Good morning, Mankato.

KMSU begins its 10-day spring pledge drive today as hosts Shyboy Tim and Shelley Pierce kick off on-air events including a 24-hour broadcast to boost listener support at the station.

Local community members are invited to pledge online by May 1.

Hundreds attended Project Community Connect at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center on Tuesday.

The event offered more than 90 local service providers free haircuts, hygiene supplies, childcare, and transit support to low-income residents.

Civic Center Plaza will host free Songs on the Lawn concerts on Thursdays in June from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The concerts feature bands on June 4, 11, 18, and 25, including Everett Smithson Band, Murphy Brothers, Fattenin’ Frogs, and The Federales, presented by Xcel Energy + food vendors.

Several local businesses are shifting locations and ownership as Mankato retailers adjust to a changing market.

Keepers RV Center transitioned to new owners on April 1, Mommy+Me Co. relocated on Jan. 1, and Seoul Foods plans to expand at Bridge Plaza, while a few stores have closed amid spring shifts.

A 15-year-old Garden City girl, reported missing at 11 p.m. Sunday, was found safe with relatives in Northfield Tuesday, according to Blue Earth County Capt. Paul Barta.

Homebot Robotics, a nonprofit team for local middle, high school and homeschool students, is raising $4,000 to meet its $12,000 funding goal before leaving Friday, Apr.

24 for the VEX Middle School World Championship in St. Louis starting Saturday, Apr. 25. Head coach Jodi Mansfield said the team is excited for its first trip to worlds.

Blue Earth County Master Gardeners hosted the Spring Alive event where turf expert Jon Trappe from University of Minnesota Extension offered advice on lawn care, mowing, and weed control.

Attendees received tips & sessions, and a plant sale is planned for May 16.

Mankato Clinic’s Dr. Richard Peller says that as the state works to reduce Hepatitis by 90 percent by 2030, increasing immunization for types A+B and outreach to at-risk groups is vital.

He adds that early testing when symptoms appear can help prevent serious liver damage.

East softball beat West 3-0 at Caswell Softball Complex and will return home tomorrow to face Northfield while West plays at home against Albert Lea.

Mankato East beat Mankato West 6-2 at ISG Field on Tuesday, and the Cougars will play in Northfield Friday while the Scarlets face a game in Albert Lea Thursday.