Good morning, Mankato.

VINE in Mankato broke ground on a $3-million renovation project that will update the facility from the fifth floor down to include new locker rooms, a remodeled front entry, and extra parking.

Jim and Jennie Ward funded the work while the center continues its programs — local support from leaders like Mayor Najwa Massad helped secure the project, which is set to finish by year-end.

Parents in Mankato can still sign up for youth summer activities at the Children’s Museum, Mankato Family YMCA, Mankato Community Education and WOW!

Zone — with camps starting June 10, flexible week-by-week programs and bowling events beginning May 18. These programs serve children from pre-K to 12th grade while some sessions fill up quickly and scholarship funds for day camps are limited — so families should register soon.

A St. Cloud-based restaurant is set to open in Mankato in the former Bonfire location next to the Country Inn and Suites and will offer steaks & rotisserie chicken, wood-fired pizza and more.

Mankato spa owner Emily Giddings was named the South Central College 2025 Outstanding Alumni Award recipient after earning degrees from SCC and Minnesota State University, and she opened Giddie Skin Medspa in 2018 with team members who are also SCC graduates.

United Way and the Olseth Family Foundation delivered over 1,600 copies of Shel Silverstein’s 'Where the Sidewalk Ends' to fourth graders in Blue Earth, Le Sueur, Nicollet and Waseca counties at Hoover Elementary — local police and fire department representatives talked about summer safety. The organizers plan to mark their 10th year next school year by inviting former recipients to help celebrate the program.

Mankato West boys tennis team hosted Mankato East Tuesday in the Section 2AA tournament and won 6-1.

The victory boosts their season as the team looks to advance in the competition.

The Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial Knights beat the Maple River Eagles in a doubleheader Tuesday evening+winning the 9-0 and 3-0 games to claim the South Central Conference softball title.

Nettie Parsons struck out 14 batters and the team improved to an 18-1 record.

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.

Minot Honeybees vs. Mankato Habaneros Doubleheader

5:05-8:05 p.m. — ISG Field — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting doubleheader featuring the Minot Honeybees taking on the Mankato Habaneros.