Good morning, Mankato.

MSU is set to retrench eight faculty positions to focus on programs with stronger enrollment trends.

Professor Bektas claims the decision is personal (he filed a complaint alleging discriminatory treatment) and is demanding more data as explanations remain unfilled.

Marathon convenience store at 729 N.

Riverfront Drive and Oz Tobacco Shop at 201 N. Victory Drive will have their tobacco licenses suspended for 14 days starting Jan. 1 after repeated underage sales, and they face a $1,000 fine and potential permanent revocation if a further violation occurs before summer.

Experts from the Minnesota Safety Council warn that seat belt adjusters tested on crash dummies do not protect pregnant drivers and may shift the lap belt too far forward; drivers should use the regular three-point belt worn low on the hips and high on the chest for proper protection.

The two-hotel development in downtown Mankato, valued at $100 million, will resume site work in spring 2026 after partial demolition continues this winter; construction will begin along Main Street on AC by Marriott and Element by Westin with openings expected in third quarter 2027.

Mike Anderson, a Mankato native, placed sixth out of 65 competitors in the World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest on Nov.

30 in Stuttgart, Arkansas. He returned to the contest after years away to focus on his family & duck hunting, working hard to improve his routine.

The No. 2 MSU women’s basketball team beat Augustana 108 to 60 on Saturday, with Natalie Bremer scoring 25 points to keep the Mavericks undefeated at 11 to 0 — they will return to action on Thursday at SMSU.

The Minnesota State men’s basketball team lost 76-68 to Augustana on Saturday, and the Mavericks will try to bounce back (their next contest) at SMSU on Thursday.

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.

January 2026 League Challenge

All day — The Dork Den — $10 entry — Compete in the first League Challenge of 2026 and claim your Pokémon Play Pack and prizes.