Good morning, Mankato.

Three Brothers Meat Market is holding its soft opening today on Mapleton’s Main Street after starting last weekend — the family-run business gathers feedback to refine its specialty meats before a grand opening next month.

ARTifact - Paint Your Own Pottery Studio on Riverfront Drive in Mankato is set to close after 8½ years, with its final day for painting on Sunday, May 3 and reduced hours for pick-ups later in May.

New Horizon Academy opened its early learning center at 227 East Main St in downtown Mankato in February, preserving a vital child care option with 36 staff and updated facilities for kids aged 6 weeks to 5 years.

Officials said more improvements such as playground updates will soon add to the enhanced learning environment.

Mankato’s State of the City report for 2025 shows gains in single-family home construction, bus ridership, 311 calls, and events, while rental permits and recycling dropped and population grew slightly.

However, violent crimes rose 17% (from 110 to 129), which city manager Susan Arntz finds concerning.

With planting season close, experts at Drummers Garden Center and Floral in Mankato share advice for garden starters (urging patience until soil temperatures rise above 40°) before transplanting cole crops.

They suggest beginning cool-weather plants in mid-April and saving tomatoes and peppers for after Mother’s Day.

The Minnesota State football team is in the middle of its spring season with a scrimmage against Kearney on Apr.

11 + a purple and gold game scheduled for Apr. 18 as the team readies for competition.

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.