Good morning, Mankato.

Connections Shelter plans to move its drop-in services from its cramped 1,500 square foot center at 800 S.

Front to a larger church building at 119 State St. that has over 7,000 square feet—staff said the nonprofit is discussing a zoning change with the city to better serve 30 to 50 daily visitors and community partners.

The Mankato Salvation Army — which normally runs a day shelter from 9 to 5 — is opening a cooling center at 700 South Riverfront Drive on Saturday and Sunday from 11 AM to 7 PM to offer relief from extreme heat and humidity, with access through door E.

Authorities in Mankato reported that Michael Miller, 28, who allegedly stabbed 34-year-old Dennis Vosika at a Kwik Trip on Madison Avenue on March 18, is incompetent to stand trial due to schizophrenia and intellectual disability and will be reevaluated every six months.

The Board of Trustees named David Jones interim president of Southwest Minnesota State University on Thursday—replacing Deb Kerkaert.

He brings over 30 years of education experience and served as vice president of student affairs at Minnesota State University since 2012—earning praise for his work leading strategic enrollment efforts.

Earlier this week, Minnesota State officials approved the largest tuition increase in nearly twenty years, with hikes from 4% to 8% across 33 campuses to close a $52 million budget gap.

At Minnesota State University, Mankato some students already feel the strain as the change in credit charging and other program adjustments add to rising cost worries.

Congressman Brad Finstad nominated four southern Minnesota students to U.S. service academies Thursday and all accepted their appointments; the nominees include Luke Sems of Pine Island High School, Ava Austin of Rochester Century High School, Jackson Ecker of Mankato East High School, and Greg Meidl of Mankato West High School. They will earn a four-year university education—while committing to serve in the military for at least five years after graduation.

Mayo Clinic Health System opened a new clinic in Mankato on Thursday, with Mayo Clinic Orthopedics and Sports Medicine now seeing patients at The Pond on Madison and two specialists on staff.

Leaders said the clinic will offer immediate care for sports injuries and strengthen local ties with sports + local college athletics.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wynonna Judd Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Vetter Stone Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of powerful country music with Wynonna Judd.

Nitro-X Summer Camp

8 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Minnesota State University, Mankato — Registration required — Engage in hands-on activities exploring careers in transportation through RC car racing and teamwork.