Good morning, Mankato.

On August 22, security cameras at Loyola Catholic Schools recorded an unidentified man inside the building for about 28 minutes while staff reviewed footage and law enforcement confirmed no normal entry points were used—leaving Mankato Police to continue investigating as no property was taken or damage reported.

The City Council approved a preliminary levy that will raise property tax collections by 5.2% in 2026 to protect Mankato’s reserve funds amid state and federal budget concerns—officials will adopt the levy on Sept.22, and residents will soon receive details on city, school district and county tax plans.

MnDOT announced that Highway 169 in St. Peter will be reconstructed in 2027—this project includes new paving, updated storm sewers and lane changes, with plans to be refined at an open house later this fall.

Today, the Blue Earth County Board discussed rising costs for replacing the County Road 9 Rapidan bridge damaged in 2024 floods and removed earlier this year—county officials and engineers reviewed an estimated $18 million cost and considered alternative plans.

The board met at 9 a.m. at the historic courthouse to update on next steps for a cost-effective project approach.

Mankato Regional Airport’s work on a new air traffic control tower has been on hold for two months because the expected federal funds did not arrive, putting the project at risk of missing the FAA deadline for having controllers by April.

City Manager Susan Arntz said the city will sign the grant if it comes by Sept. 12 — a move needed to keep the project on track.

Mayo Clinic announced that it is closing six small-town clinics—North Mankato, Belle Plaine, Caledonia, Montgomery, St. Peter, and Wells—by Dec.

10 due to staffing shortages and low patient volumes while relocating elective outpatient surgeries from Albert Lea to Austin and Waseca. Patients will receive notifications on shifting care and may need to travel 10 to 20 minutes farther for services.

Mayo Clinic Health System will close clinics in Belle Plaine, Caledonia, Montgomery, North Mankato, St. Peter and Wells and shift care to alternate sites by December 10+ they will also move elective procedures from Albert Lea to Austin and Waseca to strengthen rural healthcare and address staffing and patient volume challenges.

Mankato East and St. Peter girls tennis teams rank among the state's top-ten in Class AA—East’s Sam Williams is unbeaten at 14-0 and stands as the top-ranked player in Minnesota for the classification.

The Mankato West boys soccer team hosted Jordan on Monday and scored three unanswered goals in the second half to clinch the win—demonstrating a strong performance in the match.

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.

Minnesota State Mankato Mavericks Football Game

12:00 p.m. — Blakeslee Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Cheer on the Mavericks as they take to the field in an exciting football showdown.