Good morning, Mankato.

At Minneopa State Park, park manager Ashley Steevens said 10 new bison calves are expected this spring after 5 have already been born to raise the herd to 33.

Visitor Carol Bator captured one calf on Friday before the range closed (8:30 p.m.), and families joined educational sessions led by bison ambassador Tim Pulis on Saturday.

Chloe Taber said she lost hope for justice after a man broke into her west Mankato home and sexually assaulted her on Sept.

18, 2015 when she was 14—police later used DNA to link suspect Lazarous Lazaro Thomas to the attack, and he will be sentenced on June 2.

At 6 p.m. Tuesday, best-selling author and former defense attorney Allen Eskens will speak at the Blue Earth County Historical Society's History Center at 424 Warren St — part of the Free Press Knowledge and Lecture Series where he will explain his 10 bestsellers and writing process. Eskens closed his law practice in 2017 to focus on mystery thrillers.

South Central College is holding its commencement ceremony for North Mankato and Faribault campuses at 4 p.m. Thursday at Bresnan Arena at Minnesota State University's Taylor Center.

Jen Worth will deliver the commencement address — Kathy Sheran, Chris Richter, and Carolin Mueller will also speak as the college honors fall, spring, and summer graduates.

Critical fire weather conditions are expected across the region today and into midweek due to warm, dry, and windy weather — officials have issued a Fire Weather Watch and urged residents to avoid outdoor burning and any spark-producing activities to prevent wildfires.

CenterPoint Energy will begin gas line repairs on North Riverfront Drive on Monday and expects to finish by Friday to fix a detected gas leak (a temporary fix was already done), with parts of the parking lane and the alley closed while nearby businesses remain accessible through the south-alley entrance.

Mankato city leaders debated expanding public safety camera systems, including joining the Flock network, at a recent council meeting as residents voiced strong privacy concerns while officials outlined strict oversight measures.

The council will decide on the proposal next month with an estimated cost of $130,000 financed by special public safety aid — aiming to balance security and civil liberties.

Residents in Mankato questioned why tornado sirens sound across the county even when storms pose a threat only to the south, and officials from the Blue Earth County sheriff's office said the sirens are activated automatically based on National Weather Service warnings.

County experts explained that dividing the county for warnings is not viable—rapidly shifting storms and busy dispatchers make it necessary to sound the entire system.

Mankato West defeated New Ulm 9-2 on Saturday, May 10 with Jayden Knutson making three outfield assists (boosting the Scarlets to a 10-3 record) and the team will play Monday at Northfield at 5:00 p.m.

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.

Alison Krauss & Union Station Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Vetter Stone Amphitheater — Tickets available soon — Experience a special evening with twenty-seven-time Grammy winner Alison Krauss and her band on their first tour in a decade.