Good morning, Mankato.

Local leaders announced a three-day challenge at Salvation Army kettles from Wednesday to Friday.

Private donors will match each dollar (up to $30,000) to support food programs, utility assistance, and shelter services.

Reborn Legacy Tattoo on Madison Ave collected 193 new toys+ exceeded last year’s count by 30 for children in need.

The collected toys+ will be distributed to local families before Christmas.

Local service providers collected hundreds of coats donated during the annual Massad Real Estate Coat Drive (held from Nov.

29 to Dec. 5) at the Realtor Association of Southern Minnesota in North Mankato, and the winter gear will soon be distributed to help local families and children stay warm.

The Dakota Exiles Ride began Sunday in Santee, Nebraska and will complete a nearly 290-mile trek to downtown Mankato on the day after Christmas, honoring exiled Dakota and pledging a clean ride.

Motorists may encounter lane restrictions and intermittent road closures near the Range Street and Pierce Avenue intersection this week as city crews work to line the sanitary sewer main under Highway 169 in preparation for DOT improvements.

Suggested detour routes include McKinley, Cross and Webster Avenues.

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.