Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 8th of April.
Good morning, Mankato.
🏘️ Community
CADA announced that longtime executive director Jason Mack will step down on June 30 and assistant director Brittany Wojtowicz will become the new leader.
The nonprofit said its new service model will keep hub offices in Mankato, Waseca, New Ulm and Fairmont while closing offices in St. Peter, St. James and Blue Earth — a change meant to reduce overhead — and plans to boost community outreach.
Affordable housing developer Trellis Co. has secured funding and completed design work to break ground in December on a 40-unit supportive housing complex just west of downtown to help those facing homelessness in Mankato.
The three-story building will provide 14 studio apartments, 22 one-bedroom units, and four two-bedroom units—plus community and support services—with construction expected to take one year and the project set to open in quarter four 2026.
🚨 Crime
North Mankato officers responded just after (5:15 a.m.) Saturday to report an unresponsive man at Colony Court Apartments and found Matthew J Holbrook (34) who died despite CPR and NARCAN as the Ramsey County Medical Examiner will determine his cause of death while the Minnesota River Valley Drug Task Force continues its investigation.
North Mankato police are investigating the death of a 34-year-old man (Matthew Holbrook) found unconscious at Colony Court Apartments on Saturday morning after CPR and NARCAN were administered and paramedics declared him dead, with an autopsy set to determine the cause.
North Mankato police are investigating the death of 34-year-old Matthew J.
Holbrook—pronounced dead after CPR and NARCAN were given—at 1634 Colony Court Apartments on Saturday morning at 5:17 a.m. after a call reported he was not breathing and the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an autopsy.
🎓 Education
The School Board approved bids on Monday for a $921,490 tennis court project at Dakota Meadows Middle School that will serve West High tennis until its own courts are redone—construction will begin in a few weeks and finish before summer practices, while a $196,592 bid was also approved to reconstruct playgrounds at Washington and Kennedy elementary schools with work starting this summer and completed before classes resume.
The Mankato School Board approved changes to the 2025-2026 calendar Monday evening to allow more summer time in 2026 for bond and HVAC construction—schools will start the week of Aug.
25 and end earlier in May. School officials said the new schedule will help accommodate the planned projects while ensuring families keep their summer plans.
🏛️ Government
Tornado drills are scheduled statewide for Thursday as part of Severe Weather Week to help residents review emergency procedures — outdoor warning sirens and NOAA weather radios will sound at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.
The federal government asked a judge to dismiss a University of Minnesota student's petition to be released from ICE jail—saying the court should not review the agency's decision.
Judge Douglas Micko ordered the government to explain his detention and a bond hearing is set for today.
Work will begin this Friday on Highway 22 between Mankato and St. Peter as part of a two-year project to add turning and passing lanes, build a roundabout at Hill Street and reconstruct bridges—traffic will be detoured via Highways 14 and 169.
The road will open temporarily during the winter while construction continues through the end of 2026.
🎉 Mankato Events
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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.
Power to Choose: K-12 Education Expo
5-7:30 p.m. — Mankato Family YMCA — Free entry — Discover educational options in the greater Mankato area and engage with local representatives.
Loyola-Cleveland Invitational
Starting all day — Myers Field House — Check website for entry fees — Compete in a vibrant track and field atmosphere.
Trivia Night at Pub 500
7:30-10:00 p.m. — Pub 500 — $2 grab bottles and tap specials — Test your trivia skills while enjoying tasty deals on drinks.
Turn Turn Turn
8-9 p.m. — Hooligans — Ticket info not specified — Enjoy harmonies of 60s and 70s country, folk, and pop with this original Americana band.
🏠 Mankato Real Estate
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💼 Mankato Job Board
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📣 Mankato Announcements
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