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Hey Mankato, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s edition: Chevy Chase’s holiday movie event, Adam Thielen reflecting on his NFL career, and a free Pokémon league night + fun things to do for free & local fundraisers worth checking out 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 $150 off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Campaign spotlight in Minnesota: Democratic hopeful Jake Johnson addressed nearly 200 in Mankato, proposing a public option, drawing criticism on Medicare for All, and urging Congress to reclaim war powers while targeting Brad Finstad -- read the full story.
Holiday movie event: Chevy Chase will bring National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation to Mankato on November 13, with a screening, live conversation and audience Q&A with his wife Jayni, plus a post-show photo op. Tickets available -- get the full details.
Reflecting on a standout career: Detroit Lakes native and Minnesota State Mankato standout Adam Thielen reflected on a 13-year NFL career, 11 seasons with the Vikings, thanking teammates and coaches for support fueling his rise -- read the full story.
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.*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade*. 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 $150 off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Reflect and reconnect: If you haven't paused at Dakota 38 Memorial lately, make time this week. Reconciliation Park's prairie grasses, the Kasota limestone buffalo by Tom Miller, and the names of the 38 create a space that invites remembrance and healing with its "Forgive Everyone Everything" theme.
Gear up and jam: Rhapsody Music keeps Southern Minnesota players plugged in with a wall of new and used guitars, drums, keys, effects, and pro audio from brands like Fender and Peavey. Friendly staff, lessons, and repairs mean you can finally finish that riff, start a band, or upgrade your tone this week.
Upgrade your space: If your sofa is doing that awkward slump or your dining chairs squeak like a garage band, Rooms and Rest Outlet has the fix with everything from sectionals and sturdy dining sets to bedroom groups, mattresses, and even Amish furniture. Pop in for inspiration and leave plotting a full-on home glow-up.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Shop for new floors without ever needing to leave the house: No showroom, no second-guessing. All from the comfort of your own home. Empire Today® has flooring experts that will bring you samples and provide you with a free in-home estimate. Trusted and backed by over 3 million satisfied customers and over 65 years of quality service. *Check out their current offers today →
Stiff necks start on flat pillows: You've slept on both arms, both sides, stacked two pillows, thrown one on the floor, and the stiffness keeps finding you, because every position ends on the same pillow that can't hold your neck. This one can: shaped to keep your neck in line however you sleep, with gentle traction through the night. If it doesn't earn its spot in 30 nights, it goes back free. *Take the 30-night test, 50% off →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →
The upgrades that make your home feel new again start here: You don't need a full remodel to fall back in love with your space. New fixtures, a fresh coat of paint, updated hardware, the small changes that make a room feel different. It's all in one place, so a weekend is all it takes to give a tired room a fresh start. *Shop the refresh → |
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 Free events worth checking outFree things to do in the coming days and weeks. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🎮 Pokemon Weekly League Play @ Atlantis Hobby | Wednesday (8/5) at 6:00 PM – If you’ve still got a binder and a mean Charizard impression, this weekly Pokémon league is your kind of nostalgia tour. Free to play, trading welcomed, and surprisingly strategic. Show up, enjoy the company, and yes, there’s a free prize pack for participating.
🧶 Carnegie Art Center: Monthly Fiber Arts Group – First Thursdays @ Carnegie Art Center | Thursday (8/6) at 6:00 PM – Got a half-finished scarf judging you from the couch? Head to Carnegie’s First Thursdays fiber arts hangout, a member-led circle where knitters, weavers, and curious beginners trade tips, swap yarn gossip, and enjoy the kind of unrushed conversation you actually remember.
🚶 Saturday Stride & Stroll @ River Valley Running | Saturday (8/8) at 8:15 AM – Swap your Saturday snooze for a free, all-abilities stride or stroll with 3-ish mile routes, go shorter if coffee calls, or longer if knees allow. Strollers and leashed dogs fit right in. Rain or shine, expect snacks, coffee, hot chocolate, and better conversation than errands.
🛍 Small Business Saturday @ River Hills Mall | Saturday (8/8) at 10:00 AM – Skip the algorithm and stroll the River Hills Mall common area for a monthly Small Business Saturday pop-up of local makers, artisans, and specialty finds. Yes, the mall, but it’s packed with neighbors, good craftsmanship, and zero drop-shipped nonsense. It’s free.
🃏 Digimon Card Game Weekly Play @ Atlantis Hobby | Sunday (8/9) at 2:00 PM – Feeling the itch to trade spreadsheets for monsters? The weekly Digimon Card Game runs three rounds, entry is $10, and you snag a booster pack for each match you win. Early birds catch a free learn to play, followed by chances to flex 90s memory. ✨ Upcoming local fundraisers❤ Women with Heart 2026 @ Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center | Wednesday (8/5) at 11:30 AM – Luncheon at the Mayo Event Center means one thing, smart women running the room. United Way’s Women with Heart brings keynote Jolly Corley to talk empathy and community, with lunch, door prizes, and less small talk, more substance, plus an after at Number 4.
🍰 BENCHS Monthly Bake Sale @ Pet Expo | Saturday (8/8) at 11:00 AM – Swing by Pet Expo for BENCHS’ monthly bake sale, where second helpings equal second chances. Expect tables of homemade goodies, dog treats, and a few non-food gems, plus a hello with Terri, the shelter manager. Come early, it goes fast.
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 — Mankato report Weather forecastToday — High: 76°F — Low: 57°F — Precip: 25%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9am. Partly sunny. High near 76, with temperatures falling to around 72 in the afternoon. Northwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: A slight chance of rain showers between 7pm and 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. Northwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tomorrow — High: 80°F — Low: 58°F — Precip: 4%
Mostly sunny. High near 80, with temperatures falling to around 76 in the afternoon. East wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 58. West southwest wind around 5 mph. This house is wildThis beautifully updated home blends timeless craftsmanship with modern comfort, highlighted by rich Asian walnut floors, multiple fireplaces, and a remodeled primary suite with a soaking tub and separate vanities. The showpiece kitchen features Cambria surfaces, double ovens, a wine fridge, and a walk-in pantry. Outside, a brick courtyard, pond views, patio, deck, and oversized garage elevate everyday living.
Take a peek inside → |
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