Good morning, Mankato.

Wooden Spoon’s recovery program received a $3,500 grant from Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless to buy extra freezers — boosting storage for produce and meats to make meals — and it will serve community partners from above the bakery at 515 North Riverfront Drive in Mankato.

The Mankato Family YMCA ended its Brother/Sister program after 57 years due to changes in insurance and regulations.

Mankato Motors gathered 45 Christmas wish lists and is donating gifts to help these kids have a joyful holiday.

MSU is hosting the Maverick Holiday Carnival today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Centennial Student Union, where up to 350 people can enjoy free games, crafts, and a photo booth (a favorite for families) as MSU mascot Stomper makes an appearance.

Mankato residents have a full weekend of holiday events with a children's coats giveaway at Spring Lake Park until 1 p.m., Christmas tours at Hubbard House and a parade on Belgrade Avenue today — festive markets, concerts and family-friendly activities will continue on Sunday at key community venues.

A downtown child care center that missed loan payments is set to be sold if the City Council forgives $5,727 in accrued interest.

New Horizon Real Estate Development 6 LLP will take over the center at 227 E. Main St, repay the remaining $40,529 principal plus continue care services for area families.

He Qi (also known as James) is visiting Gustavus Adolphus College this weekend to display his commissioned painting Journey, which shows modern takes on the Magi for Christmas in Christ Chapel’s Advent services.

The artwork brings a new look to the season’s theme, Seeking Hope: Dreams of a New Way.

Two southern Minnesota manufacturers received state funding to expand their operations and add new jobs.

Blue Earth’s Winnebago Manufacturing Company gets ($120,000) for its $5M expansion and Mankato’s Rolls-Royce Solutions gets ($500,000) for facility renovations.

Contractors continue work at Mankato West High School despite winter weather, setting up concrete pours for the three-story addition later this week (despite a six-week autumn delay, recent snow had little impact).

School officials say progress is on track for completion before the school year begins.

MSU Professor Keenan Hartert released a study showing that students achieve better grades when they attend at least 90% of classes and work 20 hours or less, and senior Kaylee Plahn is shifting her work schedule this week to focus on studying for finals.

MSU and Girl Scouts River Valleys will sign a memorandum on Tuesday to start a leadership institute on campus to serve over 17,000 Girl Scouts from southern Minnesota and the Minneapolis Paul region.

The agreement also waives fees for Girl Scouts applying to MSU.

KEYC releases its first winter Sports Extra edition covering boys' basketball matchups such as Madelia vs. Loyola and local college games like MSU hockey vs. Ferris State + MSU track.

Readers can download the KEYC app to access complete game details.

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.