Good morning, Mankato.

Today, six Sibley County officials, including Mayor Dawn Kratzke and Attorney Donald Lannoye, read parts of the Declaration of Independence aloud at a local commemoration attended by over 50 residents as part of a nationwide event marking its 250th anniversary.

Ribs and Rides, a barbecue competition hosted by Unique Classic Cars, takes place this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Local businesses and organizations will compete for votes to crown a rib champion and benefit Greater Mankato Area United Way.

Today from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., neighbors meet at the South Central Service Cooperative (2075 Lookout Drive) to review plans for the proposed Rockwell RV and Adventure Park on 90 acres featuring a campground, wakeboarding park, aquatic play area and mountain biking trails.

A 5 p.m. presentation will offer details.

Rolls-Royce opened a new $24-million expansion at its Mankato facility that adds over 250-thousand sqft and creates 100 jobs.

The upgrade will double generator output and support production for hospitals, water treatment plants, and data centers next year.

Developers of Rockwell RV and Adventure Park in Lime Township are preparing a new outdoor recreation complex with free mountain biking trails, a private campground and aquatic park.

They are awaiting a permit decision in September—if approved, redevelopment will progress through late fall and winter with a Memorial Day opening planned.

Two local teens were nominated to service academies by Congressman Brad Finstad: East High graduate Dayton Clobes will attend West Point, and Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial grad Aidan Moeller will study engineering and track at the Air Force Academy (each appointment offers a four-year education with a five-year service commitment).

Southern Minnesota Skating Club has earned full-club status from U.S. Figure Skating, granting the 3-year-old team voting rights and recognizing its steady growth; the club trains at local arenas including All Seasons Arena in Mankato and will host Battle of the Blades on Aug.

10 at The Pond on Madison.

Lee Brice Concert

7:30 p.m. — Vetter Stone Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Country music superstar Lee Brice brings his hit-making voice to Mankato with new singles and fan favorites.