Good morning, Mankato.

Staff from the University of Minnesota Raptor Center will present free programs on birds of prey with live eagles, hawks and owls at Blue Earth County Library on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. and noon—Blue Earth County events include the honoring of the Steve and Shirley Rose family at the county fair on Thursday at 12:45 p.m., archery proficiency tests at the Kiwanis Archery Range from July 28 to Aug. 1 with a $15 fee per test, and a call for public input on the hazard mitigation plan accepted until Aug. 15.

Former Ellis Street Singers gathered near LeCenter at the farm of Robyn Sapp Menk and Carl Menk on Sunday to swap stories and sing songs in memory of their director, Al 'Doc' Wortman—who organized the group in the late 1960s and led it for 25 years.

Many members, including those who later married each other, celebrated the lasting impact of their shared musical experiences.

The Mankato Area Public Schools Board is meeting Monday at 5 p.m. in the city room at the Intergovernmental Center to consider policy updates that correct state office references and remove redundant policies — they will also review student fees, recent hiring changes, and Superintendent Paul Peterson’s evaluation.

A $67M crime lab is scheduled to break ground this fall on Mankato’s east side near the Justice Center—promising to add 50 new jobs and cut evidence transport times from several hours to a 25-minute round trip.

The 44,000-square-foot facility will include labs, secure evidence storage and digital exam areas—expected to be complete by late 2026 or early 2027 if all stays on track.

Blue Earth County will hold a work session Tuesday after the board meeting to discuss the 2026 tax levy.

Officials said early numbers show that lower farm land values will lower taxes for farmers while higher home and business values will push fees up—farm owners of a $723,000 property could see a $15 drop and a typical home might face a $154 rise.

City officials said the ballfields near Sibley Park that were damaged by the June 2024 flood will be rebuilt as flexible ball diamonds after planning finishes in 2025—federal rules delayed repairs to restore the fields to their previous condition.

Community Development Director Mark Konz explained that a new apartment building on a corner lot meets code because Warren Street must have a larger front yard while Balcerzak can have a narrower side yard—this setback rule clarifies the building’s placement compared to its neighbors.

Neurologists at Mayo Clinic are using an AI tool called StateViewer to check for 14 types of dementia from brain scans, and Dr. Scott Speelziek has used it in Mankato for over a month to help local doctors work faster.

The tool cuts review time by about 50% and can spot reversible problems like normal pressure hydrocephalus—giving patients quicker access to care.

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.

Mankato Ribfest with Chris Janson

Thursday, Jul 31st — Vetter Stone Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Kick off the long holiday weekend with Chris Janson and his chart-topping hits.

Hosanna Golf Outing

12 p.m. — North Links Golf Course and Driving Range — $400 per team — Test your skills in a 4-person scramble to support the Hosanna Music Ministry.

Andy Grammer's Monster Tour

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Vetter Stone Amphitheater — Ticket sales start March 21 — Experience the energetic performance of Andy Grammer live in Mankato.