Thursday, August 21st, 2025

Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Mankato.
Good morning, Mankato. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 21st of August.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Mankato man Aaron Lavon Hampton, 48, was charged after a Minnesota River Valley Drug Task Force conducted controlled buys in July and August—search warrants at his North Mankato home and vehicle led to 27.9 grams of cocaine being seized. Mankato Free Press
- ➤ Mankato police responded to multiple disturbances in College Town on Friday and Saturday — several people were injured though none were life-threatening, and officials are investigating while working with property management to review safety protocols. Mankato Free Press
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Mankato West High School postponed its open house due to ongoing construction that left the air conditioning off and the parking lot incomplete; a transformer outage also disrupted power and internet access. Despite the cancellation, classes will begin as scheduled with freshmen starting Monday and other students beginning Tuesday—work funded by a $105 million bond passed in 2023. KEYC
- ➤ Mankato Area Public Schools will share their 2026 financial plan in September and hold a tax levy hearing on Dec. 2 with approval set for Dec. 15. Superintendent Paul Peterson said the district is beginning to work with state formulas and watching federal funding closely—down by about 10% to $4 million—as they plan for the new school year. Mankato Free Press
- ➤ Professor Jason Kaufman uses Star Trek — a famous show — to teach leadership, ethics and management skills in his classes while co-authoring books that gather essays from experts to explain these lessons. His work shows how pop culture can offer clear examples for learning new skills. Mankato Free Press
SHOP NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR Tired of that unseemly pocket bulge from your thick, worn-out wallet? Upgrade to this thin leather option with RFID blocking technology. It’s a stylish and functional choice for under $35. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Mankato.
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Jackson County Central Huskies finished a perfect season in 2024 and will defend their Class AA state title in the upcoming season—local fans are eager to see if they can repeat last year's success. KEYC
- ➤ Retired Mankato obstetrician Steve Penkhus won both the 5K and 10K cycling races at the National Senior Games in Des Moines on July 30-31 in the 80-85 age group, finishing in 8 minutes 7 seconds and 16 minutes 46 seconds respectively. He rides daily on his favorite Sakatah Singing Hills Trail—his regular route—and said cycling is excellent exercise while fellow cyclist Paul Matson praised his enduring stamina. Mankato Free Press
-
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.
-
53rd Annual Traditional Mahkato Wacipi
7 p.m., 1 p.m. — Land of Memories Park — $8 general admission, free for children and seniors — Celebrate Dakota culture with dance, music, and traditional festivities at this vibrant powwow.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

Slim, Safe, and Stylish — All for Under $35
Tired of that bulky pocket bulge from your old, worn-out wallet? Upgrade to a sleek, slim leather wallet with advanced RFID blocking technology.
It offers a stylish, minimalist design that fits comfortably in any pocket while protecting your cards from electronic theft. Crafted for durability and everyday use, this wallet combines form, function, and security—all for under $35.
Ditch the bulk, stay protected, and carry with confidence wherever you go. Make the switch today and experience comfort, convenience, and confidence in your pocket.
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Mankato.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The quieter you become, the more you can hear.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Mankato
Welcome to the Daily Mankato, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Mankato, Minnesota community. If you like the Daily Mankato, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Mankato.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Mankato and across Minnesota. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Mankato
A free Mankato community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.

© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailymankato.com/sitemap