Good morning, Mankato.

Greater Mankato Area United Way will launch its 2027 campaign & celebrate 95 years on July 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, with a free U-Nite Show starting at 4:15 p.m. to raise $2.5 million for local programs.

Mankato boosters are raising nearly $1.8M from eight donors toward a $3M mountain bike park that will build six to 10 miles of free trails around local quarries.

Project leaders expect the park to open by next spring + donors may receive naming rights for their support.

Walnut Grove's Wilder Pageant reenacts scenes from The Little House on the Prairie and runs this weekend through July 25 + it invites residents to celebrate timeless lessons of kindness.

Mankato Area Public Schools announced the Lincoln Community Center is now Lincoln Community School to better reflect its role hosting Central High School, adult education, community classes and Merely Players Community Theatre (hinting at its original name from 1922).

Mankato Chemical Health’s new campus at 114 Pohl Road received a conditional use permit on Monday, July 13.

The facility will use its extra green space for therapy groups, but neighbors worry it could increase traffic — renovations and an open house are planned in the coming months.

Senior Nevyn Hengel from Sibley East Shooting Sports won the High School Clay Target National Championship Sunday in Mason, Michigan, scoring 99 in round one and 100 in round two to defeat 15 competitors in a final shootout.