Good morning, Mankato.

The Salvation Army will begin bell ringing at River Hills Mall at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday to collect donations toward a goal of 550 thousand dollars to fund its day shelter and emergency social services.

Mankato Area Public Schools will host Focus School Information Sessions in November at Rosa Parks, Bridges and Jefferson Elementary schools so families can learn about the district’s STEAM, Global Studies and Nature-based Learning programs.

Each session will offer staff presentations, program highlights and Q&A opportunities—exact dates and times are provided by the district.

Before Monday's meeting, the Mankato Area School Board heard a report on a new readiness plan that set goals to raise student college pathway participation from 17% to 80% in three years, improve graduation rates to 100%, and boost students' sense of belonging — all measured against state averages. The board also reviewed an integration plan that aimed to raise preschool enrollment and third-grade reading scores for underserved groups.

Nicole Giese visited ECHO Food Shelf Monday as local families feared losing their $352 monthly SNAP benefits amid a government shutdown dispute.

Federal courts ordered partial payouts from an emergency $4 billion fund—leaving recipients uncertain about the full amount and timing of benefits.

Southbound traffic on North Victory Drive is restricted to one lane due to catch basin repairs that started Monday morning.

The inner lane from St. Andrews Drive — Hazeltine Road will remain closed until sometime Wednesday, according to the city.

At Spring Lake Park, this fall's Walk to End Alzheimer’s-Greater Mankato raised over $119,800 to fund local Alzheimer’s classes and dementia research—664 participants joined the event and Team Gibbon raised over $10,715 in honor of the late Barb Bruns.

Donations will be accepted online until Dec. 31.

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.