News

Schlichting named finalist for KW superintendent position

When Triton Superintendent Craig Schlichting announced he would be retiring from the school district last year after working there for over three decades, many thought he would be leaving education altogether. But with two last minute superintendent positions near his home, he decided to throw his...

Byron hires finance director, meets with levy consultant

After months of searching, the Byron School District has a finance director. The school board on Monday night approved a contract with Shawn Elsbury, currently the finance director at the Pine Island Public Schools. He will receive a salary of $130,000 through the 2025-2026 contract year and $132,...

K-M 4th graders explore health careers

Kasson-Mantorville fourth graders had a chance to learn about real-world science and health careers Tuesday as the district held its last LEAP (Learning Enrichment & Advancement Program) day at the school. Students got a break from the day-to-day routine of the classroom as they visited...

Submitted Photo Charles “Buck” Bernardy with daughter Destiny.

A Life of grit, growth, giving back

Charles “Buck” Bernardy was born in St. Paul and raised by his grandparents. When he was three years old, they relocated to Arizona, returning to St. Paul just before he began kindergarten. He attended Ames Elementary, now closed, before his family moved to White Bear Lake, where Charles completed...

Submitted Photo The Kasson-Mantorville Otternauts robotics team poses for a photo.

K-M Otternauts continuing to build a strong team

The K-M Otternauts, Kasson-Mantorville High School’s FRC robotics team, launched in 2017 and has been building momentum (and robots) ever since. We’re a student-led club made up of passionate and curious minds from grades 9 through 12, supported by dedicated mentors, many of whom are former team...

Photo by Jenee Cummings Charlie Converse and Aurora Blas were named Kasson-Mantorville Prom King and Queen last weekend.

Prom Royalty

Photo by Karen M. Jorgensen There was no doubt that last Friday was Deb Klocke’s last day as personal lending officer at Citizens State Bank in Hayfield. Inside the bank, family and Hayfield residents stopped by to wish her a happy retirement.

Klocke retires after 48 years at Hayfield bank

There was no doubt last week that Deb Klocke was retiring after 48 years at the MBT Bank in Hayfield. A large chicken on a trailer was parked alongside Highway 30 in front of the bank proclaiming that “After 48 years this chic is retiring. Congratulations Deb K.” Inside the bank friends, family and...

Byron man charged with electronic child solicitation

A Byron man appeared in Olmsted County District Court, last week on felony charges of electronic child solicitation, electronic communication with a child involving sexual conduct and electronically distributing sexual conduct material to a child. According to court records William Douglas Pirkl,...

Submitted Photo Kasson-Mantorville third grade students in Mrs. Whalen’s class presented a check to Pastor Kristen Schlauderaff of St. John’s Lutheran Church to help with expenses for the Laundry Love project.

K-M 3rd graders help Kasson ‘Laundry Love’ project

“Service learning” is something that Kasson-Mantorville third grade teacher Allison Whalen wants her students to learn. Laundry Love in Kasson is a new project started by a group of volunteers including Pastor Kristen Schlauderaff of St. John’s Lutheran Church. Its aim is to provide a little help...

Easter Egg Hunt

Youngsters came to Lions Park in West Concord Saturday to hunt for Easter Eggs, visit with the Easter Bunny and collect candy to take home. Above, left, Walter Haltvick, 4-1/2, from Hastings, had his picture taken with the bunny. Above right, Harper Schley, who is almost three, gave the Easter...