Good morning, Mankato.

The Mankato Salvation Army is asking donors to bring nonperishable food items (with pop tops) and hygiene products to support its shelter amid rising food insecurity.

Captain Andy Wheeler said donations will help keep the small pantry stocked as more local residents seek assistance.

Today at Carnegie Art Center, Tim Sutton, Eric Ouren, and Mary Gitter-Zehnder open a collage exhibit that reuses images from old magazines and books to create new stories.

The works vary in size and style—each artist offers a distinct perspective that invites viewers to form their own interpretation.

Four area school districts will be on the Nov.

4 ballot with votes on new tax increases to fund schools. Cleveland’s plan would raise $750 per pupil over 10 years (adding roughly $259 in taxes on a $250,000 home), while Nicollet will ask two questions to support classrooms and buildings and Sibley East and Madelia propose measures for similar upgrades.

Middle schoolers at Prairie Winds Middle School volunteer in the Conservation Crew to keep the community clean and green; the group (originating with four sixth graders four years ago) now has over sixty students who sort plastics, collect donation tabs, and plant seeds.

Blue Earth and Nicollet Counties will light up buildings and bridges green from November 4—11 to support veterans—residents, businesses and organizations are encouraged to change one light bulb in their homes to green to show support.

Valley View Dental in Saint Peter is preparing for its fourth annual free vet care event on Nov.

7—Rising Sun Chiropractic will also offer free services. Doctor Miller organized the event to help veterans get the care they need.

The Minnesota State men’s hockey team begins conference play this weekend while the football team prepares to bounce back against SMSU after a loss to Wayne State—additionally, the nationally ranked volleyball team will travel as head coach Corey Phelps highlights its strengths.

The Cleveland Clippers volleyball team stunned top-seeded Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart in the Section 2A championship last Thursday by fighting back from a two-set deficit to win three straight in a five-set match—securing a spot in the state tournament.

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.