Good morning, Mankato.

Old Town Vintage at 117 E Washington St now attracts both high school and college buyers after co-owners Jameson Sweiger and Zach Standley offered 25% off vintage shirts and extended hours, boosting local interest — a strategy that follows a recent city-approved block party which energized community support and allowed the store to hire new part-time help for the summer.

On May 8, the Women of Kato group—featuring Stacy K, Kara Karels, Michelle Roche, and Lara Marttini—performed at Nakato bar and grill as part of their ongoing series.

They will hold their first festival from September 19 to 21, with Sunday the 21 serving as the main event.

South Central College President Annette Parker held her retirement party where students, faculty, and family celebrated her work and the inspiring starfish tradition she started—she led SCC for 12 years and built strong community ties.

Ritu Raju is set to become the new president on July 1.

On Thursday night, seniors from Mankato West and East walked across the stage at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center to receive their diplomas—marking the end of their high school years.

Mankato Central held its ceremony on Wednesday to honor its graduates.

Mankato officials announced downtown traffic changes for the Hotel Mankato Project as crews will begin relocating electrical utilities at 8 a.m. Monday, June 9.

Walnut Street will become one-way from North Second Street to Riverfront Drive+ the alley behind The Flask and The Loose Moose+ and its parking lot will be closed, affecting access until July 4.

Blue Earth County officials said a junkyard in South Bend Township expanded beyond its allowed residential limits by storing extra vehicles and vegetation.

The county denied a map amendment request — it now awaits follow-up action from the property owners.

Thad Shunkwiler, founder of the Center for Rural Behavioral Health and licensed clinician, will give a talk on rural health delivery at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Free Press Media office at 418 S.

Second St.—no registration is required.

Public tours of new affordable homes will be held Monday from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at 3109 Noble Drive in Mankato & Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership is hosting the event to provide homeownership details while no bids will be accepted.

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.

Eau Claire Express at Mankato MoonDogs

6:35-8:05 p.m. — ISG Field — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a thrilling baseball matchup while supporting a charitable cause.

BECHS History Book Club Spring Series

1-2 p.m. — Blue Earth County Historical Society — $50 — Explore the story of the Knights and the Ho-Chunk in a guided book discussion on local history.

Rigid Styrofoam™ Recycling Event

10 a.m. — Kato Moving & Storage Company — Free entry — Recycle your Styrofoam™ and learn about waste reduction initiatives while helping the environment.