at 2:00 p.m.

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.