The Free Press
Region Nine Development Commission will host a Bike to Work Day event in Mankato on Thursday.
The free event is 7:30-9 a.m. at the Civic Center Plaza outside the Intergovernmental Center and will feature a tire-change competition, bike show-and-tell activities and free bike repairs, according to a commission news release.
Organized in partnership with Greater Mankato Bike and Walk Advocates, the event is part of National Bike Month and aims to encourage active transportation across the region. Commission Chairman Mike Laven is scheduled to kick off the morning festivities at 8 a.m.
TRUE TRANSIT TO INCREASE FARES
On June 1, TRUE Transit — the public transportation system for Blue Earth, Nicollet, and Le Sueur counties — will implement a new tiered fare structure, replacing the current rates of $3 for in-town rides and $5 for intercity trips.
The new fares will be: in-town rides $4; intercity rides fewer than 10 miles $6; intercity rides 10–19 miles $8; intercity rides 20-plus miles $10.
“We understand changes like this can be an adjustment,” TRUE Transit Transportation Manager Ron Decker stated in a news release. “Updating our fare structure will help sustain and strengthen this important service for the community.”
TRUE Transit provides dial-a-ride service to the three counties, operating 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Reservations are required at least one business day in advance and can be made online at truetransit.org or by calling (507) 388-8783.
PLANT SALE, SWAP PLANNED
The number of plants sales will be growing in the area as spring gets seriously underway. Here are just a few of them going on May 16.
Blue Earth County Master Gardeners is offering perennials, native plants, herbs, vegetables, annuals and houseplants from 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, May 16 at the Caledonia Community Center, 600 Hope St., Mankato.
Also that same day is a pollinator plant swap meet starting at 9:30 a.m. at the North Mankato Taylor Library. The event is part of the 2026 North Mankato Pollination Celebration. (And for a bonus, the library also is the starting point at 9 a.m. for the Bookin’ on Belgrade 5K fun run.)
KLOSSNER ROAD work BEGINS MAY 18
Construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Highway 15 and Fort Road in Klossner is expected to begin May 18, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
The intersection will be closed starting with traffic detoured to Nicollet County Roads 15, 12 and 21.
The project includes constructing a single-lane roundabout at Highway 15 and Nicollet County Road 5 (Fort Road) to improve safety at this intersection, install lighting and improve drainage.
MnDOT expects the roundabout to be completed in late July, weather permitting. Schedules are subject to change depending upon weather and other unforeseeable circumstances.
MnDOT also will construct a single-lane roundabout at Highway 111 and Nicollet County Road 5 (Fort Road) north of Nicollet later this summer. Work there will begin after the Klossner roundabout is finished.
COMMUNITY PARTY WITH A PURPOSE
Beer, Brats & Bourbon returns again this short-sleeved season on June 18 at Mankato Regional Airport.
Running from 5:30-10:30 p.m. that Thursday evening, the fundraiser supports FOCP, which helps feed local youth. The nonprofit serves food-insecure students, grades K-12, with well-balanced meals when school is out.
The benefit includes food, bourbon, beer and live music. Tickets are $75 general admission and $50 for sober supporters.