Good morning, Mankato.

Today, Mankato residents can enjoy a busy lineup featuring a SaturdayIndoors farmers’ market at Bomgaars Supply from 9 a.m. to noon, United Way’s Reading Festival at the YMCA Blue Gym, a country market at Holy Rosary Catholic School until 6:30 p.m., and an open house at Rapidan Heritage Society Museum from 9 to 11 a.m. Later, theater performances at Bethany Lutheran College + MSU, a brewery collectibles show, a Lost Chord Reunion music benefit at Hooligans, and a Peter Mayer concert offer a variety of free and ticketed events.

On Thursday, locals gathered in a home to hold the inaugural Battle of the Bowls and raised $1,310 for ECHO Food Shelf, beating a $500 goal while donating food boxes and taking part in a soup contest—organizer Erika Boyer-Kern said each dollar raised turns into five dollars’ worth of groceries. The event showed a strong community spirit as it helped support those affected by the pause in SNAP benefits.

Mapleton celebrated its first Child Care House opening Friday morning at the Mapleton Community Center—families toured the facility and watched a ribbon cutting that introduced Tiny Roots Child Care operated by Brooke Garvey.

The center was built to ease a local child care shortage and can care for up to 12 children, with plans for more if it proves successful.

At a state Veterans Day event in Mankato Tuesday, veteran Chad Nelson claimed the Minnesota National Guard prevented him from receiving disability insurance—he said he was wrongfully dismissed before a medical review.

The Guard responded in an email from Army Col. Kristen Augé that reviews by its Inspector General and the Air Force Board found his case did not meet criteria for medical retirement and noted inquiries from Congress and the governor.

DFL members of the Minnesota House Health Committee including Rep. Kristi Pursell will hold a free rural health care listening session in St. Peter next week at 6 p.m.—attendees must RSVP to learn the location and share their views on rural health care challenges.

Mankato — The Minnesota State women’s soccer team won a tense shootout against Concordia–St. Paul on Friday and will face St. Cloud State in the NSIC Championship game on Sunday at 1 p.m. in Mankato.

MSU women’s basketball stayed unbeaten after defeating UW–Eau Claire 91-49 on Friday at Taylor Center.

The Mavericks built a huge lead by halftime—Natalie Bremer scored 12 points.

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.