Good morning, Mankato.

Joe Spear, editor emeritus of The Free Press, is starting a new chapter as a storyteller with a regular local column after retiring from a 40+ year journalism career.

He recently served as editor of the day at the Minnesota Newspaper Museum at the State Fair, engaging visitors on journalism’s impact.

Crossroads Campus Ministry on the MSU campus will close on Nov.

25 after years of shifting focus to food services—its Holy Closure ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. on Dec. 6, and in-need students will be referred to other local food providers.

Darren Kaisersatt, owner of Kaiserbuilt Motorcycles, said portable airbags like the Tech Air system are moving from racing circuits to local riders as they offer quick inflation to protect during crashes (priced around $700 to $1,000).

Kate Gilbertson re-opened ARTifact at 622 N.

Riverfront Dr near Tune Town on Monday, Sept. 7. The paint-your-own pottery studio — now larger and kid-friendly — invites families and team-bonding groups in Old Town to enjoy a creative, hands-on experience.

GreenSeam launched a search for its new Director after a strategic process to refocus its work on South Central Minnesota’s food and agribusiness sector & boost local business growth.

The board and Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. are now accepting applications to advance regional investment.

MSU Theatre launched its season with 'Two Rooms,' a production that uses a hostage metaphor to explore isolation and despair.

Actors worked with playwright Lee Blessing by Zoom & researched real experiences to deepen their roles on stage.

Maker Fair Minnesota returns to St. Peter on Oct.

3 at the Nicollet County Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event features 190 artisans + 10 food vendors and is expected to welcome up to 6,000 visitors looking for unique handmade items.

Enrollment trends vary among colleges as Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter saw a modest increase to 550 new students while MSU expects fall numbers to fall between the 2022 and 2023 marks due to a decline in international applicants.

Almost 260 sixth graders took part in Education Day at Dakota Meadows Middle School yesterday as local educators and Joe Moose led Native social dances and cultural displays using a traditional drum (by the Maza-Kute Singers) ahead of the 54th Annual Mahkato Wacipi at Land of Memories Park.

The Minnesota State Patrol reported a 40% rise in motorcycle fatalities ahead of fall riding season, with 22 accidents involving untrained drivers.

The agency advises drivers and cyclists to watch intersections, change lanes carefully, and wear approved protective gear.

South Central Minnesota EMS leaders Mark Griffith and Sheila Denton joined a recent 'In The Spotlight' segment to demonstrate Minnesota car seat safety laws & hands-only CPR techniques while urging local volunteers to support rural EMS efforts, including free car seat checks and technician classes.

Mankato West girls swim & dive defeated Winona 92-76 in a local meet on Friday, Sept.

18, showcasing the team’s strong performance.

The No. 4 Minnesota State football team is hosting Northern State in Mankato this weekend in a battle of undefeated teams.

Senior defensive lineman Tanner Olson and head coach Todd Hoffner said the team – already showing strong performance – is focused on building further success.

Maple River football won a close match (28-20) against St. Clair/Loyola on Friday night.