Good morning, Mankato.

American Legion Post 518 will fly a flag in May at Wheeler Park in lower North Mankato to honor veteran Major Leo K.

Thorsness, with a 10 a.m. gathering on May 2 launching a monthlong tribute.

On Friday night, hundreds gathered for a military procession honoring Captain Bianchi in New Ulm as his remains, identified 80 years after his death by forensic analysis (the WWII Medal of Honor recipient), arrived at the Seifert-Bianchi American Legion hall.

The 'Willibald Bianchi: Beyond the Call of Duty' exhibit opens Friday at the Brown County Historical Society Museum (2 N.

Broadway, New Ulm) where visitors can view military medals and rare film clips from the 1930s during free hours—5-7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 2.

Local writer Nell Musolf recalls how older appliances like her family's chest freezer lasted over 30 years while modern products face planned obsolescence.

She explains consumers' struggles with shorter lifespans and right-to-repair challenges (a key concern for Mankato shoppers) in a reflective commentary.