Good morning, Mankato.

The Minnesota School Counselors Association named Heather Krause of Mankato East High School as the 2025 High School Counselor of the Year on Oct 27 — an award recognizing her 23 years of dedication to student success.

Colleagues noted her ability to build trust and support students' academic, career, and personal growth.

Mankato teacher and coach Chris Ward of East High School received the University of Minnesota's 2025 Sarah L.

Tilman Memorial Science Teacher Award on Oct. 27 and was presented with $3,000 at a campus ceremony. He was nominated by former students for his engaging science instruction—his work has made a lasting impact on academic growth.

Mankato city council approved an $8.3-million bid from Redstone Construction to rebuild the historic 1873 Kern Bridge—dismantled in 2020—to connect Land of Memories Park and Sibley Park.

The project, with a total estimated cost of $10.5 million mostly from federal funds, will begin construction this December as officials work to lock in costs before further increases occur.

Mankato will host international teams for the World Juniors Pre-Tournament Series in December ahead of the championship event in the Twin Cities.

Team Denmark will hold its camp at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center—while Minnesota State will face Team Switzerland on Dec. 16 and Team Denmark will play Team Canada on Dec. 23.

BLHS volleyball Mustangs beat Sleepy Eye St. Mary's 3-1 in the Section 2A semifinals and will play in Thursday's championship match in St. Peter—key plays came from Lauren Hubin and Elsie Rudeen.

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.

Holiday Craft and Gift Show

10 AM – 6 PM — River Hills Mall — Free Admission — Enjoy a festive shopping experience with handmade gifts and local artisans.