Good morning, Mankato.

Kiwanis Camp Patterson representatives launched a $1.3 million capital-fundraising campaign this week to support major facility upgrades at the youth camp near Lake Washington.

The campaign features a $500,000 matching grant from The Taylor Foundation — which doubles donations — and will fund a new shower and restroom facility, covered pavilion and modern counselor bunkhouse, with construction set to begin in 2026 ahead of the camp’s 100th anniversary in 2027.

A police chase that began Saturday night north of Mankato ended with three charges for driver Trya Blackman—fleeing a peace officer, driving recklessly over 100 mph, and linked to a Scheels shoplifting incident—for operating a rental SUV tied to suspect Jakhyia Davis.

A new law enforcement facility for the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension in Mankato received $67 million from a Bonding Bill to build a headquarters next to the Blue Earth County Justice Center — the largest local project funded under the bill.

Officials said the facility will speed up investigations by cutting the need to send evidence to Twin Cities labs — construction is expected to begin this fall.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation will hold a public discussion Monday from 4:30 to 6 at the St. Peter Community Center where officials will explain plans to resurface 12 miles of Highway 22 from Nicollet County Road 20 to Highway 111.

The project includes adding a right-turn lane, upgrading lights, and repairing culverts — construction will begin mid-July and continue through mid-October — with traffic detoured to Highway 111 and County Road 15.

State lawmakers passed an energy bill that uses a new tool to help gas companies share costs during extreme weather and to keep energy bills low for low-income households.

The bonding bill also cleared plans for a new BCA crime lab north of the Blue Earth County Justice Center — the lab is expected to add 150 jobs.

North Mankato Fire Department received a $10,000 grant from Proper No. Twelve’s One For All foundation — the funds will be used to buy extra turnout gear so firefighters do not go out of service during cleaning.

The additional gear will let crews quickly swap equipment for continuous response.

Area athletes competed in the Class A and AA State Track and Field Championships on June 11, and Redwood Valley’s boys team finished first with 70 points — the JWP girls team claimed first place with 41 points.

The Mankato East baseball team beat Stewartville 8-2 in the Class AAA quarterfinals on Wednesday – the team will face Delano today at 11:30 a.m. at the Mini Met in Jordan.

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.

Minot Hot Tots vs Mankato MoonDogs

6:35-8:05 p.m. — ISG Field — Ticket proceeds support a local cause — Cheer on the local Mankato MoonDogs as they take on the Minot Hot Tots in a thrilling baseball matchup.