Good morning, Mankato.

Local firefighters in Lake Crystal climbed over 2,000 steps at POET Bioprocessing on Friday at 9:30 a.m. to honor first responders and raise funds for the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation, marking a growing tradition since 2023.

Jim Johnson of Apollo Hair Studio has spent 60 years cutting hair and building friendships downtown, and he still works Tuesday through Friday.

The 81-year-old barber has no plans to retire — he values the loyal connections formed over decades.

Former KEYC anchor Curt Crandall recalled his visit to New York City when he witnessed Sept.

11 events 25 years ago. He described seeing burning towers and later praying at St. Patrick’s Cathedral with his wife.

Mahkato Wacipi returns to Land of Memories Park Sept.

18–20, offering Dakota culture, traditional dance and reconciliation. The event features four grand entries (Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sunday at 1 p.m.) and costs $10, with free entry for children under 12 and seniors.

The Blue Earth County Historical Society will open a Marian Anderson exhibit at the History Center Friday, Sept.

18 at 9 a.m. The exhibit, featuring her life and art, runs during regular hours and offers free admission for BECHS members and children under 5 (fees apply for others).

MSU Mankato’s Department of Theatre and Dance announced a season featuring Mean Girls on Oct.

1 and Frozen, plus studio shows and dance concerts. Tickets for productions are available at the MSU Theatre box office weekdays from 4:00–6:00 p.m.

Educators in south central Minnesota say many students view 9/11 as history rather than a personal memory.

Teachers at Gustavus, Minnesota State, and Mankato West use oral history assignments (talking with family members) to help students understand the enduring impact of the attacks.

Four Minnesota State University professors met yesterday to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and discussed lasting impacts such as increased Islamophobia and a surge in presidential approval ratings — highlighting how the events continue to shape local perspectives.

MAPS Superintendent Paul Peterson said new learning spaces opened at Mankato West, with near-complete upgrades to sports and arts areas.

He also released a family enrollment study and noted voters will decide on ballot measures (including a school board election and a fund amendment) in November.

Minnesota State University hosted its first Stomper’s Closet event this week, offering free professional clothes donated by local companies to help students prepare for interviews (organizers plan to hold another event in the spring).

Regenerative farmer Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin transformed a 63-acre farm near Northfield by forgoing chemicals and using native crops to improve soil and community healing since 2020.

He blends formal training with Indigenous wisdom to unite Lakota members and local farmers + promote a spiritual connection to the land.