Good morning, Mankato.

The Salvation Army will host its annual Bundle Me Warm event at 700 South Riverfront Drive next Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.—free winter coats, gloves, hats, boots, scarves and snowsuits will be provided to children during MEA week.

Mankato expert Cindra Kamphoff, a professor at Minnesota State University (PhD), led the 2025 National Research Study on Confidence that surveyed 750 people and found 66% of Americans believe the country faces a crisis, with many Gen Z and Millennial individuals affected by social media pressure; her findings will guide upcoming efforts to support self-esteem in work and school settings.

A correction on Page B1 clarified that Mike Laven was misidentified in an article about the upcoming YES to Our Future Summit—he is the Mankato City Council At Large representative, not the City Council President.

Drivers in North Mankato must re-route as the contractor replaces a sanitary sewer and makes concrete repairs—closing the Range Street and Page Avenue intersection from today until October 20th.

Dozens of people walked along Minnesota Ave today in Saint Peter to promote mental health awareness and support rural services.

The South-Central Community Based Initiative and Regional Mental Health Director Ricki Pribyl urged lawmakers to fund community-based care—vital for preventing hospitalizations.

Sixteen-year-old Owen Saidler returned home today after receiving a long-awaited heart transplant and is now slowly recovering at home while using a large Rubik’s Cube—an activity that helps him track his progress.

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.

Holiday Craft and Gift Show

3-7 p.m. — Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center — $3 Admission — Enjoy three days of shopping, festive cheer, and handcrafted treasures from local vendors.