Good morning, Mankato.

Lake Crystal Area Rec Center opened a new indoor playground more than a week ago that offers an aquatic-themed, multi-level play area for children ages 2‑12 along with a party room and workout area for parents.

Executive Director Ryan Yunkers said the project took about seven years of planning and was completed on schedule despite two weeks of rain—garnering strong support from local donors—while being the only facility of its kind between New Ulm and the Twin Cities.

Chance R. Briscoe was named the new chief executive officer of BENCO Electric Cooperative — he will take over from retiring Dave Sunderman on Jan.

1 and brings nearly 20 years of electric utility leadership as the current general manager at Northwest Rural Public Power District.

Local insurance agents are dealing with lower pay and rising costs that make it hard for residents to find affordable Medicare plans as open enrollment runs through December—agents warn that tighter networks and fewer options may force layoffs and less in-person guidance.

They stress that without more support or commissions, many seniors risk being left without the help needed to choose the best plan.

Kristi Piehl, a former Mankato reporter, has published her book 'Flip Your Script: Own Your Story & Unlock the Positive Power of Social Media' after her son Alec was diagnosed with cancer.

The guide uses her diary entries and social media posts to show how sharing his story inspired blood donations, a marathon that raised over $50,000, and an endowment for children’s health—while Alec finished his last round of chemo on Tuesday.

Minnesota State University’s graduate programs in special education and school psychology were awarded a five-year, $1.25 million training grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs—Project LEAP-IT will support 36 students earning master’s degrees and focus on updated behavioral practices and AI classroom tools.

Today, the Minnesota Children's Defense Fund released its annual Data Book to tackle rising child food insecurity as SNAP benefits are not scheduled for November — with policy director Alexandra Fitzsimmons urging local legislators to act on the issue.

Mankato will soon break ground on a half-mile extension of Hoffman Road—opening access to a new subdivision expected to house 2,130 residents in nearly 800 units.

Developer John Mesenbrink signed an agreement with city officials to finance $4.1 million in improvements and pay $176,000 for a future park.

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.