Thursday, June 19th, 2025

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Good morning, Mankato. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of June.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Blue Earth County Historical Society has rescheduled its program 'Remembering the Rapidan Dam: One Year Later' to 1 p.m. June 28 at BECHS' History Center in Mankato where photo historian Rick Pepper will present details about the landmark dam that was heavily damaged by last summer's flooding — admission is $10 for adults, $5 for youths aged 5 to 17, and $8 for seniors with free access for members. Mankato Free Press
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Two drivers were injured Tuesday afternoon when a 2024 Nissan Versa driven by Carter James Haala from New Ulm collided with a 2007 Ford F150 driven by Parick Aloys Hoffmann from Sleepy Eye near Essig in Brown County—both were treated for minor injuries at New Ulm Medical Center. Mankato Free Press
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ On Wednesday, a topping out ceremony marked the progress at Walmart's distribution center east of Mankato, as workers installed the final steel beam 10 days ahead of schedule — a milestone in the $24 million expansion that will boost capacity for 112 stores. The expanded refrigerated facility, spanning over 500,000 square feet, will complete its shell in the coming months with a planned fall opening in fall 2027. Mankato Free Press
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Mankato’s Minnesota State University launched a week-long robotics workshop for high school and college students that uses the Experimental Robotics Platform with support from Nidec, Thin Film Technologies, and DigiKey to provide a real-world taste of engineering. The program aims to boost STEM education in rural schools — a move designed to spark early interest in engineering and may lead to integrating the curriculum into local high school programs — by addressing critical gaps in access and resources. Mankato Free Press
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Earlier this month, state lawmakers passed a compromise bill that extended a 35-year tax break for data centers while adding rules requiring developers to report water use—officials say the new measures aim to protect local water supplies and energy customers. Some environmental groups and legislators say the bill does not go far enough in enforcing full reviews and strict conservation practices, and they worry the changes may affect future data center growth. Mankato Free Press
- ➤ Representatives from the Minnesota Department of Transportation will hold an open house at Lafayette Town Hall at 57738 Fort Road Tuesday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. to discuss plans for two roundabouts to be built in 2026 at Highway 15 and Highway 111 intersections—funded by the High Risk Rural Roads program. Mankato Free Press
- ➤ MAPO opened a 30-day comment period on its Transportation Improvement Plan from 2026 to 2029 which covers projects such as a bike and walking trail in Eagle Lake, rehabilitation of Veterans Memorial Bridge, and roadway improvements on Highway 169, and comments can be submitted until July 18. An open house will be held on June 26 from 4—6 p.m. at the Intergovernmental Center in Mankato—providing additional project details. KEYC
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Mayo Clinic Health System opened its new sports medicine clinic at The Pond on Madison and will hold an open house today from 3-6 p.m. The event—featuring athlete meet-and-greets, raffle giveaways and facility tours—will showcase comprehensive sports treatments and include appearances by former Minnesota Viking Adam Thielen, former Wild player Ryan Carter and local MSU athletes. Mankato Free Press
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Coaches in North Mankato youth sports have quit after facing strong criticism from parents about playing time and coaching decisions—Mankato United Soccer now has a new code of conduct and the Minnesota State High School Coaches Association will soon release data on the growing pressure. The changes aim to protect coaches and ensure a better experience for the kids. Mankato Free Press
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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La Crosse Steam vs. Mankato Habaneros Doubleheader
3:05 – 4:35 PM — ISG Field — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a thrilling doubleheader between local favorites as they hit the diamond.
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La Crosse Steam vs. Mankato Habaneros
6:35-8:05 p.m. — ISG Field — Ticket sales may vary — Experience a thrilling baseball showdown while supporting a charitable cause.
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La Crosse Steam vs Mankato Habaneros Game
6:35-8:05 p.m. — ISG Field — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a lively baseball match with proceeds benefiting a great cause.
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Wynonna Judd Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Vetter Stone Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of powerful country music with Wynonna Judd.
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