Good morning, Mankato.

On Friday afternoon, the Mankato Area Lifelong Learners celebrated 30 years of meetings at Pioneer Bank by bringing together current members and past founders for talks and history lessons.

President Barbara Keating led the event while former founder Al Wartman (aged 90) and James Fleming presented on the Dakota Wars, drawing about 80 people (nearly one third of 220 members).

A 24-year-old man was wounded by a gunshot at a Mankato apartment complex on South Victory Drive Thursday night around 11:26 p.m.—officers said the victim, treated at Mayo Clinic Health System, was targeted as building damage was found and investigators urge anyone with information to call 911.

The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota reopened its Butterfly House for the summer—kids and caregivers watched native monarchs fly and learn about the butterfly life cycle after a Thursday ribbon cutting.

The exhibit will run through September and lets children experience live caterpillars, chrysalises and butterflies up close.

At the Minnesota River Congress in the Kato Ballroom, hydraulic engineer Rachel Pichelmann and Sen. Nick Frentz stressed a shift to forward-thinking designs and new water use rules for data centers to address rising flood trends—voices like Joseph Barisonzi urged collective action with fresh revenue models for river cleaning. The preliminary vote on continuing water-storage solutions will be revealed next week.

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.

Minot Hot Tots vs. Mankato MoonDogs

6:35-8:05 p.m. — ISG Field — Ticket prices vary — Catch the Minot Hot Tots take on the Mankato MoonDogs in a thrilling live baseball showdown.

Throwback Punk Rock Night

8-11:30 p.m. — NaKato Bar & Grill — $10 — Enjoy an epic night featuring local punk rock legends reuniting for a tribute to their musical roots.