Good morning, Mankato.

Connections Shelter in Mankato will close its overnight shelter this weekend, reopening in October—its service is now at full capacity with over 300 on the waiting list, and remaining guests must find temporary housing.

The shelter will continue its daytime support until 3 p.m. at the Drop-In center during the summer.

Authorities charged Mankato man Anderson Thermidor with felony domestic assault by strangulation, gross misdemeanor interruption of an emergency call, and misdemeanor domestic assault after he allegedly choked and kicked a woman who was hospitalized on April 19th—warrants are out for his arrest after he missed a court appearance in a separate domestic assault case.

Aquan Kaishaid Laurence Thornton, 23, was sentenced by Blue Earth County District Court on Monday after receiving probation and credit for 24 days served for a 2024 fifth-degree assault misdemeanor—other charges for burglary, domestic assault, threats of violence and firearm possession without a permit were dismissed—and he will serve 66 additional days during his one-year supervised probation following a complaint that he threatened a woman at her residence.

Mankato man Guenther Boone Jr. entered a plea of guilty to second-degree murder for a December shooting today—he is scheduled to appear in court again on May 7.

South Central College said an international student's visa was reinstated Friday after it was revoked earlier this month, and eight of 12 Minnesota State University students had their records restored last week + federal actions helped reinstate their legal status.

Mankato Area Public Schools Community Education will honor 2025 Spirit of Youth Awards recipients next month during an awards ceremony at 6 p.m. May 28 in Lincoln Auditorium at 110 Fulton St. The MAPS Community Education Advisory Council selects winners who create positive change—youth honorees include Daksh Patel, Evan Harodecki, Laura Mohapatra, Evie Bottner, Ansh Mohapatra and Lydia Banse while adult honorees are Ashley Hawker and Sarah Thursby, and the public is invited to attend.

An independent auditor found that Mankato police were complying with state law and local policy on bodycam use after reviewing 132 calls over a two-year period— the audit recommended formalizing regular supervisory reviews.

Public Safety Director Jeremy Clifton presented the report at Monday night's City Council meeting, where officials also discussed proposals for additional public safety technology enhancements.

City Manager Susan Arntz reported nearly $1 million in expenses was omitted from the budget for the Riverfront Drive project in Old Town, causing the final cost to exceed estimates by 18%.

The city has hired an outside investigator to examine unauthorized purchases and process flaws — auditors and staff retraining are underway while officials affirm no misappropriation has occurred.

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.

AKDC Scorpio Rising Tour - Mankato Show

7-8 p.m. — Carnegie Art Center — Suggested donation — Experience a blend of heavy metal and jazz fusion with Aaron Kerr’s Dissonant Creatures' album release tour.

Women of Kato Series 4 Featuring Local Musicians

5-8 p.m. — NaKato Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy acoustic performances from four talented women artists in a collaborative music series.

Southern Minnesota Real Big Band and Nintentones Concert

7-9 p.m. — Bethany Lutheran College Theatre — $10 Adult, $5 Student — Experience an evening of jazz with the Southern Minnesota Real Big Band and featured artist Hanna Cesario.

Bismarck Larks vs. Mankato MoonDogs

6:35 PM — ISG Field — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a thrilling live baseball game under the stars.

Badlands Big Sticks vs Mankato MoonDogs

6:35 p.m. — ISG Field — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a thrilling baseball matchup while supporting a great cause.