Good morning, Mankato.

Robb Murray has been named editor of the Free Press to replace retiring Joe Spear on Oct.

18—Murray has worked at the paper for over 20 years and hosts FreepCast, a local podcast.

Living Earth Center opened registration for its 20th annual Earth Conference scheduled for Nov 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Minnesota State University’s Centennial Student Union Room 245—admission is $50 in advance, $60 at the door, and student tickets cost $15.

The community can also drop off household hazardous waste at the Blue Earth County facility until Oct 30 and sign up to volunteer with IRS tax programs to help with free tax assistance.

Once Read Books celebrated its 50-year milestone last month+ when Mark Hustad opened the store in 1975 at 629 S.

Front St., and it has long been a landmark with handwritten notes and shop cats that give it unique appeal. Local readers and visitors come often+ drawn by its rich history and a good selection of rare books.

Mankato city officials have not provided more details on staff discounts in construction fees that saved nearly $300,000 for a downtown project—City Manager Susan Arntz said the reductions occurred before her tenure and that new permit tracking measures will be used for future projects.

Power Athletics plans to open a 6,100-square-foot cheerleading academy at 1021 Elevate Lane on Mankato’s northeast side pending a conditional use permit decision from the City Council on Oct.

14. The facility will offer training programs and classes for youth to collegiate teams during summer and school year hours—providing a new venue for competitive sports in the area.

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.