Columns

Your Greater Mankato Area friends and neighbors are sharing their expertise in these columns on MankatoLIFE!

Group of Lesser Dog-faced Fruit Bat, Cyneropterus brachyotis

Green Earth: Better Living Through Bat Houses

An unwelcome visitor in columnist Molly Butler's home was the catalyst for adding bat houses to her property.
Wild Violets

Weekend High Notes: Ease and Seeds

There are benefits to working with nature instead of trying to be the master. In addition weekend recommendations, Molly suggests the easier path.
Mom and girl

Weekend High Notes: Celebrating Moms

Happy Mothers Day weekend! To help us celebrate, Molly has recommended some fun activities to give the moms in our lives some much-needed recognition and relaxation.
Beagle on a leash

Changing the Narrative: Leash Your Dog!

Robb has a few words for folks abusing Spring Lake Park by letting their dogs run off leash
Starfield

Weekend High Notes: Too Quick to Hold

Take a breath, and stop getting caught up in the unknown. With Molly's help and fun weekend recommendations, we can all relax and enjoy a moment of peace.
Compost

Weekend High Notes: The Dirty Work

In the mood to get out of the house? This week, Molly recommends some weekend activities to help you get outside and celebrate the Earth.
Photo Courtesy Blue Earth County Historical Society — This photo from the January 6, 1928, Mankato Daily Free Press shows the building that Leon Salet purchased at the corner of North Front and Main streets.

ARTchitecture: Salet’s Department Store

From the late 1800s to the 1960s Salet's Department Store was a fixture in downtown Mankato
Unity

Changing the Narrative: But Now the Real Work Starts

While the conviction of Derek Chauvin, is a good thing says columnist Robb Murray who has spent many years on the police beat, in and of itself it won't result in positive change unless other steps are taken.
Photo by Molly Butler - "Pomegranite Study" by Vincent Kenobbie on display at the Fillin' Station

Artist of the Month: Vincent Kenobbie

Vincent Kenobbie is the Fillin' Station artist of the month
Happy at work

Weekend High Notes: Do What You Love or Love What You Do?

Even if you love what you do, there's still time to add more meaning to your days. In this week's high notes, Molly has recommended some weekend activities for those on their pursuit of fulfillment.