Good morning, Mankato.

Freemasons of Saint Peter marked 160 years of community service by donating $50,000 to Minnesota square park and $25,000 for playground equipment—an effort that helped neighbors during tough times—and will host an event at their temple this weekend to show their ongoing support.

Area trunk-or-treat events are planned for Oct 31 as local groups host Halloween activities in community spaces including the American Legion parking lot in lower North Mankato, where Auxiliary Unit 518 will run its second annual event from 5-7 p.m.—the city is adding traffic barricades for safety. Other events include family-friendly activities at the North Mankato Taylor Library and various community centers in nearby towns.

Dam Store in downtown Mankato announced it will experiment with winter hours at its new location starting November 1.

The cafe will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.—the owners said they are working out the schedule and will adjust if needed.

Volunteers met with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to review data on the Blue Earth River’s water quality, which has declined since the Rapidan Dam collapsed during flooding last year.

Experts said sediment from the collapse reduced water clarity and affected fish—further work is needed to flush out the sediment and restore the river.

North Mankato City Council is reviewing design options to fix the Spring Lake Park Swim Facility after early issues and plans range from nearly $4 million to $7.5 million.

Each plan includes base repairs (estimated at $1.5 million) and adds features like new peninsulas and bathhouse updates, with potential FEMA funding (up to $1 million) to help cover costs.

Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart advanced in the Section 2A volleyball quarterfinals by sweeping Martin Luther/Granada-Huntley-East Chain/Truman in three sets, with strong play from Elizabeth Ovitt — Lily Hubin; the Mustangs will face Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s in Tuesday’s semifinal matchup.

Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial volleyball swept tenth-seeded Central in the Section 2AA quarterfinals last night with Alice Hollerich earning 13 kills and Nettie Parsons adding 35 assists and 16 digs in a 3—0 win.

The Knights will face Belle Plaine in the semifinals Tuesday.

The St. James Area girls tennis team won its first Class A state title with a 4-3 victory over Litchfield when seniors Alivia Romsdahl and Ellie Anderson rallied for a 7-5 doubles match win—completing a perfect 24-0 season under head coach Les Zellmann.

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.

Michigan Tech Huskies vs. Minnesota State Mankato Mavericks Men's Hockey

6:07-7:37 p.m. — Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center — Ticket prices vary — Witness an exciting collegiate hockey clash in Minnesota.