Good morning, Mankato.

American Legion Post 89 in Blue Earth donated $20,500 to Bean and Bear to supply de-escalation toolkits for Faribault County first responders working with individuals with autism or special needs.

The summer fundraiser (supporting local military scholarship efforts for youth) underscores community teamwork.

CityArt will hold its final summer event, Celebrating Us in Art, on Saturday, Sept.

19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on rehabbed Belgrade Avenue in Lower North Mankato, featuring live music, an art fair and free kids' activities alongside a new community mural at NaKato Bar & Grill.

South central Minnesota soybean farmers face extra fuel costs ahead of harvest season in mid to late September as diesel prices now exceed $6 per gallon + some expect a $10 per acre increase but remain optimistic about their crop outlook.

Two seniors from Mankato Area Public Schools—Kamryn Hoffman of Mankato East and Leila Pratt of Mankato West—were named semifinalists in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program, as announced Tuesday.

They join fewer than 1% of high school seniors selected nationwide.

Becky Pollack, executive director at Ney Nature Center in Henderson, spotted early red hues on maple trees on Sunday and expects a vibrant fall display along the Minnesota River valley by mid-October.

The center also offers fall programs & trails for repeat visits.

Spirits at Rest has applied to open a new residential substance use treatment clinic at 80 Power Drive that will serve clients from Blue Earth County and the community with 44 beds, a kitchen, dining area, and group rooms.

The facility will include an outdoor area with a privacy fence & 24-hour security.

Mankato Clinic is investigating unauthorized network activity & a suspected data breach while patient care remains uninterrupted.

The clinic has engaged cybersecurity experts and legal counsel and will notify patients if any personal information is compromised.

The West girls soccer team defeated Austin 4-1 Tuesday in North Mankato at their home field.

The win boosts their season in a competitive matchup.

The Mankato East boys soccer team hosted Rochester Century on Tuesday and lost 3-1 (Century scored two first-half goals) during the local match in North Mankato.