Good morning, Mankato.

KTOE Radio is marking its 75th anniversary today from 4-7 p.m. at The Venue, 1850 Madison Ave—current and longtime broadcasters will share stories and host a brief Q&A.

Becky Kurth, co-chair of the St. Peter Out of the Darkness Walk for suicide prevention, says the event will unite community members at Minnesota Square Park this Sunday—pre-registration begins at 2 p.m. and the walk starts at 3 p.m. after moving from Mankato for better visibility.

Local shelters in Mankato are switching to winter hours as record demand pushes capacity limits.

Connections Shelter is offering a night shelter from fall to spring and expects to be full by the end of the week — the Salvation Army is expanding its day shelter to seven days a week.

Mankato readers are excited as pre-orders flood in for the new Betsy-Tacy for Small Children, a hardcover picture book that brings Maud Hart Lovelace's beloved series to a younger audience.

The Betsy-Tacy Society holds exclusive rights locally until the end of the year—then the book will be released nationally in March.

MSU Mankato marked Orange Shirt Day Tuesday to remember indigenous children lost in residential schools.

The campus placed orange flags by its fountains, each flag representing seven children lost—an effort linked to a national movement.

Heavier rains from a warming climate are accelerating erosion and causing more frequent landslides, mudslides, and rockfalls in the Minnesota River Valley, with North Mankato’s Judson Bottom Road seeing regular debris cleanup.

City officials and local scientists are launching studies to improve repairs and safety—protecting life and property in the area.

Visit Mankato will host the 16th annual Mankato Marathon on Oct.

17-18, with a Wellness Expo, kids race and Pork Power 5K on Oct. 17 and full, half, 10K races plus a relay on Oct. 18, expected to draw 3,300 runners & 4,000 spectators. The race will finish downtown with a post party on South Front Street and calls for community volunteers for roles from setup to runner support.

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.