Good morning, Mankato.

PACT Ministries and The Neighborhood Thrift Store will host their monthly Food For All event Saturday at Goodrich Construction on Third Avenue—starting at 9 a.m. with a suggested $5 donation while accepting those who cannot pay; the event has grown to move about 400 food units monthly as it meets rising local needs.

An old limestone quarry near Mankato will become an outdoor park when mining stops this fall as Holtmeier Construction donates the land and local volunteers build 16 miles of mountain bike trails, an RV park, an aqua park and a cable park scheduled to open next summer—creating a lasting spot for families and bikers.

The Dork Den in Mankato will host a five-day summer camp for young D&D players from July 21—25; the camp is designed for children ages 7—16, costs $175 for the week, and has room for 24 kids.

Registration is due by July 18.

Students at South Central College got a new leader on July 1 when Ritu Raju began serving the school and community (she previously led Gateway Technical College in Wisconsin).

She will work with local industry partners to update courses for challenges like automation and food security (which includes addressing mental health concerns).

In June 2024, heavy rain caused severe flooding in southern Minnesota that eroded the western bank of Rapidan Dam, damaged a power substation, and led Blue Earth County to move the historic Dam Store to Mankato.

County officials removed unsafe supports from the Blue Earth County Road 9 bridge and plan to rebuild it — work that will take years — as several agencies work together to remove the dam.

During a Tuesday work session, the Blue Earth County Board reviewed preliminary cost estimates of $88.65 million for a multi-year project to remove Rapidan Dam and stabilize the Blue Earth River (with schedules subject to funding and permits).

County officials will now study cost-saving options and funding possibilities from federal and state sources to decide the next steps.

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.

Thunder Bay Border Cats at Mankato MoonDogs

6:35-8:05 p.m. — ISG Field — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting baseball matchup under the evening sky.

2025 Celebration of Agriculture

4-9 p.m. — ISG Field — Free entry — Celebrate the strength and innovation of the agriculture community while enjoying a game with the Mankato MoonDogs.

Bismarck Larks vs. Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Game

6:35-8:05 p.m. — ISG Field — Ticket prices vary — Catch the thrilling matchup between Bismarck Larks and Mankato MoonDogs live on the field.

United Way Campaign Kickoff: Game Show Edition

12-1 p.m. — Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center — Free event — Test your knowledge in a fun game show format while enjoying lunch and competing for cool prizes.