A regional household hazardous waste facility and its product reuse center opens Tuesday for the 2026 season.
Hours through October for Blue Earth County Regional Household Hazardous Waste Facility, 651 Summit Ave., are noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday, noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and 8 a.m. to noon on the second Saturday of each month.
The facility’s product reuse center, located within the HHW, will be open during regularly scheduled hours. Paint, cleaning solutions and other household products are free to center shoppers.
For more information about the facility, call 507-304-4251 or go to: blueearthcountymn.gov/HHW.
Volunteers needed for spring chores
VINE is recruiting volunteers to complete seasonal yardwork fand other spring chorces for older area homeowners and people with documented physical disabilities.
Duties include clearing unwanted organic waste from lawns, washing windows and prepping gardens for the 2026 growing season.
Individuals and groups interested in helping with outdoor spring and summer tasks should call VINE at 507-386-5571.
Volunteer hours are flexible. A chore coordinator will be on site.
Free resources event set
This year’s Project Community Connect Project is slated 1-4 p.m. April 21 at Mayo Clinic Health Systems Event Center, downtown Mankato.
Free services that will be offered to attendees include haircuts, vouchers and information about help available regarding disabilities, employment, legal issues and medical issues. Bag lunches will be distributed. The Shoe Bus will be onsite selling $3-$6 shoes as well as distributing some free footwear.
Reservations are being accepted for free transite ride to the event, sponsored by the City of Mankato. April 17 is the deadline to make a reservation, call 507-995-9259.
Sponsors of the event are Blue Earth County Supportive Housing, City of Mankato, Minnesota State University’s College of Allied Health and Nursing, Greater Mankato Area United Way, Lloyd Management, Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, Minnesota Valley Action Council, Sagent Behavioral Health, River Valley Continuum of Care and Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership
New trail to open May 30
A grand opening is slated 9 a.m. May 30 for a new recreational trail between Henderson and Blakely.
The daylong celebration is for people of all ages. Attendees should register at the head of the Hummingbird Trail in Henderson.
A breakfast will be served. Freewill offerings will be accepted.
Attendees may join in a scavenger hunt, explore the trail and visit nearby landmarks.
The Hummingbird Trail is designed to accommodate walkers, runners, and cyclists of all skill
levels, making it an accessible and enjoyable destination for everyone.
For more information, call or go to: HummingbirdTrail.org.