Good morning, Mankato.

The BriTins will perform Beatles hits at State Street Theater in New Ulm Saturday, Sept.

19 at 7 p.m.; the Milwaukee-based tribute act uses period-accurate costumes and instruments to recreate the Fab Four's sound (advance discounts available for tickets).

The community’s entertainment calendar this week features farmers’ markets, live music, trivia and guided tours across Mankato, New Ulm and St. Peter.

Highlights include Thursday’s markets at 1315 Broadway St. and Best Buy lot, Friday’s chess night at Taylor Library and tours at 606 Broad St.—details vary by venue.

Gas prices are set to hit record highs this Labor Day weekend as the national average has climbed above $4 a gallon while local stations in Mankato average about $3.86.

Experts predict that lower demand and seasonal changes after Sept. 15 may eventually ease the high prices.

Mankato school board candidates say growing political involvement makes it harder to separate personal views from duty.

Candidate Joel Hollerich and others note conflicts between federal, state, and local guidance have complicated decision-making since mask mandate debates began in 2020 — a challenge for maintaining nonpartisan service.

A statewide ballot question this fall will ask voters if the Permanent School Fund allocation should increase to 4.5 percent, which for the local school district could add about $265,000 to hire two new teachers — without raising local taxes.

At Mankato West, alumna and longtime employee Roni Hibbard Wendt is preserving history by collecting homecoming buttons in a conference room inside the new entrance as classes approach; she asks community members to donate buttons to complete her collection from the 1940s to today (donations go to the activities office).

Students attended a part-time job fair at MSU Mankato’s Centennial Student Union on Sept.

3, where 26 local businesses and university partners offered employment and internship options. Muhammad Raja said the event helped students gain work experience and build professional connections.

Lisa Kaye interviewed Jason Swanson, executive director at the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging, to discuss healthy aging in the community.

The agency offers Minnesota Aging Pathways (a free telephone service) to help seniors and families find local support.

River’s Edge Hospital Foundation partners with local businesses to sell soy candles (renew, cashmere cedar, and dark amber and rosewood) as part of its campaign to raise $400,000 for a new ambulance to be purchased by 2027.

The candles are available until early October and support the Miles that Matter 5K on Oct. 10.

High school football teams in North Mankato posted wins yesterday with Wem (20-8), Nicollet (26-20), LSH (34-30) and Springfield (80-19) overcoming their opponents.

Volleyball contests ended 3-0, girls swim had a close finish with Red Wing (94-92) over Mankato West, and boys soccer tied 2-2.

The nationally ranked Minnesota State women’s soccer team will test its skill this weekend against Central Missouri and Grand Valley State at home.

Coach Brian Bahl noted their win over Central Oklahoma as the team prepares for the upcoming challenge.