Good morning, Mankato.

The YWCA of Mankato will soon leave its Shared Spaces office and move to a renovated collaborative area at Christ the King Church to support its growing programs—this new space offers natural light and a garden area for programming.

Executive Director Ceceli Bidelman said the move responds to the need for more room to host larger events and new initiatives.

Songs on the Lawn returns for its 22nd year downtown Mankato each Thursday in June with free admission and vendor food from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The lineup includes Loose Gravel on June 5 + The Federales on June 12, Gentlemen’s Anti Temperance League on June 19, and Joyann Parker Band on June 26.

A crew washed the bed of the Mankato Tourtellotte Pool Tuesday to prepare for its seasonal opening on May 30—North Mankato's Spring Lake Park swim facility will open the same day with limited hours.

Mapleton recently broke ground on a new childcare facility for 12 children that will open early this fall—city leaders say its small size helps keep costs down and allows for expansion if needed.

In Mankato, a Patience N Bubbles daycare will soon offer 66 new spots to help ease the ongoing shortage of childcare options.

A new workforce summit titled 'Unlocking Solutions for Modern Work Challenges' will take place on May 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato—hosted by Greater Mankato Growth and Region Nine Development Commission; the event will feature keynote speaker Jimmi Langemo and panel talks on workforce diversity.

During an emotional murder plea hearing in Mankato on Wednesday, 18 year old Guenther Boone Jr. pleaded guilty to second degree murder of Darious Johnson in a Dec.21 shooting on Walnut Street + his mother Tanya Townsend and the victim’s widow Kira Johnson embraced outside the courtroom as he awaits sentencing in August.

Head Start remains funded for now—lawmakers face pressure to protect the program from cuts that could impact 336 local children and hundreds of families across nine counties.

Parent Mari Blesi, who has two enrolled kids, said the free preschool and health services help families meet basic needs—especially as many rely on the program for daytime care while they work.

On Wednesday night, MSU held a ceremony that celebrated international students and recognized their role in building a welcoming community—speakers shared their personal challenges and hopes for a brighter future.

The event honored academic success and cultural diversity on campus.

The Mankato/North Mankato Area Planning Organization is working with the City of North Mankato to study Lee Boulevard from Lookout Drive to Belgrade Avenue, asking residents for input on flood mitigation, traffic flow, intersection safety, and bike and pedestrian activity (community feedback is being collected) (responses will influence study recommendations).

St. James Area softball star Laney Bowers has tallied many strikeouts during her junior season and was named Prep Athlete of the Week (KEYC) for her outstanding play (reported May 7th).

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.

Mankato MoonDogs vs St. Cloud Rox Baseball Game

6:35-10:35 p.m. — ISG Field — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of local baseball action while supporting a charitable cause.

St Cloud Rox vs Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Game

6:35-8:05 p.m. — ISG Field — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an exciting baseball game between local teams under the summer sky.

Minnesota 52 Hike Challenge - National Trails Day Group Hike

10 AM – 1 PM — Minneopa State Park — $7 parking/admission — Celebrate National Trails Day with a fun group hike featuring bison education and trivia.