Good morning, Mankato.

Construction on Belgrade Avenue between Range and Wall enters phase two today, and local business owners say customers are adapting to detours while crews remain ahead of schedule.

The project is expected to complete mid-July with pedestrian access maintained.

Caswell Park in North Mankato hosts the annual high school softball tournament expected to draw tens of thousands, with about 15,000 visitors today and up to 40,000 over three days.

Local hotels and restaurants will benefit if the weather holds.

Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial softball team defeated Esko 9-0 on Tuesday in the state tournament opener as Nettie Parsons tossed a no-hitter (her standout effort), and the team will face St. Cloud Cathedral today at 4:30 in the state semifinals.

Defending state champion USC Rebels won 10-0 in five innings against Sebeka in Tuesday's Class A state softball tournament in North Mankato, and they will face Bold at 4:30 p.m. today in the state semifinals.

The Mankato East softball team lost 11-2 to Cretin-Derham Hall in the Class AAA state tournament Tuesday (the Cougars will face Simley in the consolation bracket today at 9:00 a.m.).

BENCHS Plant Sale

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society — Donations welcomed — Find beautiful plants while supporting animals in need.

Great Northern Viking Festival

3:30 p.m. — ISG Field — Cost info not provided — Celebrate Viking culture with music, storytelling, and delicious food.