Good morning, Mankato.

Camp Patterson is planning major renovations as it aims to upgrade its bathhouse and counselors' cabin after camps close next August—finishing the work by June 2027.

President Shannon Gullickson said the camp needs $1.3 million and is about $400,000 short, with donations of the next $250k matched by the Taylor Foundation.

Mankato’s United Way kicked off its 2026 campaign Tuesday at the Mayo Clinic Health Systems Event Center to support local programs in health, education and basic needs across Blue Earth, Nicollet, Waseca and Le Sueur counties.

The campaign aims to exceed last year’s goal by an extra $100,000 with donations reaching about 20% of the $2,450,000 target + community leaders joining fun game show events to raise funds.

On Saturday at about 5 p.m., law enforcement in Le Sueur County responded to a three-vehicle crash when 37-year-old Kory James Kvam of Cleveland, reportedly under the influence, struck a turning Ford F150—he has been charged with criminal vehicular operation and driving while impaired as the collision caused neck and ankle injuries for the F150 driver and minor injuries for a Ford Edge passenger.

Monday night, severe thunderstorms swept southern Minnesota and brought heavy rain, broken trees, and wind damage with gusts up to 76 mph in places like Stewartville and Kasson.

In Montgomery a snapped pine tree fell on a house—about 140,000 customers lost power as the National Weather Service warned of more severe weather.

MnDOT is set to close the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge connecting Mankato and North Mankato from February until November next year for major construction work—replacing the deck, repairing panels and joints, and changing lanes and signals while detouring traffic via highways 169 and 14 and occasionally closing parts of Riverfront Drive.

Jake Johnson, a math teacher from Rochester running for the U.S. House seat in the 1st District, said his campaign out-fundraised incumbent Rep. Brad Finstad in quarter two with over $264,000 raised mostly from individual contributions—money gathered from regular people in southern Minnesota. Growing up in Stewartville with SNAP benefits and Pell grants, he promised that if elected he will represent all voters regardless of party.

VINE senior center in Mankato received a $10,000 grant from the Mankato Clinic Foundation to launch four programs that help older adults reduce fall risk, improve balance and maintain independence.

The programs include Stepping On, Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance, Parkinson’s Powerful Principles and Dementia Friendly Fitness — each offered by trained staff or volunteers with some classes running seasonally and others year-round.

Mankato East excelled at the inaugural Greater Mankato Area Athletic Awards held Tuesday when Coach Joe Madson earned Coach of the Year and his son was named Boys Athlete of the Year; the co-ed adapted floor hockey team also took Team of the Year.

The awards (including top honors for both male and female athletes) were presented at Minnesota State University’s Centennial Student Union Ballroom.

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.

River Valley 100 Bike Ride

8 a.m. – 3 p.m. — LocAle Brewing Company — Free registration required — Enjoy a scenic bicycle ride through the Minnesota river valley with options for all skill levels.

Bearcats vs. Mavericks Football Game

6:00 – 7:30 p.m. — Blakeslee Stadium — All ticket sales are final — Catch the thrilling college football matchup between the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats and Minnesota State Mankato Mavericks.