Good morning, Mankato.

Old Town Vintage Market returned to Washington Street in Mankato as 25 vendors brought affordable vintage clothing from across the Midwest in cool, dry weather, drawing students and local shoppers.

The owners said they will plan more markets in the fall and spring if the city approves—continuing their commitment to offering cost-efficient alternatives.

On Friday night, a house fire at 420 West Pleasant Street in Mankato caused moderate smoke and about $35,000 in damages — a neighbor helped the sole resident exit safely while fire crews quickly put out the flames and the cause remains under investigation.

A 17-year-old girl from Henderson died in a two-vehicle crash early Saturday on Highway 19 near Gaylord after colliding with a truck—two truck passengers were taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

College Town — a gated community for MSU students near Pohl Road — has a long record of criminal incidents, with a recent Aug.

16 fight involving over 30 people and charges filed against an 18-year-old for assault with a baseball bat. City officials are reviewing stronger enforcement options and security measures with College Town managers to curb recurring disturbances.

North Mankato City Council will meet Tuesday to consider cutting the 2026 budget by $285,000 as it aims to lower the planned property tax levy increase from 1.385% closer to zero.

City staff will present options — including suspending Bookmobile service and delaying a police vehicle replacement — to balance spending with essential services.

Trooper Troy Christianson explained that emergency vehicles can change red lights to green using the Opticom system — a device on the vehicle sends a signal that a receiver at the traffic light detects to switch the light for safe passage.

City Manager Susan Arntz said nearly 80% of the $9.4 million for a historic trail bridge linking Sibley and Land of Memories parks comes from federal and state funds that must be used only for transportation projects — the dedicated grants cannot be redirected for housing or homelessness programs. She added that the city has a larger budget that spends over $9.9 million each year on housing services and supports.

Recent data shows COVID rates remain low in the Mankato area—Blue Earth County recorded a hospitalization rate of 1.5 per 100,000 while cases at Mankato Clinic dropped from 135 last summer to 15 this month.

Experts expect a new booster to be available mid-September to help protect against a potential rise as schools restart.

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.