Good morning, Mankato.

Tom Polich works as the Region 9 Development Commission's first Food Rescue Coordinator in Mankato, redirecting good food from grocery stores to local food shelves.

So far he has rescued around 150,000 pounds+ $290,000 worth of groceries and plans to serve additional nonprofits.

Mankato’s historic Kern Bridge is being reassembled at Land of Memories Park to span the Blue Earth River this fall, reconnecting Sibley Park to the Minnesota River Trail, shipping containers of refreshed components are arriving soon + reassembly will take about four to six weeks.

Tourtellotte Pool is riding a wave of record crowds after 20,000 visitors last summer and is now offering new programs — such as YMCA swim lessons, Tot Time, Aqua Zumba, and a private pool party pass — to boost excitement this season.

The pool opened May 28 and runs until Sept. 7.

Greater Mankato Diversity Council will host its ninth Celebrate Juneteenth event on June 19 outside the civic center with a Freedom Walk from 2:30 to 3 p.m. and vendor booths, food trucks + free kids’ activities from 3 to 7 p.m. with up to 1,000 expected.

Anglers may fish without a license through Monday while the DNR pauses license sales for its new electronic system — all fishing regulations remain in effect; the pause coincides with Take a Kid Fishing Weekend from Friday to Sunday, offering families a chance to enjoy local fishing.

City leaders approved a policy last month to offer tax abatements for new or expanding projects in Mankato, aiming to support larger industrial, office, or affordable housing developments (the plan uses a detailed application with a 'but for' rule and scoring system to target eligible projects).

Tick season is underway and health experts from Mankato Clinic and the Minnesota Department of Health advise residents and pet owners to use EPA-registered repellents, tuck pants in boots, and check for ticks after outdoor time.

They recommend prompt tick removal (and treating clothing) to prevent illness.

Today, Mankato East faces Orono (10:30 a.m. at Caswell Park) and JCC plays St. Cloud Cathedral (1:00 p.m. at Caswell Park); on Friday, USC contests West Lutheran (5:30 p.m. at the University of Minnesota) while LCWM meets Visitation (3:00 p.m. at Jane Sage Cowles Stadium) in championship games.

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.