Write-in mayoral candidate Casey Striver does not meet the requirements of residency, Claremont City Attorney Mark Rahrick told council members at a special meeting on Tuesday night. Following Rahrick’s recommendation, council members voted to withhold the certifying of the election of Striver as the city’s mayor.

Byron School Board members approved a revised budget for 2025 Monday night with a 6.07% tax levy, following the annual Truth-in-Taxation presentation. The board also heard a presentation from financial consultant SmithSchafer on the final results of the 2024 audit.
In addition, the board formally accepted the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Mike Neubeck, effective at the end of the current school year.

A memo to the Kasson City Council from Police Chief Josh Hanson led to a conversation about the future of policing in Kasson.

There was a time when the elderly were revered for their knowledge and wisdom. A farmer would pass on lessons learned to the next generation because for years farming practices stayed the same. A boot maker, tanner, or carpenter would take young men under wing to teach them their trade. Religious teachings and family history were passed on orally from generation to generation.

The most famous editorial in American journalism was published in 1897 in the New York Sun, as a reply to a letter from 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanion.
The editorial was titled “Is there a Santa Claus?” and its most memorable passage was this reassuring declaration: “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.”

Minnesota’s latest budget forecast is a sobering reality check. While the state is looking at a projected $616 million surplus for the next budget cycle, the long-term picture paints a far bleaker story. By 2028-2029, Minnesota faces a staggering $5.1 billion deficit. This isn’t just bad luck — it is the direct result of reckless spending and tax increases by the Democrat governing trifecta that have left taxpayers on the hook.

Hard to believe but it is less than a week until Christmas 2024. I know we say it every year, but it is true — how can it be Christmas so soon. Wasn’t it yesterday it was Thanksgiving?
The public activities — such as Olde Fashioned Christmas in Mantorville and Christmas in Kasson, West Concord and Hayfield are over. School holiday concerts have been held.

Do you ever wonder why holidays make you sad?
Do you ever wonder like me?
Do you see the empty chair, because no one’s there.
Do you ever wonder like me?
 
Sometimes, it’s just the simple things like a song, or a smell in the air.
It’s alright to shed a tear, because they’re not here.
It shows just how much you care.
 
So go ahead, and picture them in their favorite chair.

Members of Grace Methodist Church in Kasson said they wanted to thank all those who purchased items at Granny’s Attic during the Jul Bazaar at the church on Dec. 7.
They raised $912, said Church Member Louise Anderson. All of the money raised will be used for Hurricane Relief in areas of the U.S. hit by hurricanes this past season.
“We want to thank the community their generosity,” Anderson said.