Good morning, Mankato.

On Monday, a $10,000 anonymous donation helped put the Kiwanis Holiday Lights display at Sibley Park back on track as it works toward a $100,000 goal amid colder winter weather.

The event, featuring 2 million lights and 20 new displays, is free-of-charge until Dec. 31.

A brief equipment failure amid a winter storm on Thursday afternoon left about 3,800 residents in Mankato (including lower North Mankato) without power from roughly 3:45 p.m. until about 4:15 p.m. with service restored within 45 minutes by Xcel Energy.

Lake Crystal Elementary held a surprise celebration on Thursday to honor custodian Shirley LaFavor, who retired after 37 years of service, including 25 years at the school.

Teresa Freitag, a social worker at Mankato Clinic who supports pregnant women and families, won a statewide award for creating safe spaces and securing stable housing for clients — her work was highlighted during a discussion with clinic physicians.

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.

Bemidji State Beavers vs Minnesota State Mankato Mavericks Men's Basketball

3:30-5:00 p.m. — Centennial Student Union — Ticket prices vary — Catch the exciting matchup between the Beavers and Mavericks on the court.