Good morning, Mankato.

VINE Faith in Action will host its annual Love Your Age 55+ Expo on Tuesday, Sept.

29 at the Mankato Civic Center from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. The free event features 89 vendors, health screenings by MSU nursing students, live jazz, crafts and door prizes (with shuttle and free parking).

The 10th Deep Valley Book Festival returns to Mankato on Saturday, Oct.

3 at the Courtyard by Marriott, where over 60 authors (including keynote speaker Kate DiCamillo at 1:00 p.m.) will host panels, workshops and family-friendly activities. Attendees must reserve seats online for DiCamillo's talk.

Greater Mankato Growth said its job report data had been off for several months after meeting with 27 local employers (63% confirmed job growth), yet steady job increases persist.

Government benchmarks are expected to adjust last fall's numbers by next spring.

Employment in the local area rose by nearly 2,200 jobs in August compared to last year, the strongest percentage gain statewide, as reported by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Private sector employers added 1,410 jobs + public offices contributed 784 more.

The Greater Mankato Young Professionals program visited The Free Press newsroom Thursday to learn about various careers and build local connections (members aged 21 to 40 participate in monthly events for mentoring and networking).

A Free Press poll run from Aug.

27 to Sept. 11 showed that incumbent candidates Patrick Baker & Kari Pratt along with Tracy Frederick led the Mankato School Board race, though many planned not to vote. Voters will elect three members this November.

KEYC News Now & KTTC will co-host an hourlong candidate forum featuring incumbent Rep. Brad Finstad and challenger Jake Johnson at the KEYC-TV studios in North Mankato on Thursday, Oct.

8 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Mankato Area Public Schools and Open Door Health Center are partnering to open clinics at Lincoln Community School and the Center for Learning.

The limited clinics will offer physicals, vaccinations and wellness exams on select days for students, staff + families to improve access to care.