Good morning, Mankato.

Donations are accepted for the family of 20-year-old MSU student Valerie Caven, who was killed in a two-vehicle crash near Eagle Lake when her car and a semi collided at the intersection of Highways 14 and 60— a GoFundMe account set a $70,000 goal that had raised $51,585 as of Monday.

Local grandparents Eileen and Steve Norman attended an open house at Monroe Elementary to view updated safety features such as one inch thick bullet resistant glass panels and a secure entrance that channels guests to the office; additional tours at district schools will take place on Nov. 24 and Nov. 25 from 5 to 6 p.m.+ The $105 million bonding referendum approved in 2023 is funding further upgrades including building expansions and HVAC improvements.

Granada Huntley East Chain will ask voters on November 4 for an $8.75-million bond to expand its technical education area and add two classrooms — the proposal also upgrades the cafeteria and renovates locker rooms.

District leaders say the new plan relies on state support covering 57% of costs, making the estimated cost about $7.88 per month for a typical residence.

The City of Mankato will host an open house at the Mankato Regional Airport on Nov.

18 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.—the event will explain plans for a future air traffic control tower, detail current operations and upcoming projects, and allow the public to ask questions and share feedback.

North Mankato City Council is asking residents to fill out a survey on plans for an indoor recreation center as it seeks to expand facilities and boost local activity—residents may complete the five-minute survey online, by mail, or at City Hall or the Taylor Library until November 12.

Mankato Public Works approved a plan to restore the 1873 Kern Bridge as a park centerpiece at a cost now over $10.5 million due to additional work and rising expenses since 2020.

The bridge will be reassembled next year and ready for walkers and bikers in 2026 — a project that includes new bridge sections to span the Blue Earth River.

On Monday, the community celebrated the girls tennis team's perfect 24-0 season and Class A title in St. James—marking a historic achievement in local sports.

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.