Good morning, Mankato.

Mankato resident Delores Weimar recalled volunteering with the American Red Cross at Ground Zero following Sept.

11 as her granddaughter Kari Paul organizes a 441-yard run honoring first responders at Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial’s football game today. The event reflects community remembrance + statewide participation.

Open Arts Minnesota will host its Pizza and a Pint fundraiser on Saturday, Oct.

3 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Poor Farm Studios, where Lisa Kaye interviewed Wilbur Newshwander-Frink and Amy Jo Piedade to discuss the event.

The 10th Deep Valley Book Festival will take place on Oct.

3 at the Courtyard by Marriott Event Center, featuring keynote speaker Kate DiCamillo and more than 70 exhibitors. The free event offers book signings (2-4 p.m.) and family activities.

Today (Sept. 11), Blue Earth County Historical Society marks the 25th anniversary of the attacks by highlighting past blood drives and media coverage, while Mankato residents recall the event’s impact on security protocols and cultural memory.

Minnesota State University, Mankato held its first Stomper’s Closet Pop Up event on Thursday, Sept.

10 at the Centennial Student Union to provide free professional clothing for students. The event — fed by over 1,500 donated items from campus drives — plans more pop-ups to support career readiness.

Local elementary schools reopened today with updated secure entrances to help protect students and visitors as part of a district project (funded by a $105 million bond approved in 2023).

Mankato West High School unveiled updated facilities after a $103 million bond project; students celebrated the new spaces this fall and future renovations will convert the old gym into music rooms — an open house is planned for early Oct.

Thursday's U.S. Drought Monitor report showed rainfall eased drought conditions in southwestern Minnesota and northwestern Iowa—while severe drought remains in parts of northern Minnesota—and central and south-central areas stay largely drought-free.

The Minnesota State women’s soccer team remains unbeaten as goalkeeper Lauren McAlpine earned National Player of the Week with two shutouts over No. 10 Central Missouri and No. 5 Grand Valley State.

The 2-0 football team will host Bemidji State for its home opener this weekend.

Mankato East girls swim and dive beat Mankato West by 96-89 when they hosted the match on Thursday.

The Mankato East girls tennis team hosted Rochester Mayo on Thursday as Mayo won 7-0 in the match.

The LCWM volleyball team hosted St. Clair on Thursday and won in five sets.

The game showed strong teamwork and skill while drawing a local crowd to the court.

LSH volleyball won 3-0 over Sibley East on Thursday night, climbing to a 5-0 record this season in a matchup that showcased local teamwork in Le Sueur.

The St. Peter Saints girls tennis team defeated the Tri-City United Titans 7-0 on Sept.

10. Kylie Southworth earned her 100th win and became only the second athlete in school history to reach the milestone, following her sister Annika.