Good morning, Mankato.

The Mankato Salvation Army will open its first day shelter on Labor Day and serve breakfast, lunch and to-go meals from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The shelter partners with the city, Blue Earth County and local organizations — aiming to help those facing homelessness.

A Mankato family suffered a tragic loss when an early-morning fire at 233 Bradley St. on Monday claimed the lives of 7-year-old Aiden and 22-month-old Annika while partner Deanna Lenzen was hospitalized—volunteers now assist with donations and search for missing pets.

Sharee Layne Siebert, 48, of St. Peter was injured in a multi-vehicle crash involving a semi-truck and another vehicle on Wednesday morning at the intersection of westbound Highway 14 and 50th Street, about two miles east of Janesville—she suffered non-life threatening injuries and was taken to Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato.

On June 28, The Concord Singers performed for residents at New Perspective Senior Living—sharing traditional German songs recorded for The Free Press.

The group aims to preserve local heritage and welcomes those who want to join their efforts.

After Wednesday's tragic shooting in Minneapolis, Mankato Area Public Schools began constructing secure entrances at elementary schools to improve safety—only allowing vetted visitors into school grounds.

Superintendent Paul Peterson said the district will complete secure entrances in every building and use a protocol that alerts staff and law enforcement if problems arise.

Blue Earth and Kiester received state funds as the MPFA recently announced over $236 million in loans and grants for water system projects—Blue Earth will add a reverse-osmosis treatment system for salt reduction while Kiester will replace watermains with new hydrants and gate valves to meet current standards.

The Mankato Clinic Foundation approved $53,200 in grants to community organizations during the third quarter, funding services such as day programs, athletic leagues, school supply backpacks, day care, falls prevention, mentoring, diabetes camps, and CPR classes.

Mankato Clinic physicians provided most of the funds through a quarterly application process — and the foundation has supported over $2 million in community programs over the past 10 years.

Mankato's Minnesota State football team opened its season on August 28th — after team interviews ahead of the game — by facing Northwest Missouri State in a competitive matchup that set the tone for upcoming contests.

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.

Sioux Falls Cougars vs. Minnesota State Mankato Mavericks Football

2:00 – 3:30 p.m. — Blakeslee Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Watch as the Cougars and Mavericks clash in a thrilling college football matchup.