While the year has been filled with many ups and downs, we’re looking back at some of the stories this year that left us filled with hope.

Their goal for the year is half a million dollars.

The Federal Aviation Administration established new rules for drone usage on Monday.

BENCO Electric weighs in on the best steps to take in preparation for a snow storm.

With more free time on his hands this year, 16 year-old Josh Ternyak decided to make his entrepreneurial dreams a reality.

Participants of the 16th annual Dakota 38 + 2 Memorial Ride made their journey on horseback through aggressive winds, below freezing temperatures and harsh blizzard conditions.

For some, going to church on Christmas Day is a tradition that reminds people that gifts aren’t at the center of the holiday.

As many folks gather with their loved ones to celebrate the Christmas holiday today, local churches are sitting empty.

Virtual Red Kettles will be available into January at some area grocery stores

Nursing students at Minnesota State University, Mankato now have the ability to gather hands-on experience through a newly established winter internship at area hospitals.

Bridge Plaza in Mankato has made lots of progress on the construction of their new building. Centrally located in downtown, the complex will provide many services to the local community.

With a recent general election, active movements and a new president-elect, this year’s holiday gatherings are destined to develop discussions about politics.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is reminding residents and essential workers to continue to follow safety guidelines as the fight against COVID-19 is as active as ever, especially in the holiday season.

Under new state COVID-19 guidelines going into effect this weekend, bars and restaurants are allowed to offer outdoor dining options at either 50% capacity or no more than 100 people at a time. Customers also need to remain seated while eating.

Toys for Tots held a distribution event in Mankato, where over 3,000 children received Christmas gifts.

The pandemic has left few opportunities for musicians across the country to perform, including Mankato’s music scene.

One St. Peter man’s retirement hobby has boomed into a whole new business after spending much of his life buying and selling logs.

Despite challenges brought on by the pandemic, the Holiday Sharing Tree continues its mission to provide gifts to those in need this holiday season.

Four churches in the Mankato area have come together to create ‘Light the Night’ to give the community hope and light.

Emily Johnson credits blood donors for helping save her mother's life.

Mankato Public Safety donate toys for the Toys for Tots campaign.

“Do Good Bus” collected gifts and household items benefiting Partners for Housing.

“They’ve had to provide an even more intense level of service to the most vulnerable in our population,” said Mankato Salvation Army Lt. Andy Wheeler. “We just wanted to take a moment and say ‘thank you.’"

The Scarlets are hoping to sell 250 gift cards by Dec. 21.

Organizers say events like Tuesday’s are important to help fellow believers of the Jewish faith find joy and comfort this year.

An anonymous donor committed Tuesday to match up to $35,000 for the Greater Mankato Area United Way’s 2021 campaign.

The Way of the Cross was completed in 1904 and renovated in 2004 and 2018. Its 14 stations with statues imported from Bavaria provide a quiet, reflective walk up a 700-foot brick path to a chapel.

The Salvation Army of Mankato is getting an extra boost towards their fundraising goal for this year’s Red Kettle Campaign.

Time is winding down in order to register to receive a toy through the Toys for Tots campaign.

If you’re still in need of a Christmas tree this holiday season look no further because the Y’s Club of Mankato has a few dozen left - but they’re going fast.

The Mankato Salvation Army is giving back to senior caregivers who’ve been putting in long hours since March.

The family-owned facility houses numerous animals, predominantly felines, who are abandoned, unwanted, and helpless.

The holidays are upon us, and with online shopping comes the risk of having packages stolen from your doorstep.

Food insecurity is a growing problem in our region, but local organizations are coming together to help.

The program provides Mankato seniors with holiday gifts.

Santa Claus made a surprise visit to Mankato Thursday just a few weeks ahead of the big day.

People can donate loose change outside the Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union building in Mankato on Friday.

Another big part of the new adjustments will be to focus just as much on the mental and emotional health of their task force as they do on the physical health.

Blue Earth County is helping keep the holidays green this season.

A Loyola eighth grader saw a need in his community, and with the help of others, he’s bringing Christmas joy to those who need it most.

They are offering a free Online Study Center for students in grades 6-12 who are in Mankato Area Public Schools.

The Honey Hold ice house is valued at $12,500.

Bringing humor into the classroom and adding fun to tough lessons, are a few of the reasons students nominated this teacher.

A new grant awarded to Connections Shelter in Mankato will allow for the hire of its first full-time staff member.

The Committee Against Domestic Abuse announces a partnership with Mankato youth to combat violence within the community.

The deadline to return purchased gifts is Sunday at 5 p.m.

The food donations will be given to ECHO Food Shelf to assist the local food bank in its mission to feed families.

A Mankato girl used her extra free time this year to develop a business that helps locals go green.

Hosanna Lutheran Church in Mankato will be hosting a Christmas celebration Wednesday.

Sign up began Monday for the Mankato Salvation Army’s Christmas Food Basket program.

West Mankato Holiday Lights started on Sunday and will run through Christmas Day. Anyone looking for some holiday fun can check out the light displays in the west Mankato neighborhood.

At the age of nine, Taryn Wishcop of Mankato experienced the trauma of abduction firsthand. “I felt very alone. Like nobody else had experienced what I experienced,” said Wishcop.

The Mankato Brewery says not all heroes wear capes, but some definitely wear scrubs.

Singing Hills Chorus will present its “I Will Sing” concert Saturday afternoon.

The program connects sponsors with children in need of holiday gifts.

The lights will be on throughout the holiday season, but the event itself is on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 5 to 8:30 p.m.

The volunteers came together to hang Christmas lights on the trees outside Mapleton Community Home.

Take a look at the shops along Waseca’s State Street, and you’ll find buildings with unique architectural features that take you back in time.