Good morning, Mankato.

Ribfest returns to its roots for a two-day festival at Civic Center Plaza, where local bands and food vendors gather to boost the Children's Museum (Southern Minnesota) with proceeds; Joe Tougas and Associates kick off Friday and the Barefoot Winos follow later.

SMILES Center for Independent Living will host the Artistic Abilities exhibition showcasing works by local artists with disabilities on Friday, Aug.

28 at the 410 Project gallery from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. + the show runs until Sept. 11 with refreshments and artist meet-and-greets.

At Minnesota Farmfest 2026, soybean growers are optimistic as USDA data shows 7.1 million acres planted statewide with 75% in pod; farmers say rising domestic biofuel demand + dry weather in parts of the region could boost soybean value.

A new law now allows retailers to donate refrigerated egg cartons to local food shelves — reducing waste and helping families facing food insecurity.

Echo food shelf in Mankato says the measure, enacted August 1, will offer higher-protein options to those in need.

Starting this October, 80 high schools can join an official MSHSL pilot e-sports program that opens registration on Oct.

26 and will run until March 21 at Saint Cloud State University — Maverick E-Sports from MSU said the nine-game tournament is expected to boost local recruitment and scholarship opportunities.