Good morning, Mankato.

Cambria, a countertop maker in Le Sueur, began building an $80 million quartz processing plant and rail center in Randolph to move some operations from Canada.

The facility will employ 50 to 70 permanent workers and is expected to save the company millions in costs—boosting its supply reliability.

19-year-old Guenther Boone Jr. pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for shooting Darious Dashon Johnson on December 21 in Mankato and was sentenced to 367 months—he will serve his time at the Minnesota Department of Corrections Facility in St. Cloud.

Country artist Walker Hayes will perform with special guest Harper Grace at the Mayo Clinic Health System Grand Hall on Oct.

18—his Unplugged tour will support the event as details are set for ticket sales.

Teachers and staff at Mankato Area Public Schools gathered Monday morning at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center—featuring animal mascots, music and a pep rally—that boosted the kickoff for the academic year.

Superintendent Paul Peterson reminded everyone that their work is key to student success as classes begin Aug. 25-27.

At MSU’s convocation on Monday, President Edward Inch praised enrollment gains—graduate up 9% and transfer up 6%—and record fundraising that raised the endowment from less than $70 million to over $100 million.

He said new tuition changes and partnerships with two-year colleges will support the school’s Destination 2030 goals and help more students succeed.

The North Mankato City Council addressed a lawsuit filed by the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy on Aug.

5 and defended its use of the AUAR process for a proposed 4 million square-foot development during a Monday evening meeting—Mayor Scott Carlson said the city retained attorney Paul D Reuvers to handle the case. Citizens raised concerns about water usage, environmental impact and transparency in the review process, urging the council to stop the project.

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.