Good morning, Mankato.

Deanna Lynn Lenzen, who was in a coma after a fire at her Mankato home on Aug.

25, has been released from hospital and is recovering—two children died in the fire and the state fire marshal is investigating while funds from a GoFundMe campaign help with her expenses.

Today the Mankato Area Public School Board meets at 5:30 p.m. in the Intergovernmental Center to discuss the Preliminary Property Tax Certification for the 2026-2027 school year.

The board will work to lower the levy during 2025 while managing a possible 10% federal funding drop and a $1.1 million budget gap—Superintendent Paul Peterson said the budget remains stable.

Sen. Rich Draheim said Mayo Clinic will close six clinics in rural Minnesota by early December and he is worried that many residents will not notice the loss—raising concerns over delayed care at the new Mankato campus addition.

Sen. Nick Frentz noted the changes could worsen both access to health care and the local economy.

The Minnesota Legislature said that regular committee meetings must be open to the public but that working groups in special sessions sometimes meet privately to avoid a quorum—final compromise proposals are later presented in formal open meetings.

City Manager Susan Arntz stated that housing affordability is the top issue in Mankato as a new study shows that rising population and household growth have outpaced the supply of low-cost homes - the City Council recently approved ordinance changes to speed up apartment construction and reduce parking requirements to ease the shortage. Developers, including plans for 180 new apartments at Victory Ridge, will bring additional housing to Mankato's east side in response to growing demand.

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.