Good morning, Mankato.

Craig and Elizabeth Fischer and their family run Sleepy Bison Acres in Sleepy Eye — a family operation with 100 bison — and will be honored as a Farm Family of the Year by the University of Minnesota in Brown County on Aug.

7. The farm also hosts educational events and sells bison products at local markets to share modern farming techniques while honoring local traditions.

An 82-year-old man from Le Sueur died after the side-by-side utility vehicle he was driving collided with a Toyota Camry at an intersection between Le Sueur and Le Center on Tuesday afternoon at 4 p.m.—authorities said lifesaving efforts were made at the scene before he was pronounced dead and the crash remains under investigation.

On Tuesday around 4:00 p.m., a fatal crash occurred at the intersection of Le Sueur County Road 15 and Le Sueur Creek Road in Sharon Township when a Toyota Camry driven by a 16-year-old from Le Sueur collided with a John Deere side-by-side that ejected 82-year-old Allen Gregory Wilmes, who was pronounced dead—emergency crews and state patrol are investigating.

Greater Mankato Growth announced its business unit is being rebranded as Downtown Partnership of Mankato/North Mankato—this change will reflect a new geographic focus and renewed commitment to downtown revitalization.

The rebrand will roll out later this month and continue the group's work on key areas like Belgrade Avenue—Old Town—City Center and South Front Street.

More than 200 Model T Ford owners took part in a tour that moved from Sibley Park to Jack McGowan's farm and Minneopa State Park in Mankato yesterday.

They will head to Farmamerica in Waseca today at 12:30 p.m.—a special presentation marks the next stop on the tour.

Free Press Photo Editor Casey Ek and reporter Ethan Becker hosted the latest FreepCast episode where Becker talked about his first month covering local government meetings—he also reported that Model T Ford enthusiasts are gathering in town as part of an international event.

Full Spectrum is a local autism clinic in Mankato addressing care gaps by offering child-led Applied Behavior Analysis and multilingual support for families.

The clinic will host an open house on August 2 from noon to 5 (at 1821 Bassett Drive) to connect families with available resources.

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.

Emerson Lane Boutique Pop-up Sale

10 a.m. - 6 p.m. — Sibley Park — Free entry — Discover handmade gifts, cards, and home decor at this vibrant boutique sale.

Hairball Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Vetter Stone Amphitheater — Ticket prices from $52 — Get ready for an electrifying performance by Hairball in Mankato's premier outdoor venue.