Good morning, Mankato.

At its annual banquet on Sept 27, local veterans in the Vietnam Veterans of Southern Minnesota Last Man’s Club passed a special bottle of bourbon to younger post-9/11 veterans—honoring fallen comrades—as part of the club's 35th anniversary, and the bottle, bought in Bardstown, Kentucky, donates proceeds to veteran support organizations.

Joe Spear, a 35-year veteran managing editor at The Free Press, is signing off after a long career marked by innovative investigative reporting and First Amendment advocacy — he plans to continue writing the Sunday editorial while enjoying more time golfing.

His work has reshaped news coverage in southern Minnesota and influenced statewide policy changes.

On Saturday, local events included farmers’ markets in Mankato and St. Peter, a Walk to End Alzheimer’s ceremony at Spring Lake Park, Oktoberfest and blacksmithing demonstrations in New Ulm, a Party on the Prairie, and an MSU production of Oklahoma! in North Mankato.

Today, fire department open houses in Mankato and North Mankato, a craft and vendor fair at the VFW, energy-efficient home tours starting from LocAle Brewing, an Out of Darkness Walk in St. Peter, and music shows at Roadhouse 169 and Patrick’s provide a full list of community activities.

Local experts will host a free screening of the film 'Plastic People' at MSU's Ostrander Auditorium Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m.—the event will feature a Q&A panel led by Jane Dow and others to discuss the harmful effects of plastics on health and the environment.

A Minnesota trooper says drivers must pull to the right and stop when an emergency vehicle with flashing red lights and sirens appears, and if a vehicle is in an intersection, it should clear the area before stopping (failure to yield can lead to arrest within four hours).

North Mankato City Council will review two resolutions Monday to approve a $2.1 million project on Ringhofer Drive — the project will use a state grant for just over a million and special assessments on local properties that can be paid in full without interest by Nov.

15. The project will upgrade street and utility systems with public input set for Nov. 3 and construction scheduled to start before the end of 2025.

More than 630 people attended a walk to raise funds for Alzheimer’s research in North Mankato on Saturday—organizers reported over $112,000 was raised and said donations will be accepted through Dec.

31.

Minnesota State women’s hockey won a 3 to 2 game over Lindenwood, with Lauren Goldsworthy scoring on a power play and Mercury Bischoff and Makayla Moran adding goals—a total of eight players earned points and goalie Kaydence Roeske made key saves in her debut.

The Mavericks now have a 4 to 0 record and will play St. Thomas in WCHA next weekend.

Minnesota State volleyball earned its biggest win of the season after defeating No.12 Southwest Minnesota State in a five-set match at home.

Emily Kern led with 16 kills—Jadyn Lester recorded 48 assists in the key upset.

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.

MN Child Welfare Training Academy: MDT Collaboration in Child Protection

— Time Range — Centennial Student Union — Free entry — Explore effective multidisciplinary team strategies in child protection through in-depth training sessions.