Good morning, Mankato.

American Legion Post 518 will fly a flag in October — honoring Army Staff Sergeant Walter Adrian Sexe.

At 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, members will gather at Wheeler Park in lower North Mankato — starting a monthlong tribute in his honor.

Travis Sorenson used 750 hours to weld 1,007 metal pieces into his sculpture Cimarron for the 2025 CityArt Sculpture Tour, and his work shows his change from fixing things to making art that always has a dragonfly—marking a turning point in his life.

Today at Ney Nature Center’s education building on the grounds of Le Sueur County Park east of Henderson, the traveling We Are Water exhibit highlights water issues and local history following the 30th anniversary of the deformed frog discovery—featuring local panels and partnerships with state agencies. The exhibit, which opened in August and will run through Oct. 5, has already drawn 632 students during a Mankato field trip and over 500 casual visitors.

Trooper Troy Christianson says drivers must stop for school patrol students and crossing guards—repeat offenses are charged as a misdemeanor.

The school patrol program began in 1921 in St. Paul and now operates statewide to keep children safe.

City officials and the Blue Earth County Historical Society said the headstone dropped off at the water treatment plant originated from Pioneer Cemetery + it does not mark any grave on the property after decades of construction and projects.

Mount Kato hosted the inaugural Kato Bike Fall Fest weekend with Saturday trail rides and a bonfire, and today at 8 a.m. several hundred bikers will take one of four routes including the 11.4-mile Red Jacket Loop and the 38.7-mile Good Thunder Loop.

The event is sponsored by GMBWA + BikeMN, which aims to strengthen local biking activities.

Carson Stenzel scored early to give Mankato East a 2—1 win over Worthington as the team held their lead and sealed the victory.

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.