Good morning, Mankato.

Hilltop Florist and Greenhouse, a longtime business in Mankato dating back to 1880, announced on Facebook it will start a closing sale on Monday, May 5.

The owners plan to retire and spend more time with their grandkids while they explore ways to keep the Garden Hill Olive Oil Company — marking the end of a storied era.

Josh Madson, a celebrated local artist from Mankato, will showcase his Community Collage exhibit at Ulm Sweet Ulm in New Ulm starting May 5 and running into mid-June.

The free drop-in event on May 5 from 5:30—7 p.m. will let visitors talk with him and view hundreds of portraits taken during a three-day shoot in Mankato.

Kohlmeyer Hagen Law launched an Educator of the Year Award to honor outstanding educators in the Mankato school district — the award offers a $500 cash prize, recognition and an honor — with nominations accepted until May 15.

The city of Mankato finished a study of the Hilltop area between Madison Avenue, Main Street, and Victory Drive—which includes the Mayo Clinic and Bethany Lutheran College—after holding an open house on Tuesday to present data on traffic and parks.

A formal improvement plan with ideas like better signage and extra sidewalks will be drafted and reviewed by City Council soon.

Drivers on westbound Highway 60 between Mountain Lake and Windom saw smoke from crews conducting a prescribed burn on April 30—MNDOT said lane closures and warning signs were in place as motorists approached the area.

Officials advised that there was no need to call the fire department when observing the controlled burn.

Today, law enforcement agencies across Minnesota are ramping up patrols to target speeding and distracted driving—this effort by the Department of Public Safety follows 479 road deaths last year and focuses on high-risk areas ahead of the busy summer season.

The Mankato City Council passed a vehicle noise ordinance Monday that bans loud engine-retarder brakes on public roads and parking lots to reduce truck noise.

The ordinance will be sent to the state along with a request to install Vehicle Noise Laws Enforced signs along Highway 22 (costing roughly $3,000), and city police may issue citations if they observe violations.

Dr. Marijo Botten, completing her residency at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato, has been named Family Medicine Resident of the Year by the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians—she led projects like developing women’s health curricula and creating Little Free Libraries to improve access to mental health resources.

Minnesota State’s men’s and women's track teams finished first at the Maverick Open #1 in Mankato.

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.

Cake Concert

8-11 p.m. — Vetter Stone Amphitheater — Tickets start at $43 — Alternative rock band CAKE promises a high-energy show that fans won’t want to miss.