Hello Mankato! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Cannabis dispensary opening, comic toy and Pokemon show, and skate into summer + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
New retail milestone ahead: North Mankato’s first medical and recreational cannabis dispensary will open in late June or early July at 300 Belgrade Avenue in the former Game On Nutrition space after final approval -- see the dispensary details.
Strong year for city finances: An audit reported North Mankato ended 2025 in solid shape, General Fund up from $6.1 million to $8.4 million, 58.6% of the following year's budget, with no noncompliance -- review the audit findings.
Community ties keep growing: Seeko Foods in North Mankato partnered with Wooden Spoon, Wakais Asian Fusion, and Fusion Sushi to share shelf space, growing a food network as expansion plans paused amid economic uncertainty -- get the full story.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
You've traveled abroad without being able to speak the local language. You can change that in just 10 minutes a day. Most people are holding real conversations within three weeks. In fact, 92% of users improved their proficiency in just two months, with 25 million subscriptions sold -- take 55% off.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Greener thumbs, incoming: Edenvale Nursery is the local plant wonderland with groomed pathways, loaded with trees, shrubs, evergreens, roses, and perennials plus decor to finish the look. Wander, ask the friendly pros for advice, and watch your yard stop being “meh” and start being “wow”.
Neighborhood sanity saver: When the wiggles hit hard, Jaycee Park is an easy, no-fuss option to let the kids run while you grab a few deep breaths. Quiet, low-commitment, and smack in town... consider it your midweek reset button before dinner meltdowns begin.
Beat the clock, Mankato: Kato Escape keeps it local and legit with fully private, story-driven rooms that are big on teamwork and light on awkward pairings with strangers. Pick your challenge like Escape From the 80's, The Cursed Hollow, Sally's Saloon, or The Game of Leif if you just want a fun 30-minute win.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Makeup for skin that's changed, now up to 65% off: Laura Geller has built its following on formulas made for mature skin, led by the baked foundations women over 40 keep coming back to. Right now, new email subscribers get up to 65% off plus an extra 22%. Enter your email on the page and the discount activates. *See the VIP pricing →
Need cash but can't take on another monthly payment? This gets you a lump sum from your home's equity with no monthly bill and no interest, because it isn't a loan. Use the funds for anything, whether that's home improvements, paying off debt, or a large purchase, and pay it back by the end of your 30-year term. Checking your offer is easy, fully online, and won't affect your credit score. *See your cash offer →
Buy one window treatment this summer, get the second 50% off: “My fourth order over 8 years. Product reliability, consistency to values & warranty kept me returning!” See what keeps customers coming back to 3 Day Blinds. Book your free consultation and enjoy summer savings on blinds, shades, and drapery. *Claim your summer savings →
Carrying $5,000 or more on your cards? Stop the interest charges: A balance that size racks up interest fast, and at today's rates it barely budges no matter how much you pay. This card gives you 0% intro APR until 2028 on balance transfers (made in the first 60 days), with a $0 annual fee. That means almost two years to pay down what you owe with no interest charges. *See if it's a fit →
Wish you had someone to talk to right now? The quiet hours are the hardest, especially when you just want someone to talk to. That's exactly what this is built for: real conversations, real matches, real people. Not endless swiping, but actual chats with singles who want to connect as much as you do. Someone to talk to could be a message away. *Join now and start chatting → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🎮 Pokemon Weekly League Play @ Atlantis Hobby | Wednesday (6/24) at 6:00 PM – Weekly Pokémon League nights are free, friendly, and surprisingly therapeutic for anyone whose inner 10-year-old never clocked out. Play, trade, and grab a League ID, then snag a free prize pack just for showing up. Bring the kids, or just your competitive streak.
🎶 Songs on the Lawn @ Civic Center Plaza | Thursday (6/25) at 11:00 AM – Songs on the Lawn is turning downtown Mankato into our own front porch, with The Federales serving up classic country with a rock kick, crisp harmonies, and plenty of twang. It’s free, friendly, and just rowdy enough to make your lunch hour feel earned.
🎳 Home for the Holidays Bowl-A-Thon @ WOW!Zone | Thursday (6/25) at 5:00 PM – Holiday spirit in rented shoes at WOW! Zone in Mankato, where teams of six raise $500, roll for prizes, and flex Christmas, Halloween, or St. Patrick’s outfits. It’s friendly competition, zero guilt, and impact for local families through LSS Crisis Nursery and A Fresh Start.
🏷 Mankato Vintage "Outdoor Market" June 27, 2026 @ Mankato Vintage Market | Saturday (6/27) at 10:00 AM – Take a break and poke around Mankato Vintage's outdoor market, yes, in the parking lot where the real finds happen. Rotating vendors bring handmade goods, quirky crafts, and local treasures from makers around here. Come for the browsing, stay for the haggling, and neighborly chatter.
🃏 Mankato Comic, Toy, & Pokemon Show June 27-28 @ River Hills Mall | Saturday (6/27) at 10:00 AM – Think the mall is just for walking laps? River Hills gets a free takeover with 60 plus vendors slinging comics, vintage toys, vinyl, retro games, and Pokemon, plus a Saturday cosplay showcase. Your inner kid will approve, and you might leave with a Funko.
⚾ Moondogs Baseball Game @ ISG Field | Saturday (6/27) at 6:35 PM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to trade yardwork for bleacher seats, this is it. Catch the Moondogs at ISG Field, your ticket includes a meal, and half the proceeds support Lasting Imprint. Baseball, brat, and doing good, all without leaving Mankato.
🛼 Skate into Summer @ All Seasons Arena | Monday (6/29) at 8:00 AM – All Seasons Arena is going full triple axel as MFSC hosts Olympian Surya Bonaly and choreographer Peter Biver, no sequins required. From Pre-Preliminary to Gold, get on and off-ice training, polish, and confidence, with one-day, two-day, and Learn to Skate options, and spots are limited.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Mankato report Weather forecastToday — High: 78°F — Low: 56°F — Precip: 12%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. West northwest wind 5 to 15 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 76°F — Low: 57°F — Precip: 4%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. North wind around 5 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. East northeast wind 0 to 5 mph. This house is wildThis 2,034 SF patio home pairs light-filled comfort with serious style, from the gas fireplace and retractable-awning patio to the quartz-island kitchen with solid wood cabinetry and a walk-in pantry. A spa-like primary suite, sunroom with wet bar, heated epoxy-floor garage, finished bonus room, and low-maintenance HOA make it a polished lock-and-leave standout.
Take a peek inside → |
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