News

Reminders for a safe school year

Another school year has begun and although we say this every year it is worth saying again. Now that school has started don’t forget to be mindful of safety when driving. School buses are on the road again and many youngsters will also be heading back to class either by walking or riding bicycles....

Half of students falling behind: a wake-up call for Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Education released the 2024 Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) last week, revealing that student performance has remained stagnant. Approximately half of the state’s students are meeting or exceeding grade-level standards in math and reading, a figure that has...

Hayfield grads take over Hayfield volleyball program

Samantha (McCamy) Thurman has taken over the head coaching position for the Hayfield Vikings volleyball program. Thurman is a 2007 graduate of Hayfield, earning eight varsity letters in volleyball, basketball, and golf during her time as a Viking. After high school, she played four years of...

K-M, Triton football teams open season with wins

It’s not often football games are delayed due to weather. But it might be exactly what helped the Triton Cobras dominate Maple River during its home opener last Thursday, winning 42-13. “We endured a 45 minute lightning delay near the end of the 1st quarter, which was really a blessing, we used the...

Byron announces 2024 Hall of Fame class

The Byron High School Athletic Hall of Fame will induct five new members and recognize a special team at their Sept. 21 Hall of Fame ceremony. This year’s event will be held at the high school commons with a social beginning at 5:30 p.m. and the ceremony commencing at 6 p.m. This event is open to...

I Was Thinking... Patience of a Pelican

If you live in the land of 10,000 lakes, you’ve probably gone fishing occasionally. Some 20+ years ago we bought a place in a campground near a lake and so our lake time increased dramatically. So did the amount of fishing gear I obtained over those same years. While shiny spoons, Rapalas, jigs,...

MORE CONSTRUCTION

Hwy 57 through Mantorville had barely been reopened after a summer of road construction than work began on Hwy 56 through West Concord. MnDOT will be resurfacing the highway and there will also be accessibility and sidewalk improvements. Work is expected to be completed by late September.

WC City Councilor abruptly resigns

Citing her morals and beliefs not aligning with the position any longer, West Concord City Councilor Christina Wetzstein Peterson announced her immediate resignation from the City Council on Tuesday, Aug. 27. “I want to Thank you all for your votes in 2022 for City council. I am writing to inform...

Dodge County begins search for next finance director

Dodge County is searching for its next finance director due to the impending resignation of longtime Finance Director Lisa Kramer. “Lisa has given her notice she is leaving on September 30th,” County Administrator Jim Elmquist said. He said at that point she may go to a part time status. “She is...

6 juvenile males reportedly break into the Smoke Shop in Kasson

Six juvenile males reportedly broke into the Smoke Shop in Kasson on Aug. 22. At about 4:30 a.m., Kasson police were dispatched to the store, located at 301 South Mantorville Ave., Suite 800, upon a report of a burglary. When officers arrived they found the windows had been smashed and merchandise...