Daily
Mankato
Wednesday, September 17th, 2025
Good morning, Mankato. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 17th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Monday, flames damaged the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity house in Mankato, leaving 37 members without a gathering place and eight residents without a home. The university and the American Red Cross provided immediate relief while an insurance claim and a GoFundMe page are set to help secure temporary housing—neighbors and first responders assisted with the emergency. Mankato Free Press
- ➤ At a recent City Council Work Session, Public Works officials noted holes in the pool lining, rusting welds, and pipe leaks at North Mankato’s Spring Lake Park Swim Facility—issues that led them to recommend a $5-million plan which will close the pool for the entire 2026 season. KEYC
- ➤ Community members and public officials in Mankato signed a pledge at Bridge Plaza to reject political violence after DFL Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman was murdered—officials including Sen. Nick Frentz and Rep. Luke Frederick backed the call for peaceful engagement amid growing political tensions. Mankato Free Press
- ➤ Today, Papa Murphy’s in Mankato and over 70 other stores across Minnesota will donate half of their online sales to the Church of the Annunciation in Minneapolis—using the code HOPE at checkout. The funds will go toward rebuilding and healing efforts for the church community. KEYC
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Today, Mankato welcomes its first adult-use cannabis retail store, with recreational sales starting at 9 a.m. at RISE Dispensaries on Sioux Road—complete with music, treats and planned donations to local nonprofits. A second local retailer owned by John Dinse received an active license as city officials allow four local adult-use shops with potential expansion if Native American communities join. Mankato Free Press
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A two and a half year old girl reported missing just after 6 PM Monday in rural Le Center was found safe at 7:15 PM in corn rows about a third of a mile south of her home—first responders from Le Sueur County Deputies, Le Center Police and Fire, and local fire departments led the search. KEYC
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ North Mankato City Council approved a preliminary maximum property tax levy increase of 6.72% on Monday, setting a $10.2 million ceiling for next year's budget while keeping the option to lower the final rate in December — Finance Director Jessica Ryan presented three potential scenarios. The levy includes $93,000 for a new mower at Caswell Sports, partly offset by a $46,000 contribution from the football fund — council member Sandra Oachs opposed the increase, favoring a lower rate. Mankato Free Press
- ➤ An abandoned Taco John’s property on Lor Ray Drive in North Mankato, closed since 2021, will be demolished to build an outpatient mental health facility using Tax Increment Funding — a public hearing for the project will be held on December 1. KEYC
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Many residents in Mankato face bothersome fall allergies with symptoms such as itchy eyes and runny noses that warm weather increases. Local allergist Dr. Vasan Ramanuja from Mankato Clinic said allergy shots given every four weeks may help reduce these symptoms — a treatment option seen as effective by patients like Andy Wheeler. Mankato Free Press
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Mankato East girls soccer defeated Austin 13 to 0 — with Peterson leading the Cougars in a game that showcased their strong performance last night. KEYC
- ➤ The Mankato East volleyball team lost 3-0 against Rochester Century on Tuesday — and the Cougars will face Mankato West later this week to try and bounce back. KEYC
- ➤ Mankato West swept the Austin Packers 3-0 on September 16 by using strong defense and net play—they closed the final set 25—13 to secure the win. KEYC
- ➤ The Minnesota Valley Lutheran volleyball team hosted Sibley East on Tuesday and won a close match 3-2. KEYC
- ➤ The Saint Clair Cyclones defeated the Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial Knights 3-1 on their home court—splitting the first two sets before powering through the third and fourth with key plays from Blount and Brekke. KEYC
-
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 vs. Lindenwood Lions
3:02-7:02 p.m. — Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center — Tickets available — Experience competitive college football between the Mavericks and Lions with VIP options.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
~ Jesus
About Daily Mankato
Welcome to the Daily Mankato, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Mankato, Minnesota community. If you like the Daily Mankato, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Mankato.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Mankato and across Minnesota. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Mankato
A free Mankato community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailymankato.com/sitemap