Good morning, Mankato.

Living Earth Center is recruiting volunteers to pick ripening apples at Good Counsel Hill—volunteers are needed three times in September and four times in October, and some slots must be filled today.

All participants must register in advance since the orchard is on private property, and the harvested apples will go to the School Sisters of Notre Dame and local food pantries.

The 53rd annual Mahkato Wacipi will kick off next Friday at Land of Memories Park with a School Learning Day and a grand entry at 7 p.m. The event celebrates Native American culture and unity — this is the fourth and final year honoring Nytalia Ashes, a four-year-old killed in 2021.

Memorial Library staff invites Mankato State University students and the public to celebrate Constitution Day with an exhibit on the Constitution open through Sept.

30 — the display includes academic books, federal documents and free Constitution copies provided through a federal program.

Bumble bees are declining in Minnesota and research using Apiary Inspectors data shows over half of U.S. bee colonies and 64% of local hives have vanished.

Missy Goerges of the Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa led summer surveys at Kasota Prairie—recording workers, queens, and males to help guide future conservation actions.

Experts say that thanks to plenty of rain this summer and cool September weather, fall colors will be vibrant across Minnesota.

In Mankato, leaves from birch, aspen and poplar change first while peak colors are expected around Oct. 18—so visitors may head to nearby parks to catch early displays.

Local leaders and community members will gather at Bridge Plaza in Mankato at noon Tuesday to take a civic pledge that commits them to respectful public dialogue amid rising political tension.

Majority in the Middle will present a State of Bipartisanship report at 10 a.m. to show how well local politicians work with others.

A section of Power Drive between Victory Drive and Technology Drive is closed to southbound traffic because of storm-sewer main replacement work and a private construction project — the detour sends drivers along Victory Drive, Excel Drive, and Technology Drive, and the closure that started Sept 8 will remain until Sept 29, weather permitting.

On Thursday evening, city officials posted official signs at Wheeler Park during Music in the Park to stress that the band’s views are their own amid controversy over a comic posted by a band member.

City administrator Kevin McCann said the new policy will be used at future events to keep the city neutral—separating government stances from personal opinions.

Following a June incident where Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed after a gunman attacked Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Majority in the Middle will host a civic pledge signing next Tuesday—where founder Shannon Watson and local partner Andy Wilke will present the State of Bipartisanship report at Bridge Plaza’s training room at 10 a.m. with the signing at noon to encourage leaders to unite against political violence.

This week, fall sports will feature several football and volleyball contests including a matchup between Mankato East vs. Mankato West and MSU vs. Quincy — other games will involve regional teams like MLV vs. Pipestone Area, Maple River vs. St. Clair/Loyola, New Ulm vs. Albert Lee, Waseca vs. Fairmont, and LCWM vs. LSH.

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.

Mavericks vs. Tommies College Football Showdown

12:00 PM – 5:02 PM — Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center — VIP ticket options available — Experience elite seating and a vibrant tailgate at the Mavericks' face-off against the Tommies.

Winona State Warriors vs. Minnesota State Mankato Mavericks Football

1-2:30 p.m. — Blakeslee Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the excitement of collegiate football as the Warriors take on the Mavericks.