Articles by Mitch Keegan's Profile | KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN) Journalist

Primary set: Lisa Demuth to run in Minnesota Republican Primary for Governor

Jun 02, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - Minnesota House Speaker and Republican Candidate for Governor Lisa Demuth announced her plans Tuesday morning following the party convention this past weekend. Demuth said she plans to run in the August primary for Governor. Demuth says in light of the voting anomalies announced at the state convention this weekend, and the Republican Party of Minnesota’s unprecedented action of releasing candidates from their pledge to abide, she will continue her campaign.

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Greater Mankato Rotary awards ‘Service Above Self’ honors

May 13, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - The Greater Mankato Rotary presented this year’s ‘Service Above Self’ awards. Trisha Anderson from Partners for Housing, Jim and Jennie Ward, who contributed to VINE’s renovations, Robert Fitterer, and the Blue Earth County Historical Society were all honored with the award. The event recognizes individual and groups who contribute to the Greater Mankato area.

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Mankato Area Public Schools to provide free breakfast, lunch through summer program

May 11, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - Back for another summer, free breakfast and lunch for students in Mankato and North Mankato. Mankato Area Public Schools is offering free breakfast and lunch to any child 18 and younger through the USDA Summer Food Service Program — starting May 26th. Six school sites and a food truck will serve meals Monday through Friday through August 21st. Kids just show up during meal times — no registration, no I-D, no application needed.

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Special election to be held to fill upcoming vacant Blue Earth County Commissioner seat

May 08, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - A Blue Earth County commissioner is resigning from the county board. District 3 commissioner Mark Piepho will submit his resignation at Tuesday’s county board meeting to be effective November 1. At Tuesday’s meeting, the county board will set a special election for November 3rd to fill the remainder of the term. Piepho was first elected in 2009 and the term runs through January 2029. District 3 covers southern parts of the city of Mankato and Skyline.

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New chicken restaurant coming to North Mankato

May 07, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

NORTH MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - A new restaurant that specializes in chicken and burgers is coming in North Mankato. Signs posted outside the former site of the Curiosi-Tea on Commerce Drive say a Yo Yo Chicken restaurant is coming soon. According to their website, YoYo Chicken is a restaurant that focuses on fried chicken and burgers with locations throughout New York and New Jersey.

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Freight train derails in Henderson

May 02, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

HENDERSON, Minn. (KEYC) - A freight train derailed in Henderson Saturday morning. Witnesses report it happened around 6 AM. There is limited information, but in photos shared with KEYC News Now, you can see several rail cars derailed.

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KEYC, KMNF return to DISH network

May 01, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - Gray Media has reached an agreement to restore all Gray-owned local television stations to the DISH lineup, including KEYC News Now family of networks, effective immediately. DISH customers can once again watch local news, weather, and sports from KEYC News Now, as well as CBS, FOX and NBC shows. Click here to view our local programming schedule.

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3rd Avenue in Mankato to close Monday

May 01, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - A heads up for drivers, another Mankato road will close starting Monday, May 4. 3rd Avenue will be closed from the Highway 14 exit to Chestnut Street. The city of Mankato says the closure is expected to last four weeks. It’s part of work being done by Center Point Energy. The contractors doing the work will be in contact with local businesses to maintain access. Drivers are encouraged to use Riverfront Drive as a detour.

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Progress continues on concrete removal on Mankato’s Veterans’ Memorial Bridge

Apr 30, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - It’s been nearly three months since the Veterans’ Memorial Bridge in Mankato closed for construction. Drivers have settled into their new routines of traveling between Mankato and North Mankato with the bridge’s closure. And we’re getting a look at the projects progress from above with the KEYC Drone.

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Charges filed in Mankato shooting

Apr 28, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - Charges have been filed against the man accused in the shooting of a Mankato man Sunday. 44-year-old Joseph Bulfer of Fairmont is charged with one count of 2nd degree murder, one count of attempted murder, two counts of assault and three counts of burglary. Court documents are giving more insight into what lead up to the shooting on Sunday.

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Up and down temperatures continue

Apr 15, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

The same storm system that brought our severe weather on Monday is still hanging out in the region as a stationary front, that is now lifting back north as a warm front. Along that front, there is a chance for some more thunderstorms. That best chance is to our south. We could still see a few isolated showers develop this afternoon with highs reaching the upper 60s to near 70. It’ll be warmer for Thursday with sunshine and highs in the upper 70s.

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Minnesota Court of Appeals dismisses lawsuit over new Blue Earth County Public Works Facility

Apr 13, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - The Minnesota Court of Appeals has dismissed a lawsuit filed over the new Blue Earth County Public Works Facility. The facility, which opened in January, is located at the intersection of Blue Earth County Road 90 and Stoltzman Road. Neighbors Patrick Lease and Lynn Koosman-Lease live just 70 yards from the facility.

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Mankato police officer announces candidacy for Nicollet County Sheriff

Apr 09, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

ST. PETER, Minn. (KEYC) - A Mankato Police Officer has announced his candidacy for Nicollet County Sheriff. Chad Honetschlager has spent years in law enforcement, including more than a decade as a reserve officer with both the Nicollet County Sheriff’s Office and the Mankato Department of Public Safety before becoming a full-time police officer in 2017.

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Mankato father arrested in death of infant son

Apr 07, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - A Mankato father has been arrested in the death of his infant son back in October. According to a release from Mankato Public Safety, officers from the Mankato Police Department arrested Omni Maxx Morningstar, 26, on April 6, 2026, for his alleged involvement in the death of his 10-month-old son, Remington Tristan Morningstar.

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Blue Earth County selects next county administrator

Apr 07, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - The Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners announces the upcoming retirement of County Administrator Bob Meyer and appointment of Josh Milow as the next County Administrator. On January 20, 2026, Meyer formally announced his plan to retire after more than 37 years of service to Blue Earth County. Following that announcement, the County Board discussed options for filling the position during multiple public meetings before proceeding with the selection process.

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MnDOT hosting Highway 22 open house Tuesday

Apr 07, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - The Minnesota Department of Transportation is hosting a construction open house this afternoon before construction begins for the second year on Highway 22 between Mankato and St. Peter. During the open house, you’ll be able to ask staff and the contractor questions about the project, construction timeline and detour routes. The project and detour is set to begin Wednesday, April 15 with the highway closed between Mankato and St. Peter.

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PROGRAMMING ALERT: 6 & 10 PM news to air on NBC and stream due to NCAA tournament

Mar 26, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - Due to the NCAA tournament we have some newscast changes to tell you about. Due to CBS Sports coverage of the men’s tournament, both today and tomorrow, our 6 & 10 PM newscast will not be seen on CBS. They instead will air on our NBC channel KMNF as well as stream on our free KEYC+ streaming apps for Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV and Android TV. You can also stream them on our website and mobile app. Due to the NCAA Basketball Tournament, some newscasts will air on KMNF only.

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Mankato Public Transit suspends service

Mar 15, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - Due to deteriorating weather conditions, Mankato Transit has suspended operations Sunday, March 15. All transit vehicles have been pulled from all Fixed-Routes and Paratransit/Mobility Bus Service routes. The city says it is no longer safe for drivers to be operating as the blizzard conditions continue. At this point, the city is planning to be back on regular schedule Monday morning. Click here to download the KEYC News Now app or our KEYC First Alert weather app.

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No travel advisory issued across southern Minnesota

Mar 15, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - The Minnesota Department of Transportation has issued a No Travel Advisory starting at 7 a.m. Sunday, March 15, for all state highways and Interstate 90 in South Central Minnesota. Blowing snow and strong winds are creating blizzard conditions and are making travel difficult.

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Cities declare snow emergencies ahead of snowfall

Mar 14, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

NORTH MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - A handful of cities in southern Minnesota have declared snow emergencies ahead of the expected snowfall. The City of North Mankato is declaring a citywide snow emergency effective at 6:00 p.m. Sunday, March 15. During the snow emergency there is no parking on city streets so snow can be removed quickly and efficiently. Any vehicles parked on city streets during the snow emergency are subject to ticket and may be towed at the owner’s expense.

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Heads up: Riverfront Drive closure coming soon

Mar 13, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - An early heads up for drivers, a detour is coming to Riverfront Drive as part of the Veterans Memorial Bridge project. Scheduled to start on Wednesday, March 25, the Minnesota Department of Transportation says Riverfront Drive will close under the bridge so crews can begin removing the bridge deck. Traffic will be detoured to Plum Street, 2nd Street, and Main Street. The temporary closure is expected to last approximately two to three weeks.

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City of Sleepy Eye completes purchase of former food manufacturer

Mar 11, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

SLEEPY EYE, Minn. (KEYC) - The city of Sleepy Eye has finalized the purchase of a former manufacturing facility. Sleepy Eye Public Utilities purchased the former Del Monte food facility after reaching a purchase agreement back in December for $600,000. According to the Sleepy Eye mayor, city crews have been preparing the site for future redevelopment. That includes a range of uses for the large space, such as commercial, manufacturing or community-oriented concepts.

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Dave’s Hot Chicken planning Mankato location

Mar 09, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - Another national chicken restaurant is planning a Mankato location. In an email to KEYC News Now, Minnesota Chicken Owner Alex Humphries says they have finalized a lease to open a Dave’s Hot Chicken in the former Hardee’s location on Madison Avenue. Humphries says they’ll soon be working through design, permitting and construction and are targeting a late summer opening. Dave’s Hot Chicken specializes in Nashville-style hot chicken with customizable heat levels.

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Two treated after house fire in Elysian

Mar 02, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

ELYSIAN, Minn. (KEYC) - Two people are treated for minor burns and smoke inhalation after a fire in Elysian early Sunday Morning. The Le Sueur County Sheriff’s Office says it happened on Park Avenue NE around 4:30. 18-year-old Izabella Perry of Faribault and a 16-year-old girl from Elysian were able to escape the fire and were evaluated at the Owatonna Hospital. Authorities say the interior of the home sustained severe damage.

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Greenseam searching for new director

Mar 02, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - The region’s agricultural business development organization is looking for a new leader. Greenseam Director Sam Ziegler will leave the organization after 10 years, effective March 13. In a statement, Greenseam says Ziegler was key in helping establish and grow the initiative as a recognized leader in advancing the food and agribusiness economy in southern Minnesota.

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MnDOT announces winners of Name a Snowplow contest

Feb 24, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KEYC) - Oh, For Sleet’s Sake and Flurrious George are the top vote-getters in the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Name a Snowplow contest and will soon join our fleet of snowplows statewide along with six others.

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KEYC, KMNF program line-up changes begin March 2

Feb 23, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - KEYC-TV and KMNF-CD are making some changes to the on-air programming line-up. On KEYC, starting Monday, March 2, 2026, Kato Living will make a permanent move from 4 PM to Noon. The show will feature a segment of local news, a full segment with your local First Alert Weather Forecast as well as community information and interviews. With Kato Living moving to noon, a new program from our parent company Gray Media will debut at 4 PM.

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Greater Mankato Area United Way reaches goal

Feb 12, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - A major milestone for the Greater Mankato Area United Way. For the 11th straight year, the group has reached its campaign goal. That goal was $2,450,000. The funding supports 75 programs and initiatives that serve more than 65,000 people annually in Basic Needs, Health and Education across Blue Earth, Le Sueur, Nicollet and Waseca counties. Click here to download the KEYC News Now app or our KEYC First Alert weather app. Copyright 2026 KEYC. All rights reserved.

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Blues on Belgrade’s 2026 edition delayed a couple months

Feb 06, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

NORTH MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - A popular summer music celebration is delaying its 2026 event. Blues on Belgrade is typically held on Belgrade Avenue in North Mankato in mid July. But due to construction on Belgrade Avenue, the event is being moved to September 19. Belgrade Avenue between the foot of the bridge to the Range Street intersection is set to undergo construction from April to July.

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NorthStar Sports to air Minnesota United’s preseason Coachella Valley Invitational matches

Feb 05, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - Minnesota United announced Thursday that the Loons’ three Coachella Valley Invitational (CVI) preseason matches will be televised across Minnesota via Gray Media properties. Fans in Northeast Minnesota, Southern Minnesota & Northern Iowa can also watch the Loons’ CVI matches for free over-the-air on Gray Media’s North Star Sports & Entertainment Network.

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Finalists released for latest MnDOT ‘name a snowplow’ contest

Feb 05, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KEYC) - The list of finalists for the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s name a snowplow contest have been released. Voting on a new list of finalists begins Thursday and will remain open through noon on Friday, Feb. 13. You will be able to vote one time and select up to eight of your favorite names. The top eight vote-getters will become new MnDOT snowplow names, one new name for each MnDOT district. See the list of 30 finalists and vote now at mndot.gov/nameasnowplow.

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KEYC announces Minnesota Twins spring training local television broadcast schedule

Feb 05, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - KEYC-TV, a Gray Media (NYSE:GTN) station serving the Mankato, MN market in southern Minnesota, is pleased to announce local broadcast coverage of the Minnesota Twins spring training season, with 15 games set to simulcast free, over the air in February and March on KMNF-CD’s NorthStar Sports and Entertainment Network, channel 7-3.

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Area family pledges matching funds to Fairmont Opera House campaign

Feb 04, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

FAIRMONT, Minn. (KEYC) - An area family has announced a matching gift for donations to the on-going Fairmont Opera House Capital Campaign The Michael and Elizabeth Garry Family have pledged a $100,000 Matching Gift in support of restoring and reopening of the historic venue and honors a long-standing family tradition of community involvement and support for the arts in Fairmont. Every dollar donated will be doubled, up to $100,000.

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State officials to discuss latest federal officer involved shooting after winning restraining order to preserve evidence

Jan 25, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KTTC-TV (Rochester, MN)

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KEYC) - Minnesota state officials have scheduled an update for Sunday afternoon on the shooting death of Alex Pretti by a federal agent. You can watch it in the video player above. Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison will discuss the shooting, the third shooting involving federal agents in Minnesota, and efforts to rein in ICE.

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State officials to discuss latest federal officer involved shooting after winning restraining order to preserve evidence

Jan 25, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KEYC) - Minnesota state officials have scheduled an update for Sunday afternoon on the shooting death of Alex Pretti by a federal agent. You can watch it in the video player above. Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison will discuss the shooting, the third shooting involving federal agents in Minnesota, and efforts to rein in ICE.

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State officials to discuss latest federal officer involved shooting after winning retraining order to preserve evidence

Jan 25, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KEYC) - Minnesota state officials have scheduled an update for Sunday afternoon on the shooting death of Alex Pretti by a federal agent. Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison will discuss the shooting, the third shooting involving federal agents in Minnesota, and efforts to rein in ICE. Governor Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson, Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell, Maj. Gen.

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Mankato residents gather to protest federal immigration operations Original

Jan 24, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - A group of 50 to 100 residents gathered near the Veterans Bridge in Mankato Saturday to oppose federal immigration operations in Minnesota. The demonstration, organized by Stand Up Mankato, was called “Ice Out Now” and drew participants voicing opposition to a federal officer-involved shooting in Minneapolis.

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Firefighters face subzero temperatures responding to North Mankato house fire

Jan 24, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

NORTH MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - Firefighters faced subzero temperatures responding to a house fire in North Mankato early Saturday morning. The call came in around 4:15 a.m. as a reported chimney fire at a home in Bell Vista Drive. When crews arrived, they found an active fire in the home. Everyone inside was able to get out safely, and no injuries were reported. The family has been displaced, and the home sustained extensive damage.

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Open house scheduled for Veterans Memorial Bridge construction project

Jan 23, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - An open house is scheduled for next week for a construction project that will have major impacts on traffic in the greater Mankato area. The Veterans Memorial Bridge project begins Feb. 3, with the bridge and ramps closed to traffic. Ames Construction, Inc. was awarded the project with a bid of $21,273,398.92.

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KEYC to air select Minnesota Wild games

Jan 23, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - The Minnesota Wild, FanDuel Sports Network North and Gray Media announced that four Minnesota Wild games will be simulcast on over-the-air television this season. This marks the first time since the 2010-11 season that Wild games will be on over-the-air television. DateOpponentTime (CT)Television Stations Thursday, January 29 vs.

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Brown County Sheriff lifts lake restrictions

Jan 23, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

NEW ULM, Minn. (KEYC) - The Brown County Sheriff’s Office is removing vehicle restrictions to some area lakes. Last week, the Sheriff’s Office restricted vehicle traffic to Sleepy Eye Lake and Lake Hanska due to unsafe ice conditions. On Sleepy Eye Lake, a few ice houses had partially fallen through the ice due to warmer weather. On Lake Hanska, two people and a UTV broke through the ice.

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Minnesota unemployment rate rises slightly in December

Jan 22, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KDLT-TV (Sioux Falls, SD)

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KEYC) - Minnesota’s unemployment rate rose slightly in December, according to new data from the state. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development said the unemployment rate increased one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.1%. The rate remains below the national unemployment level of 4.4%. Over the past year, the state added 37,143 payroll jobs, up 1.2%. The private sector gained 37,315 jobs, up 1.4% over the year.

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Minnesota unemployment rate rises slightly in December

Jan 22, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KEYC) - Minnesota’s unemployment rate rose slightly in December, according to new data from the state. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development said the unemployment rate increased one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.1%. The rate remains below the national unemployment level of 4.4%. Over the past year, the state added 37,143 payroll jobs, up 1.2%. The private sector gained 37,315 jobs, up 1.4% over the year.

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Pemberton Fire Department puts out urgent call for volunteers

Jan 16, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

PEMBERTON, Minn. (KEYC) - The city of Pemberton is putting out the urgent call: more volunteers for the fire department are needed or it could possibly close. Pemberton, like many small city fire departments is facing a shortage of members. There are only currently seven active members and the city says if there aren’t more volunteers, the department could close.

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Mankato’s Hiniker Pond stocked ahead of winter trout opener

Jan 15, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - Minnesota’s winter trout opener is Saturday. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recently stocked rainbow trout in Mankato’s Hiniker Pond. The initiative to stock the pond started in 2024. Anglers can start fishing for the 2-year-old trout with the opener on Saturday. The DNR says this is a “put and take” opportunity, meaning the fish are stocked for anglers to harvest and enjoy.

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Vehicle traffic restricted on Lake Hanska due to ice conditions

Jan 15, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

HANSKA, Minn. (KEYC) - Just a day after restricting access on Lake Sleepy Eye, the Brown County Sheriff’s Office is adding Lake Hanska restrictions. The Sheriff’s Office says two people, along with their UTV, went through the ice at on Lake Hanska. Both were able to get out of the water. While they were heading off the lake on foot, they broke through the ice again, and were yet again able to get out of the water and off the lake safely.

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Ice houses partially fall into lake; sheriff’s office restricts traffic Original

Jan 14, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

SLEEPY EYE, Minn. (KEYC) - After three ice houses partially fell through the ice on Sleepy Eye, the Brown County Sheriff’s Office has restricted all vehicle traffic. As of 8:30 AM Wednesday, January 14, 2026, trucks, cars, ATVs, and snowmobiles are restricted due to poor ice conditions on the lake. The Brown County Sheriff’s Office says it will monitor the ice conditions and allow vehicle traffic once the ice conditions are safe.

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Sheriff’s office closes access point to area lake

Jan 10, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

LE SUEUR COUNTY, Minn. (KEYC) - The LeSueur County Sheriff’s Office has closed the north access to Lake Washington. The reason: the condition of the ice on the lake has deteriorated and the Sheriff’s Office says it is no longer passable to access the lake. The Sheriff’s Office says anyone wanting to access the lake will need to use another access point. They also say traveling through the narrows is not recommended. Click here to download the KEYC News Now app or our KEYC First Alert weather app.

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Calendar approved for next two academic years for Mankato Area Public Schools

Jan 09, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - Earlier this week, the Mankato Area School Board approved the calendars for the next two school years. To help with the ongoing school construction projects, the 2026-27 school year will start after Labor Day. This works in conjunction with an early end, before Memorial Day, to the current school year. The 2027-28 school year will start the week before Labor Day based on community feedback. Both calendars include a spring break of three or more consecutive days.

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Construction of new pedestrian bride causes Sibley Park road closure

Jan 09, 2026 |

By Mitch Keegan

| KEYC-TV (Mankato, MN)

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - Another road closure will start next week for the construction of a new bridge. Starting Tuesday morning, Sibley Park Road between CHS Pergola Way and the parking lots that access the playground and sledding hill will be closed. This is for work for the Kern Bridge project, which will cross the Blue Earth River between Mankato’s Sibley Park and Land of Memories Park.

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Mankato residents gather to protest federal immigration operations Original

Ice houses partially fall into lake; sheriff’s office restricts traffic Original

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