Good morning, Mankato.

The Brooks couple revealed plans for Endless Adventures Indoor Playground at 1740 Premier Drive during a Planning Commission meeting—designed with separate play areas for various age groups, a walking track, interactive technology zones and family spaces, the 15,000-square-foot facility is scheduled to open in 2026 pending permit approval on Monday night.

YWCA Mankato invites residents to join its Women’s Leadership & Empowerment Conference, Resilient & Ready: Women Taking Charge, on Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Minnesota State University’s Centennial Student Union Ballroom.

The event will feature keynote speaker Janine Rogan and four breakout sessions focusing on financial planning and creative money strategies (targeting 150 attendees).

Wash Wizards is installing 30,000 feet of bulbs for Christmas lights on Mankato homes—this third-year business, led by co-owner Kyle Kirlin, works from the end of October until a week or two before Christmas to bring safe and convenient holiday decor to local residents.

Mark Konz from Mankato Community Development said that when the fully operational Walmart distribution center opens, it will see an estimated 300 trucks per day meaning a truck will arrive or leave every 2.4 minutes.

The city, county and state have expanded roads and built a new interchange but will not change current snow removal plans.

Gwen Westerman, Minnesota’s poet laureate and longtime professor, shared vivid stories about Indigenous history at the Blue Earth County Library Saturday morning and captivated a mostly senior audience with accounts of local events like the mass execution of 38 Dakota men.

She stressed that telling these stories accurately helps communities learn from the past—an effort now supported by a state historical society collaboration on a 5th-grade tutorial.

Waseca football team defeated Holy Family Catholic 14 to 0 in the Class AAA state quarterfinals on Saturday to secure a spot in the semifinals — they will play next Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at U.S. Bank Stadium.

MSU volleyball beat Minnesota Duluth 3 to 0 on Saturday in a nationally ranked match and now hold a record of 21 wins & 5 losses.

The Minnesota State men’s hockey team tied Bowling Green 1-1 on November 8—MSU will face Lake Superior State on Friday.

On November 8, Minnesota State upset No. 5 Augustana with a 45-21 win, moving to an 8-2 record + they will finish regular season play next week against Moorhead.

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.

Minnesota State Mankato Mavericks vs. St. Cloud State Huskies

2:02 PM — Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center — Ticket prices not specified — Watch an exciting college hockey matchup between the Mavericks and Huskies.