Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 3rd of December.
Good morning, Mankato.
🏘️ Community
This holiday season, small businesses in Mankato use the Greater Mankato Support Local Businesses Page on Facebook to reach nearly one third of local residents and connect with new customers.
The group, created during COVID for restaurants, now helps shop owners like Kelly Rosenberg of Mankato Vintage Market boost local sales — keeping money in the community.
Reborn Legacy Tattoo on Madison Ave in Mankato is offering discounted tattoos to local supporters who donate new toys for children this Christmas season.
Owner Donny Cruz said the promotion supports families facing holiday hardships and boosts toy donations — a cause close to his heart.
💼 Business
Wells Marketplace was named a 2025-2026 Minnesota Grown Retailer of the Year by the state Department of Agriculture's Minnesota Grown program in partnership with the Minnesota Grocers Association for offering locally grown foods.
The award came after the store set up a local produce display last fall featuring 18 items.
🎓 Education
Tiny Roots Child Care, a new one-bedroom child care house in Mapleton, will open this week to ease the shortage of over 300 care slots in Blue Earth County and help families who travel far for day care.
Licensed provider Brooke Garvey will serve up to 10 children in a modern home built for child care and developed by the Mapleton Economic Development Authority—offering a flexible local solution.
During Tuesday's Truth in Taxation meeting, the Mankato Area Public School Board proposed a $40.4 million levy for 2026—a 10% increase that would add about $82 in taxes for a $250,000 home because state funding has not kept pace and the district faces a $27 million construction gap. The board will vote on the proposal on December 15 in the Minnesota Valley room.
🏈 Sports
The Alden-Conger and Glenville-Emmons girls basketball team hosted Nicollet on Monday in Alden, but Nicollet won 60-48 in a close game.
The Mankato West girls basketball team hosted Kasson-Mantorville on Monday and won the game 81-52 — a win that boosts their momentum for upcoming matches.
The Mankato Loyola boys basketball team won its season opener on December 1 by beating WWG — the final score was 81–64, and this result sets a strong tone for the season.
On Dec. 2, Mankato East boys basketball won a close game against Northfield 74-72 in their home opener while Mankato West lost to Stewartville 62-60.
St. Peter honored coach Keith Hanson after he stepped down last season—Marshall wrestling won bouts against St. Peter and TCU and Mankato West girls hockey fell to Century/JM.
🎉 Mankato Events
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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.
IIHF World Junior Championship: Denmark vs Canada
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center — Tickets available — Witness Denmark face off against Canada in this exciting pre-tournament match.
New Year's Eve Celebration at The Venue
7:30 p.m. — The Venue — Check ticket price — Celebrate the New Year with a festive night in Mankato.
🏠 Mankato Real Estate
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💼 Mankato Job Board
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📣 Mankato Announcements
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