Good morning, Mankato.

North Mankato is welcoming artist proposals (as part of CityArt in the Alley) for a new outdoor mural on the wall of NaKato Bar & Grill; proposals are due by Wednesday and the chosen artist or team will receive a $6,250 commission with a launch on May 31 and installation through July 18.

In March, Minnesota’s unemployment rate held at 4.5% while the Mankato-North Mankato area reported just over 58,000 nonfarm jobs — a slight rise from February with private sector gains largely flat.

Regular unleaded averaged $4.099 at multiple Mankato stations Thursday, reaching its highest level in nearly four years after a standoff lasting 61 days in the Middle East disrupted oil shipments — diesel prices are also near record highs, affecting truckers and farmers.

Gas prices in the Mankato area have risen to about $4.09 per gallon after increasing 21 cents over the past week — the largest weekly jump since March and the highest rate seen locally in nearly four years.

South Central College held its State of the College event on Thursday, April 30, where community partners learned about new programs such as an evening welding cohort, a manufacturing partnership for neurodivergent students, and plans for a lab and community clinic to broaden hands-on experiences.

South Central College held its first state of the college event in Heritage Hall Thursday (a months-long planning effort) where President Raju detailed a new AI advising pilot and a worker pipeline with Taylor Corp to fill industry gaps.

Connections Shelter received more than $130,000 from the county and city Housing Trust Fund to stay open year-round through this year—shelter leaders plan to raise $200,000 for future sustainability.

Mankato officials announced a new advertising plan for recreation facilities that offers over 700 billboard spots on tennis courts, pickleball courts, and ballfields; the city expects to generate more than $380,000 annually from three-year ad commitments starting immediately.

Crews removed lights and signage from Veterans’ Memorial Bridge since its February closure and are removing concrete over Minnesota River as part of an upgrade that will add dual turn lanes, ADA sidewalks, signal lights and improved drainage.

The detour remains through late this year with work planned for 2027.

A section of Third Avenue, from the eastbound lanes of Highway 14's exit to Chestnut Street, will close for about four weeks starting Monday as Centerpoint Energy crews begin work; Riverfront Drive (recommended as a detour) is advised.

Mankato East softball played at Caswell Park on Thursday and lost to Northfield 12-8.

The Cougars later beat Rochester Mayo 9-4 and will play at Rochester John-Marshall on Monday.

The Mankato boys lacrosse team defeated Northfield 5-1 on Thursday night at home, marking a strong game for local fans.

Brit Floyd - Pink Floyd Tribute

8-9:30 p.m. — Vetter Stone Amphitheater — Tickets required — Experience the world's premier Pink Floyd tribute in a celebration of iconic rock albums.