Good morning, Mankato.

Local non-profit A Fresh Start is holding its second annual holiday sale today at Messiah Lutheran Church from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.—the event aims to raise at least $5,000 to help people transitioning from homelessness, offering $25 vouchers and essential items to those newly housed.

Supporters of the 75-year-old Boy Scout cabin in Lake Crystal have been granted four weeks to submit a plan to repair the decaying building—City Administrator Angela Grafstrom said the plan must include pledged funds, letters of intent, and work by licensed contractors to meet building codes, with repair costs estimated between $175,000 and $250,000. The proposal must be finalized by December 15.

On Thursday, Minnesotans united for Give to the Max Day to raise funds for local nonprofits—more than $18-million was donated by noon and over $330-million has been raised since 2009.

Farmamerica in Waseca is seeking $90,000 to restore its historic red barn, built in 1913 and moved to its interpretive center from the Ballard Dairy Farm near Mankato—Jessica Rollins said work will begin once the full amount is raised.

The barn, which houses farm animals, stands as a key piece of Minnesota’s dairy history that the nonprofit aims to preserve by next year.

The Nidec facility in North Mankato, known as Kato Engineering, broke ground on its 120,000-square-foot expansion on Thursday — the project will modernize production technologies and create new job opportunities for nearly 400 employees.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development awarded funding to expand youth workforce training programs in Southern Minnesota—this grant supports paid internships, job-readiness training and skill-building activities for about 124 youth aged 14 to 24 in 23 counties, including those with disabilities or facing economic challenges.

City leaders are re-examining RibFest as attendance drops and fewer top rib vendors participate—officials are considering a shift to more food truck vendors and live music while gathering details on how planned Riverfront Park improvements might affect future summer events.

No official changes will be made until discussions continue early next year.

After a government shutdown stalled energy funding, the Minnesota Valley Action Council said it will resume assistance before the end of November — in time to help local families cope with rising energy costs.

More than 4,000 residents applied during the delay — officials noted that many low-income households face tough choices between paying bills.

Rick Ash, a Blue Earth health care leader with more than 30 years of experience, was honored yesterday with the 2025 Minnesota Community Star Award by the Minnesota Department of Health—an honor recognizing his work to keep rural hospitals open and provide care in local communities. He has also led projects like the new Fairmont clinic and remains active in addressing challenges like staffing shortages and rising costs.

At St. Peter Middle School last Thursday, lawmakers met to discuss rural healthcare issues and heard Rep. Robert Bierman say the system is failing—he proposed universal care—while residents shared their struggles with lost Medicare and Medicaid benefits.

Lawmakers plan to use these stories to help plan changes that will improve care in rural areas.

The Mankato West girls hockey team beat Austin 8–1 on Thursday — the Scarlets scored eight goals to secure a strong home win.

On Thursday night, the Mankato East boys hockey team hosted New Prague and lost 6—5 in overtime after New Prague scored the winning goal, marking a close finish in the game.

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.