Good morning, Mankato.

Motorists in Mankato must plan extra travel time as temporary street closures will be in effect for runner safety during the marathon events on Friday at 4:30 p.m. and Saturday at 7:20 a.m. from Kato Moving and Storage at 417 Poplar St — the closures on streets such as Poplar, Sibley Parkway, and Front are set for specific periods as outlined in the city press release.

The Salvation Army is hosting the Bundle Me Warm winter clothing giveaway today from 9 a.m. to 3 at its center, offering free coats and gear donated by its thrift store and local groups.

Residents have reported long lines + clear need as winter approaches.

Alaska authorities found the remains of David Linder, a 39-year-old Mankato native and radio station owner, in a log jam in a river after he went missing during a heli-ski trip in the Chugach Mountains in March—searchers are now looking for the other two skiers swept away by an avalanche.

Mankato artist Justin Ek secured $50,000 to keep the Day of the Dead festival going after a grant fell through, and the event will be held on Oct.

25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. along North Riverfront Drive—featuring extra hour programming, food trucks, a second stage, and a new processional parade—while drawing an estimated 15,000 community members to honor cultural traditions.

Low-income Minnesotans may see delays in heating bill help because the state’s LIHEAP funds depend on federal cash that normally comes about one month after Congress approves a budget — the money might not come until November or later.

Commerce warned that as temperatures drop, customers already facing high energy bills could struggle to pay unless they set up a payment plan.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation said work on Highway 22 from Mankato to St. Peter is progressing well, and Blue Earth County Road 2 will be closed for 2-3 weeks starting Oct 20 for a new alignment.

The highway is expected to reopen for winter + construction will resume in spring.

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.

Styx and Loverboy Concert

1:30-9:00 p.m. — Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center — Tickets from $47.50 — Rock legends Styx and Loverboy promise a night of classic hits and electrifying performances.

MSU Moorhead Dragons vs. Minnesota State Mankato Mavericks Football

12:00 – 1:30 PM — Blakeslee Stadium — Tickets from $33 — Cheer on the Dragons and Mavericks in an exciting collegiate football matchup.