Good morning, Mankato.

The Hardee’s on Madison Avenue in Mankato is closed with no reason given, and this follows the closure of another Hardee’s off Highway 169 a month and a half ago—other locations in Fairmont, Faribault, New Ulm, Sleepy Eye and Windom remain open.

On Thursday evening, local business awards honored companies at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center as they recognized achievements in economic growth, community leadership and innovation.

Winners included APX Construction Group—named to the Business Hall of Fame—and Mankato Clinic for its long legacy while other prizes went to projects that boosted tourism and downtown development.

Greenseam will hold its annual rural forum on Dec.

4 at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, featuring a panel discussion by Minnesota legislators on agritourism policy and a keynote by Jacqueline McCloskey of Fair Oaks Farms scheduled at 6:50 p.m. A social hour will start at 4:30 p.m. before dinner and tickets cost $71.06+ tax and fees.

The Mankato Family YMCA will host the annual Reading Fest this Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon so kids and families can enjoy free children’s books from Capstone Publishing—arranged by Greater Mankato United Way to boost reading engagement.

The event comes as state tests report low reading proficiency and aims to encourage families to be active in their child’s literacy journey.

Blue Earth County Board will review proposals for an environmental assessment worksheet to guide the removal of Rapidan Dam at its Tuesday meeting at 9:00 a.m. at the County Historic Courthouse — Bolton & Menk is recommended by staff for their lower estimated project hours compared to Emmons & Oliver.

After a historic 43-day shutdown ended Wednesday, the Minnesota Valley Action Council’s Heating Assistance Program is set to face a 4—8 week delay before funding low-income households as it has already received 4,800 applications and approved 3,000.

MVAC officials said rehiring federal staff may speed up the process while urging residents to contact their power companies to avoid shutoffs under the Cold Weather Rule.

MSU Mankato dental clinic provided free dental care today for over 50 veterans while dental students sharpened their skills — the event gives veterans a valuable dental home and helps students practice.

MSU sports fans in Mankato will enjoy a busy weekend of volleyball and football matchups as part of the crossover season—Maverick Insider provides full coverage of the events.

The Minnesota River girls hockey team and Mankato East battled in a high-energy overtime game that ended in a 4-4 tie— the Bulldogs jumped to a 2-0 lead before the Cougars rallied to even the score.

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.

Live Music by Dan Duffy Orchestra

6-9 p.m. — Wow! Zone — Enjoy delicious food with captivating swing and Hot Club music.