News
Welcome to Mankato

Rick Buckmister

Welcome to Mankato

City of Mankato News and Updates

Portion of Warren Street to close Friday
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 3:45 p.m.

The Warren Street closure (between Stadium Road and Maywood Avenue) originally scheduled for Monday (May 21) has been rescheduled to close at 7 a.m., Friday (May 18).

Continue reading...

Portion of Warren Street to close Friday
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 3:45 p.m.

The Warren Street closure (between Stadium Road and Maywood Avenue) originally scheduled for Monday (May 21) has been rescheduled to close at 7 a.m., Friday (May 18). Continue reading...

Intersection of Holly Lane and Fair Streets closes tomorrow
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 9 a.m.

At 7 a.m. tomorrow (May 17), the intersection of Holly Lane and Fair Street will close so a fire hydrant can be relocated. Continue reading...

Traffic on Madison Avenue to be rerouted tomorrow; upcoming utility construction
Tuesday, May 15, 2012 12:10 p.m.

Following is city of Mankato engineering project information: Continue reading...

Mankato named a "bronze" Bicycle Friendly Community
Tuesday, May 15, 2012 8:55 a.m.

The League of American Bicyclists, Washington, D.C. has designated the cities of Mankato and North Mankato a "bronze" bicycle Friendly Community. Continue reading...

Portion of Broad Street to close Wednesday
Monday, May 14, 2012 4:20 p.m.

At 9 a.m., Wednesday, May 16, a portion of Broad Street (from Mulberry to Plum streets) will close so a tree may be removed. Continue reading...

Intersection of Cherry and Front streets remains closed for safety checks
Monday, May 14, 2012 4:20 p.m.

The intersection of Cherry and Front streets remains closed for street repair. Extra pavement tests are being done to ensure the road is drivable and safe once it's reopened. Since the weekend water main break in this area was significant, extra precautions are being taken for short- and long-term driving safety. Continue reading...

Intersection of Cherry and Front streets closed for water main repair
Saturday, May 12, 2012 12:10 p.m.

The intersection of Cherry and Front streets has been closed so a water main break can be repaired. Utility crews are on site. Continue reading...

Paving begins on portion of Madison Avenue tomorrow
Thursday, May 10, 2012 1:45 p.m.

Paving on Madison Avenue (between Seventh Street and Victory Drive) is scheduled to begin: Continue reading...

Portion of North Fifth Street closes Thursday
Tuesday, May 8, 2012 12:40 p.m.

A portion of North Fifth Street (between Lime and Adams streets) will close at 7 a.m., Thursday, May 10 for utility construction. The road is expected to reopen by the end of next week. Continue reading...

Portion of Warren Street to close Thursday
Monday, May 7, 2012 2:30 p.m.

A portion of Warren Street (between Maywood Avenue and Stadium Road) will close at 7 a.m., Thursday, May 10 for utility construction. Continue reading...

Blue Earth County Courthouse to be designated as local historic building
Monday, May 7, 2012 2:20 p.m.

As part of National Preservation month, the Mankato Heritage Preservation Commission will designate the historic Blue Earth County Courthouse as a local historic building from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday, May 17 at 204 South Fifth Street. Continue reading...

Long Street closed the rest of today
Friday, May 4, 2012 2:25 p.m.

Long Street will be closed the remainder of today (Friday, May 4) as part of the Madison Avenue rehabilitation project. Continue reading...

Mankato Councilperson Karen Foreman hosts morning conversation Saturday
Thursday, May 3, 2012 12:30 p.m.

City of Mankato Councilperson Karen Foreman will host morning conversation from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., Saturday (May 5) at the Hilltop HyVee food court, 2010 Adams Street. Continue reading...

Intersection of Dane/Swiss streets to close intermittently Friday
Thursday, May 3, 2012 11:25 a.m.

The intersection of Dane/Swiss streets on Madison Avenue will be closed intermittently throughout Friday, May 4 because of the Madison Avenue rehabilitation project. Continue reading...

Southbound lane of Haefner Drive to close Friday and Monday
Thursday, May 3, 2012 11:05 a.m.

The southbound lane of Haefner Drive (to the south of Madison Avenue) will close for utility construction: Continue reading...

Two arrested in separate assaults; police continuing investigation into third
Thursday, May 3, 2012 9 a.m.

Two are arrested in separate assaults and police are continuing investigation into third: Continue reading...

Portion of Fifth Avenue and Maxfield Street closed for water main break repair
Tuesday, May 1, 2012 12:10 p.m.

Fifth Avenue (from Spruce to Maxfield streets) and Maxfield Street (from Fourth to Fifth avenues) has been closed so a water main break can be repaired. Continue reading...

Weekend assault--police looking for suspect
Monday, April 30, 2012 9:25 a.m.

At 1:50 a.m. on Sunday, a 22 year-old male was walking alone in downtown Mankato when a male approached him and stabbed him in the stomach. After the incident, the suspect ran towards Front Street. Police are looking for the suspect and are asking the public that anyone with direct knowledge or information about the assault to call 507-387-8780. People reporting information to the police can remain anonymous. Continue reading...

Sibley Farm alpacas get a haircut on Monday
Friday, April 27, 2012 3:05 p.m.

The public is invited to watch the alpacas at Sibley Farm in Sibley Park, 900 Mound Avenue, get a haircut from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Monday, April 30 (weather permitting). Continue reading...

Public's assistance sought in locating two dogs
Friday, April 27, 2012 8:35 a.m.

An adult female was walking her two dogs on the 1600 block of North Fourth Street at 7:45 p.m. last night (April 26) when they were approached by two pitbull dogs who were loose and unattended. Continue reading...

Save the date for Mankato's Spring Clean-up, Saturdays in May
Thursday, April 26, 2012 12:50 p.m.

The city of Mankato's annual Spring Clean-up begins Saturday, May 5 and runs each Saturday in May (5, 12, 19, and 26) from 7 a.m. to noon at 221 Lamm Street. Continue reading...

Mankato Department of Public Safety responds to stabbing incident
Thursday, April 26, 2012 8:50 a.m.

Mankato Department of Public Safety police officers responded to the report of a stabbing on the 700 block of South Second Street at 5:30 p.m. yesterday (April 25). Continue reading...

Intersections of Dane/Swiss streets and Long Street to open later this afternoon
Wednesday, April 25, 2012 4:50 p.m.

The intersections of Dane/Swiss streets and Long Street (along Madison Avenue) were closed for safety purposes as construction workers prepared for the Madison Avenue rehabilitation project. The intersections are expected to open later this afternoon. Continue reading...

Tonight's community notification meeting cancelled
Tuesday, April 24, 2012 10 a.m.

The community notification meeting regarding level three predatory offender Gregory Ward scheduled for 6:30 p.m. tonight (April 24) has been cancelled. Ward is no longer moving to the city of Mankato. Continue reading...

Madison Avenue rehabilitation project begins Monday
Monday, April 23, 2012 5:20 p.m.

City of Mankato staff are preparing for the first phase of the Madison Avenue rehabilitation project, expected to begin Monday, April 30. Messages boards have been placed on Madison Avenue to give advance notice of the project's start, and traffic controls are scheduled to be set up Wednesday, April 25. Citizens will see some additional preparation work taking place to make sure roads are safe for motorists and construction workers as the project gets underway. Continue reading...

Mankato's wastewater treatment efforts recognized as outstanding
Monday, April 23, 2012 5 p.m.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is recognizing Mankato's wastewater treatment system as outstanding for their operation, maintenance and compliance. In addition to protecting and preserving water quality, the type of work Mankato has done enables Minnesota to achieve a significant reduction of pollution coming from point sources. Mankato has earned 14 certificates of commendation for their efforts to help protect and preserve the waters of Minnesota. Continue reading...

Madison Avenue rehabilitation project begins Monday
Monday, April 23, 2012 4:05 p.m.

City of Mankato staff are preparing for the first phase of the Madison Avenue rehabilitation project, expected to begin Monday, April 30. Continue reading...

City of Mankato to flush water mains beginning Sunday
Monday, April 23, 2012 3:35 p.m.

The city of Mankato will flush water mains from Sunday, April 29 through Friday, May 4. Flushing hours are scheduled from 8:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily to ensure convenience for residents. Continue reading...

Update: Address change for level three predatory offender; community notification meeting April 24
Monday, April 23, 2012 3:15 p.m.

The residence of Greg Ward, a level three predatory offender, has been changed. He will be moving to the 400 block of South Front Street (instead of the 800 block of South Broad Street). Continue reading...

Sign up for May Home Stretch workshops
Monday, April 23, 2012 2:35 p.m.

Thinking about buying a home? Sign up for May Home Stretch workshops Thursdays, May 3 and 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Continue reading...

Mankato Department of Public Safety responds to accident
Monday, April 23, 2012 9:20 a.m.

A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle driven by Jeffrey Robert Nelson, age 19 of Lake Crystal, around 10:23 p.m. last night on the 500 block of North Riverfront Drive. Continue reading...

Community notification meeting April 24; public's help sought in robbery
Wednesday, April 18, 2012 8:45 a.m.

Following is information about an upcoming Mankato Department of Public Safety community notification meeting and a request for the public's help in a recent incident: Continue reading...

Apply to volunteer for city of Mankato spring opportunities
Tuesday, April 17, 2012 11:25 a.m.

Apply to volunteer with the city of Mankato. Adopt a city park or trail, or help water Mankato's hanging flower baskets. Citizens who volunteer help strengthen and enhance neighborhoods, build a sense of ownership and positively impact community pride. Continue reading...

Mankato Department of Public Safety responds to structure fire
Tuesday, April 17, 2012 9 a.m.

Mankato Department of Public Safety firefighters responded to a structure fire at 1950 Fourth Avenue at 11:06 p.m. last night. Continue reading...

Mankato Department of Public Safety severe weather messaging; weekend call for service
Monday, April 16, 2012 9 a.m.

Following are Mankato Department of Public Safety severe weather messaging and a weekend call for service: Continue reading...

Fire safety demonstrations to be held April 24 at Minnesota State University, Mankato
Thursday, April 12, 2012 5:20 p.m.

Minnesota State University, Mankato and the Mankato Department of Public Safety are bringing a “Kitchen Fire Education Trailer” to the Minnesota State Mankato campus on Tuesday, April 24 in an effort to educate students and the general public on how to prevent and respond to kitchen fires. Continue reading...

Volunteer for the 2012 Minnesota Air Spectacular
Monday, April 9, 2012 11:50 a.m.

Volunteer applications are being accepted for the 2012 Minnesota Air Spectacular. Continue reading...

Public Safety weekend calls for service
Monday, April 2, 2012 9:25 a.m.

Structure fire--firefighters responded to a structure fire at 111 Electa Boulevard at 10:20 p.m. on Saturday. Upon arrival, crews found a shed on fire and discovered the heat was affecting a shed in a neighboring yard. Firefighters extinguished the fire and cooled the other building. The structure's contents were lost with an estimated damage of $5,000. No one was injured in this incident. Continue reading...

City Council to hold special meeting Monday about redistricting
Friday, March 30, 2012 4:10 p.m.

At 5 p.m. Monday (April 2), at the Intergovernmental Center, 10 Civic Center Plaza, in the Blue Earth River Room (first floor), the Mankato City Council will hold a special meeting to review the city's proposed ward and precinct redistricting plan. Continue reading...

Mankato civic center project resuscitated
Thursday, March 29, 2012 12:15 p.m.

The Minnesota Senate Finance Committee today considered the Senate’s bonding bill. Mankato City Manager Patrick Hentges and Senator Kathy Sheran (DFL-Mankato) testified in favor of including the Mankato civic center expansion in the bill. Continue reading...

Mankato excluded from Senate bonding bill
Wednesday, March 28, 2012 11:05 a.m.

The Minnesota Senate unveiled its $500 million bonding bill today, which did not include funding for the Mankato Civic Center expansion. Mankato City Council President Mike Laven expressed his great disappointment that the Mankato project was left out of the bill, while the civic centers in Rochester and St. Cloud received funding. Continue reading...

Update: Missing juvenile returns home
Tuesday, March 27, 2012 3:40 p.m.

Desmond Pickens, age 11, of Mankato, who was reported missing by his mother on Monday, March 26, has returned home. Continue reading...

Missing child: Mankato Department of Public Safety seeks public's assistance
Tuesday, March 27, 2012 11:10 a.m.

Desmond Pickens, age 11, of Mankato, was reported missing by his mother. Desmond is a black male. He is five-foot, six-inches tall and weighs 125 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing jeans and a green sweatshirt. Continue reading...

Mankato Department of Public Safety responds to structure fire
Tuesday, March 27, 2012 9:05 a.m.

Mankato Department of Public Safety staff responded to a call at 2:36 a.m. this morning at 227 Lincoln Street. Continue reading...

Mankato Department of Public Safety responds to motor vehicle incident
Friday, March 23, 2012 10:50 a.m.

Mankato Department of Public Safety staff responded to a motor vehicle accident at 1:39 a.m. this morning on Stoltzman Road. Continue reading...

Apply to volunteer with the Mankato Department of Public Safety
Friday, March 23, 2012 8:45 a.m.

Apply to serve as a volunteer firefighter with the Mankato Department of Public Safety. Volunteer firefighters play an important role in helping full-time staff ensure the public's safety. Continue reading...

Arrest made in burglary
Thursday, March 22, 2012 3:25 p.m.

At 10:04 p.m. last night, Jacob Allen Adams, age 20, Mankato, was arrested for tool theft inside a garage on the 400 block of North Riverfront Drive. Continue reading...

Mankato Department of Public Safety responds to incidents
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 9 a.m.

Mankato Department of Public Safety police officers responded to the following incidents: Continue reading...

Mankato Department of Public Safety seeks public's assistance
Monday, March 19, 2012 9:25 a.m.

The Mankato Department of Public Safety responded to the following calls over the weekend: Continue reading...

Mankato Department of Public Safety seeks public's help
Thursday, March 15, 2012 4:20 p.m.

The Mankato Department of Public Safety seeks the public’s assistance in locating suspects involved in an incident that occurred at 5:29 a.m. on March 14. Continue reading...

Take the citizen satisfaction survey
Thursday, March 15, 2012 11:10 a.m.

The city of Mankato and Mankato Area Public Schools are continuing the tradition about asking the people they serve what they think about city and district services. A community-wide telephone survey is underway to address citizen satisfaction of services provided by the city of Mankato and Mankato Area Public Schools. Continue reading...

Now is a great time to prepare and review emergency plans
Wednesday, March 14, 2012 8:25 a.m.

Planning and preparation are essential to quick response and rapid recovery should there be a severe weather related event in the community. The city of Mankato's management team is actively meeting because now is a great time to prepare and review emergency plans. Continue reading...

Check for unsuspected leaks
Friday, March 9, 2012 11:15 a.m.

As part of “Fix a leak” Week, March 12 through March 18, the city of Mankato is encouraging residents to check for unsuspected leaks. Items to check include faucets, toilets, water softeners, outside faucets and any other water using appliance. Continue reading...

Volunteers needed for the city of Mankato's animal impound
Wednesday, March 7, 2012 1:15 p.m.

Make a difference by volunteering at the city of Mankato's animal impound, 903 Mound Avenue. Volunteers play an important role in helping care for the animals and keeping the facility clean. Continue reading...

Mankato Department of Public Safety responds to call on Allan Court and makes arrest
Wednesday, March 7, 2012 8:30 a.m.

Mankato Department of Public Safety police officers responded to a call on the 100 block of Allan Court at 10:53 p.m. last night. Continue reading...

Student taken into custody about bomb threat
Monday, March 5, 2012 7 p.m.

This afternoon, police interviewed a student that they believe acted alone on today's bomb threat at East junior and senior high school. The student was released to the custody of their parents after speaking to law enforcement. Continue reading...

School search complete and police conducting an investigation
Monday, March 5, 2012 12:50 p.m.

Public Safety and school officials have searched the East Junior and Senior high school buildings and determined it is safe for students and staff to return. Police are conducting an investigation. Continue reading...

Public Safety's mini-truck critical tool in recent call
Monday, March 5, 2012 9:20 a.m.

Public safety staff used the "green machine," a mini-truck, to transport a person to an ambulance located about one-third mile away. Mankato Department of Public Safety police officers and firefighters responded to a call of an injured person in Rasmussen Woods, 555 Stoltzman Road, around 4 p.m., last Saturday. A 63-old woman had fallen and suffered a leg injury. Continue reading...

Public Safety asking for public's assistance about fire on Homestead Drive
Saturday, February 11, 2012 10:40 p.m.

At 6 p.m. tonight, public safety responded to the report of a small fire in the entry way at 110 Homestead Drive. Firefighters evacuated the building and extinguished the fire. Continue reading...

Robbery suspects arrested
Sunday, January 29, 2012 9:40 p.m.

Last night at 8:10 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. two separate robberies of pizza delivery employees were reported to police. Arrested and placed in the Blue Earth County jail were Matthew Paul Fryer--age 19, Mankato and John Wesley Fletcher--age 21, Mankato. Charges requested are first degree aggravated robbery, second degree assault and other felony and misdemeanor charges. These crimes carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $35,000 fine. Continue reading...

Citizen survey to begin soon
Tuesday, January 24, 2012 10 a.m.

A community-wide telephone and online survey will begin soon to address citizen satisfaction of services provided by the city of Mankato and Mankato Area Public Schools. The survey is expected to be complete in March. Minnesota State University, Mankato applied sociology class members and staff are conducting the survey. Citizen survey information collected from multiple surveys dating back to 1989 will be used as comparative data. Continue reading...

City Manager exceeds performance standards
Monday, January 23, 2012 8:10 p.m.

On January 17, the Mankato City Council met in a closed session to discuss the performance of City Manager Patrick Hentges. The council was pleased with his performance across a wide variety of issues and the work load that was asked of him to meet the strategic goals of the city. Continue reading...

Arrest made in computer theft
Monday, January 23, 2012 9:10 a.m.

Saturday, David Allen Marxen, age 21, Madison Lake, was arrested for the theft of four tablet computers. Continue reading...

Mankato Department of Public Safety seeks public's information
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 1:25 p.m.

A citizen reported to the Mankato Department of Public Safety that a bloody knife was found in the driveway on the 100 block of Swiss Street. Continue reading...

Person arrested on charges of assault, threats and damage to property
Sunday, January 15, 2012 1:50 p.m.

Public Safety responded to a domestic call in a vehicle at 2:16 a.m. on Saturday, at First Avenue and Pine Street. Later, police were called about continuing threatening incidents by the suspect. It was determined the suspect was at his residence at 125 Mills Street. After several hours of negotiation, suspect Shane Darrel Heiden, 24 years old, was arrested at his residence without incident at 5 a.m. this morning and taken to the local hospital for evaluation. He was then booked into the local jail with requested charges of terroristic threats, domestic assault and criminal damage to property. Continue reading...

Applications now being accepted for 2012 community grants
Thursday, January 12, 2012 2:30 p.m.

Community grant applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m., on Friday, February 24. Grant applications include the following categories and their respective goal: Continue reading...

Police asking for public's assistance in locating suspect
Tuesday, December 20, 2011 5:30 p.m.

Timothy Lamont Ayers, age 41, has been identified as a suspect in a robbery of a Kato Cab driver that took place around 3:30 a.m., on Thursday, December 8 on the 800 block of East Main Street. Continue reading...

Police searching for hit and run suspect
Sunday, December 11, 2011 1:10 p.m.

This morning at 2:04 a.m., public safety-police were called to the report of an accident involving a pedestrian at Mulberry and North Second streets. A 22 year-old male was walking with a female companion, when he was struck by a vehicle who left the scene traveling west on Mulberry Street over the Veterans Memorial Bridge. The victim was transported to the local hospital and treated for non life-threatening injuries. Continue reading...

Watch Mankato's latest City Update: "Every officer has a neighborhood"
Tuesday, November 29, 2011 5:45 p.m.

Mankato's latest City Update, "Every officer has a neighborhood," focuses on community governance in Mankato's neighborhoods. Continue reading...

Portion of First Avenue to permanently close Tuesday
Friday, October 28, 2011 2:15 p.m.

Beginning at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 1, First Avenue will be permanently closed to through traffic at the railroad crossing just north of Mills Street. Continue reading...

Citizens needed to serve on new Public Safety Advisory Committee
Monday, September 19, 2011 11:40 a.m.

Citizen involvement is important and helpful to maintain and enhance quality of life. Mankato residents are being recruited to serve on Mankato's new Public Safety Advisory Committee. Establishing this committee will proactively involve citizens in public safety priorities and planning. Responsibilities include providing input with industry professionals and city staff about hiring and promoting public safety staff. Committee recommendations will be made to the City Council. Nine appointments are expected to be made before the end of the year. Continue reading...

Emerald Ash Borer test is negative
Friday, September 2, 2011 4:40 p.m.

Emerald ash borer detection traps have been removed and the results are negative. Next spring, city employees will again work with staff from Minnesota's Department of Agriculture to place another 20 or so emerald ash borer detection traps. Continue reading...

Waiting list closed for city of Mankato and Blue Earth County Housing Choice Voucher program
Wednesday, August 24, 2011 10:45 a.m.

The waiting list for the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program for the city of Mankato and Blue Earth County is closed. Continue reading...

Two new City Updates highlight the "green machine" and neighborhood opportunities
Monday, August 15, 2011 3:45 p.m.

Learn more about the Mankato Department of Public Safety by watching two new City Updates: Continue reading...

Mankato Department of Public Safety seeks public input about recent pursuit
Sunday, August 14, 2011 12:35 p.m.

A Mankato Department of Public Safety police officer saw an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) commit several traffic violations in the Monks Avenue and Stadium Road area. Continue reading...

Timeline for Warren and Cherry streets' conversion rescheduled
Wednesday, August 10, 2011 5 p.m.

The timeline for the Warren and Cherry streets' conversion has been rescheduled and completion is expected by the end of September. Continue reading...

Mankato's water treatment plant open house presentation now playing online and on public access television
Friday, August 5, 2011 4:05 p.m.

View Mankato's water treatment plant open house presentation online or on public access channels 12 (Charter) or 10 (HickoryTech): Continue reading...

Project work on Riverfront Drive; Warren and Cherry streets conversion
Wednesday, July 13, 2011 2:30 p.m.

Following are updates to project work on Riverfront Drive and the Warren and Cherry streets conversion: Continue reading...

Mankato makes national list
Thursday, July 7, 2011 3:50 p.m.

On a recent list released by Forbes.com, Mankato ranked 25th in the nation as one of "The Best Small Places for Business and Careers." Continue reading...

Criminal damage to property--reward offered
Monday, July 4, 2011 10 a.m.

Yesterday, at 2:18 p.m., Mankato Public Safety police responded to a report of a damaged sculpture located at the intersection Second and Main streets. The suspect broke the sculpture off towards the bottom leaving the flag and taking the upper part of the sculpture. The sculpture is valued at $4,000. Continue reading...

Two pending development projects slated for Mankato's City Center
Thursday, June 9, 2011 10:45 a.m.

The city of Mankato has two pending private development projects that will increase investment and the employment base within the City Center and the greater Mankato community. Continue reading...

City of Mankato receives Federal Aviation Administration/Governor's Award
Wednesday, May 11, 2011 4:30 p.m.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation Office of Aeronautics and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have recognized the city of Mankato's regional airport with the FAA/Governor's award. Continue reading...

Cities of Mankato and North Mankato receive honorable mention as a Bicycle Friendly Community
Thursday, May 5, 2011 4:20 p.m.

The cities of Mankato and North Mankato have been designated honorable mention as a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. These communities were selected because citizens can use their bicycles for transportation to shop, or go to school or work. Interconnected trails go to Faribault; south to Rapidan, where they connect to routes that go to Lake Crystal and beyond, providing recreational bicycle opportunities. Continue reading...

Apply to serve on a city of Mankato citizen committee
Tuesday, January 25, 2011 9:50 a.m.

Citizens are encouraged to take an active role in local government by applying to serve on one of the following city of Mankato citizen committees: Continue reading...

City Manager Patrick Hentges' performance exceptional
Monday, December 13, 2010 8:30 p.m.

The City Council evaluated the performance of City Manager Patrick Hentges on November 29 in closed session. Through the evaluation process, the City Council considered the city manager’s overall performance, as well as performance in eight specific performance areas. The City Council concluded that Hentges consistently met or exceeded the performance requirements in all eight areas during 2009. The performance areas in which the City Council evaluated Hentges are: Continue reading...

Sibley Parkway Apartments receives funding to help address workforce housing needs
Friday, October 29, 2010 3:15 p.m.

Months of planning by the Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership (SWMHP) and the city of Mankato have paid off with the recent announcement that Sibley Parkway Apartments has received funding from Minnesota Housing and other funders. The funding that goes toward the Sibley Parkway Apartments has helped add 54 workforce rental units (including one, two and three bedrooms) for households earning less than 60 percent of the area’s median income. In addition, six market rate units will be included. Current income limits for a single person is $28,500 and $40,680 for a household of four. Nearly 50 percent of Greater Mankato residents would qualify under these guidelines. Continue reading...

Wal-Mart confirms Mankato as the next Midwest Distribution Center
Friday, August 27, 2010 7:45 p.m.

Wal-Mart has confirmed that Mankato is the location of the next Midwest Distribution Center. While contingent on anticipated store build outs and existing facility capacity, Wal-Mart affirmed that construction is in the near term of their five-year plan. Mankato City Manager Patrick Hentges, Community Development Director Paul Vogel and Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. President & CEO Jonathan Zierdt received the news during a recent visit to Wal-Mart headquarters in Bentonville, Ark. where they updated Wal-Mart leadership on the progress the community has made in developing the infrastructure supporting and servicing the site for the distribution center. Continue reading...

Mankato delegation to China can positively impact local economy
Thursday, August 19, 2010 3:35 p.m.

John Brady, mayor of Mankato, Minnesota State University, Mankato President Richard Davenport and officials from North Star Aviation will travel to China from Saturday, August 21, through Monday, August 30, to meet with Chinese business, aviation, government and education ministry officials about providing flight training to Chinese aviation professionals. Continue reading...