Good morning, Mankato.

Mankato McDonald's opened a new PlayPlace inspired by an 11-year-old student's letter—an idea from a school assignment—and local leaders Colleen VanBlarcom and COO Joe Chow completed a remodel that gives kids a safe space to play.

Rolls-Royce Solutions’ $24 million expansion broke ground at its Mankato facility — the 250,000 square foot Logistics Operations Center will more than double generator set production to meet data center demand and add over 100 new jobs over the next three years — making it the city’s largest manufacturing plant.

YWCA Mankato is running a summer mental health camp for girls in grades three through eight at Sibley Park that began Monday and runs through June 27—focusing on building emotional resilience and self-awareness with daily movement exercises, self-reflection techniques and interactive workshops. The camp, serving about 18 girls mostly from low-income backgrounds at a fee of $225, is part of a broader summer strategy that includes upcoming programs on community gardening and artistic projects—developed in partnership with local organizations.

Crews are working on a two-year project to rebuild Highway 22 between Mankato and St. Peter through marshland and culverts that are prone to weather delays.

This year, work will focus on the northern and southern parts—while the middle section is scheduled for next year—to have the highway ready for winter traffic.

Tuesday marked one year since heavy rain caused water to go around Rapidan Dam on June 24th, 2024; the breach eroded the dam’s western bank, taking out a power substation and a local home.

County officials purchased and removed the nearby Dam Store, removed the unsafe County Road 9 bridge, and voted to remove the dam as rebuilding plans continue.

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.

Warren Zeiders Concert

7-9 p.m. — Vetter Stone Amphitheater — Ticket sales begin February 21 — Experience Warren Zeiders live as part of The Relapse Tour.

Mankato Habaneros vs. Wausau Ignite

6:35-8:05 p.m. — ISG Field — Ticket prices vary — Catch the live action as the Mankato Habaneros take on the Wausau Ignite in an exciting softball showdown.

Wausau Softball vs. Mankato Habaneros

5:05-6:35 PM — ISG Field — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an exciting double-header of softball action at ISG Field.

Minot Honeybees vs Mankato Habaneros

5:05-6:35 p.m. — ISG Field — Ticket prices may vary — Enjoy a thrilling baseball game while supporting a good cause.