Good morning, Mankato.

A large playground with Indigenous themes at Land of Memories Park has been approved with a final cost of $745,000 (including a $200,000 DNR grant).

Construction begins now, with grading ending by October and play structures ready for kids by June 1.

Residents and visitors can join the Downtown Burger Battle, a month-long culinary competition kicking off Saturday in downtown Mankato and North Mankato + food lovers will taste specialty burgers at 13 restaurants to help crown the contest champion.

Island Pezi is preparing its first recreational cannabis store on Adams Street to open in late August or early fall.

The tribal business must finish window coverings, complete its double ID verification system and onboard local staff (subject to oversight from both state and tribal regulators) before final inspections.

A new cannabis dispensary called Island Peži is preparing to open this fall at 1809 Adams Street pending final regulatory approvals.

Owned by Prairie Island Indian Community, the store will offer adult-use cannabis, edibles, and hemp products while hiring about 20 locals.

Prairie Island Indian Community uses regenerative practices to grow cannabis on 13 acres — employing rainwater collection and cover crops to reduce water and energy use while upholding Dakota values.

The community plans to expand its sustainable operation to a Mankato location soon.

Twin Rivers Council for the Arts invites community members to Art in the Garden on Sunday, Aug.

2 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Hubbard House Gardens; the event offers a build-your-own bouquet station, local shopping, live music, and tarot readings to support year-round arts programs (tickets available online).

On Tuesday, the Blue Earth County Board approved an interim use permit for a private dirt bike track at a home in Rapidan Township after residents raised concerns about noise — the permit restricts use to personal riding between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. while keeping noise under 55 decibels.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture completed two new weather stations in south central Minnesota this July (one in Wells on July 9 and one in Vernon Center on July 13) as part of a three-year push to improve soil and weather data for local farming decisions.

On Nov. 7 & 8, the DNR will implement a four-year rotational surveillance plan that requires mandatory deer sampling during the firearm season opening weekend in areas including Mankato, and a new law allows hunters outside 13 shotgun-only counties to use alternatives to shotguns.

Candidate Alex Eaton held a meet and greet on Wednesday, July 29 in Mankato to share plans for universal health care, universal basic income and tax cuts for working families.

He is also walking his 277-mile route across District 1 with 100 miles left before reaching the Wisconsin border.