Good morning, Mankato.

Mankato’s newly renovated Tourtellotte Pool opened for the season Friday, May 30th—featuring a water slide, zero-entry area, diving well with three boards, and an Olympic lap pool with eight lanes with accessible access; daily admission is $5 for ages five and up.

Kelly Delacruz and Robert Shaw have fostered 11 children over three years — caring for a teen now in their New Richland home.

Foster care supervisor Candy Picka said the Mankato area faces a shortage of foster homes and more families willing to host sibling groups and teens are needed — referrals come in nearly every day.

After over 30 years at River Hills Mall, John and Najwa Massad turned over Massad’s Grille to S&E Ramos LLC—letting the family focus on building an automated schwarma broiler—and will bring their signature food to new markets while still serving local events.

Mankato Area Public Schools began summer construction on Mankato West now that many students have finished classes; contractors will start heavy work this Thursday after school.

The district is also upgrading elementary school entrances using 2023 bonding funds — a move that tightens the schedule for a full upgrade before fall begins.

Area residents are concerned that traffic and local wildlife may conflict — the Department of Natural Resources will provide further insight tomorrow, June 1st.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued an air quality alert Friday due to wildfire smoke from Canada that will remain in effect until 6 p.m. Monday.

Forecasts say northern Minnesota will experience red AQI levels while residents in central areas including Mankato should limit outdoor activities—monitor air quality reports for updates.

The 152-year-old Kern Bridge has been kept in shipping containers nearly 11 months after the city council gave the green light to an $8.3 million project and will be reassembled as a pedestrian link between Sibley and Land of Memories parks by fall 2026—interim Public Works Director Karl Keel said contractor bids are expected mid-summer with work starting this fall. This project, funded largely by federal and state aid along with local sales tax, will add an important trail connection for bikers and hikers in Mankato.

Mankato Transit suspended three bus routes serving Minnesota State University for the summer while Route 1 runs weekdays from 7 a.m. — 6 p.m.; the transit system also upgraded its buses with an automated voice announcement system and digital displays as part of a $350,000 technology upgrade.

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.

Badlands Big Sticks vs. Mankato MoonDogs

6:35-8:05 p.m. — ISG Field — Ticket prices vary — Catch the thrilling baseball showdown live in Mankato.

2025 American Indian Summer Camp

Jun 15-18 — Preska Residence Community — Free entry — Engage in cultural learning and college preparation activities designed for American Indian high school students.

Wausau Softball vs Mankato Habaneros

6:35-8:05 p.m. — ISG Field — Tickets available — Catch the Wausau Softball team face off against the Mankato Habaneros in a lively game at ISG Field.

Mankato Habaneros vs. Wausau Softball Match

6:35-8:05 p.m. — ISG Field — Ticket pricing varies — Catch an exciting softball showdown between the Habaneros and Wausau.

Monthly Meetup - GitOps and GitHub Actions

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Mogwai Collaborative — Free entry — Engage in hands-on workshops on web development and cybersecurity for software enthusiasts.