Good morning, Mankato.

At the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center yesterday, nearly 850 women gathered for the 2026 Women with Heart event by United Way to support local programs and share their personal stories.

The event (now in its 16th year) set a campaign goal of $2,450,000 (an increase of $100,000 from last year) to help provide housing, shelter and medical care.

A Mankato man, Jamie Lee Carey, was sentenced to 10 years in prison by Blue Earth County District Court for first-degree drug sale and violent firearm charges—his arrest in February followed a traffic stop that uncovered methamphetamine, a loaded handgun and drug-trafficking materials.

Songs of Tomorrow is a new program by the Southern Minnesota School of Music that will offer mariachi classes twice a month for Hispanic and Latino youth ages 6 to 18 beginning the second week of September and has already enrolled 30 students from Sleepy Eye, St. James, Windom, Madelia and Mankato. The program is funded by a $50,000 donation from Downs Food Group—students will pay $5 per session to learn instruments such as guitar, trumpet and violin—preparing them to perform at local community events.

Farmers are facing federal policy changes that could hurt their businesses as new tariffs, immigration enforcement and food labeling rules create uncertainty—attendees at Farmfest noted that while crop insurance boosts and disaster aid offer some relief, shifting trade policies may slow exports for pork and soy.

Police in Mankato plan to increase stings later this year—targeting smoke shops, convenience stores and other nicotine sellers—to enforce the law that bans selling to anyone under 21, with penalties escalating to $1,000 and potential seven-day license suspensions for repeated violations.

Major road construction is on schedule as Highway 60 in Lake Crystal is being paved from the west toward Main Street and is set to open in October — local drivers have faced detours while crews work on roundabouts along Highway 22 for an early winter reopening.

Repairs on Highway 93 near Henderson are ongoing and are expected to finish by the end of 2026.

The Minnesota State football team enters the season with high expectations after last year's deep NCAA tournament run—opening the campaign against Northwest Missouri State.

The Mavericks aim to secure a national tournament berth if they advance this season.

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.

Minot State Beavers vs. Minnesota State Mankato Mavericks Football

1-2:30 p.m. — Blakeslee Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Cheer on the Beavers as they take on the Mavericks in this exciting college football matchup.