Good morning, Mankato.

Vernon Center artist Al Steinberg won the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources turkey stamp contest—his acrylic painting of wild turkeys will be featured on the 2027 stamp, marking a milestone after a close call last year.

Mankato’s MSU Integrated Business Experience program is gaining popularity as students form businesses to handle real-world finances and donate profits to charity.

Sophomore Kennedi Carstensen’s team, The Hope Collective, raised more than $8,000 for a local cancer fund—part of a 12-year program that has donated over $181,000.

Sister Dorothy Zeller of Good Counsel Learning Center announced her intent to retire in September and will step down by July while continuing one-on-one tutoring in reading and math until a replacement is hired.

The center, which has served Mankato for over 50 years and moved to a 14-room space downtown in 2023 — stays committed to providing vital educational programs for youth and adults.

A local homeowner asked if raking leaves was harming trees by removing natural nutrients, and Jon Trappe from the U of M Extension said that mulching about 70–80% of the leaves is best for both lawn health and reducing waste transport pollution.

He advised that homeowners bag only the excess when leaf cover overwhelms their yard.

A new apartment complex is planned on a nearly four acre lot at the intersection of Victory Drive and Stadium Road that will add 72 apartment units and outdoor amenities (cooking grills, game area, dog park and sports court) to Mankato’s housing market.

APX Construction Group submitted the preliminary plans on behalf of owners Ryan Evenson and Kyle Smith as part of ongoing growth in the Victory-Stadium area.

On Saturday, Minnesota State football lost 31-23 to MSU Moorhead at Blakeslee Stadium.

The Dragons — despite touchdowns from Mitchell Thompson and Sam Backer — fell short after a missed extra point allowed Moorhead to secure the win.

Waseca football beat Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton 14-13 in the Class 3A state semifinal at U.S. Bank Stadium on Saturday, with Kellen Klinger scoring twice and William Mansfield blocking an extra point — the Bluejays will face Annandale in the championship game next Saturday.

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.

World Junior Pre-Tournament Game: Switzerland vs Minnesota State

7-9:30 p.m. — Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center — Ticket details not available — Witness a thrilling pre-tournament match between Switzerland and the Mavericks ahead of the World Junior Championship.