Good morning, Mankato.

Connections shelter will open tomorrow at 5 p.m.—the facility offers 48 beds, has resolved plumbing issues, and already has a wait list of 45 people in need of winter shelter.

The nonprofit faces funding challenges amid rising living costs and will continue operations until May when funds run out.

Nadine Sugden celebrated her 99th birthday Thursday morning in Mankato with a small gathering of women from The 99s—an organization that supports women in aviation.

Family members and fellow pilots honored her lifelong love of flying and recognized her creation of an endowment to help aviation students at Minnesota State University.

Farmers in Mankato are beginning to harvest a good yield this fall but face uncertain export markets that may leave them with extra crops—soybean sales are low while corn exports remain strong amid trade disputes.

The situation points to a challenging post-harvest market as international buyers, especially China, are hesitant to commit.

Mankato West High School sophomore Livia Crandall touched a shortnose gar at Minneopa State Park during Minneopa Field Days, where over 500 students learned about local fish and wildlife.

The event was organized by local schools and state experts — offering hands-on lessons — to show how nature can lead to future career paths.

St. Peter’s Gustavus Adolphus College will host the 2025 Nobel Conference on Oct.

7-8 at Christ Chapel—where experts will discuss sugar's impact on health, history and politics. Sessions will cover cancer research, sugar addiction and trade issues as the event is free to watch live or online.

Local performer and playwright Peter Bloedel experienced chest pressure and near-fainting that led him to seek emergency care at the Mayo Clinic Health System—doctors then inserted a stent into his blocked artery and he is now on the road to recovery with plans to change his lifestyle.

Mankato East volleyball hosted Rochester Mayo and swept them in three sets—Grace Rustad recorded 13 set assists while Carlie Wendinger and Shanyce Johnson each contributed 9 kills.

This win showed the team’s strong performance in today's match.

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.

A Night in Valhalla: Viking After-Dark Experience

7-11 PM — Great Northern Viking Festival — Tickets on sale now — Experience a night of mead, music, and Viking-themed merriment in an immersive setting.