Good morning, Mankato.

Southern Minnesota employers are preparing for Minnesota’s new paid leave program—set to take effect Jan.

1—and are adjusting payroll reporting, employee notifications and policies on payroll tax sharing; local groups are offering webinars to help businesses meet state requirements.

On Saturday, area teams ran at the Minnesota State Cross Country Championships at the University of Minnesota’s Les Bolstad Golf Course + Loyola-Cleveland-St. Clair and Redwood Valley earned podium finishes while Saint Peter’s Keira Friedrich won the Class 2A title.

MSU men’s hockey lost 4-3 in overtime to St. Thomas on Saturday night — Dylan Godbout gave an early lead for the Tommies while Tristan Lemyre and Jack Smith tied the game for MSU, and although Luigi Benincasa briefly put the Mavericks ahead, two late Tommies goals and an overtime score secured the win. MSU will play Bowling Green next Friday.

Minnesota State football beat Southwest Minnesota State 48-7 at Blakeslee Stadium Saturday.

Sam Backer ran a 52-yard touchdown, Mitchell Thompson scored both rushing and passing touchdowns, & Jefferson Mobry and Emanuel Spiyee made key interceptions while Lebarion Gilmore added two fourth-quarter scores.

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.