Mark Andrew Stevens, 65, of Kasson, MN died peacefully at his home Thursday, January 30, 2025. He was born September 16, 1959, in Rochester to Luverne and Ruth (Bungum) Stevens. Mark graduated from John Marshall High School in 1977. After high school, in 1985, Mark dedicated his time to start his own business, Northstar Auto Body, which was later changed to Stevens Auto Body, and eventually, Stevens Collision Center in 1999.

Charles “Charlie” Edward Finley, Sr. 73, of Pine Island, died Friday, January 31, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 12, 1952, in Kasson to Richard and Ella (Dohrmann) Finley. He graduated from Kasson High School in 1970, and then served in the US Air Force during the Vietnam Era. On May 20, 1972, he was united in marriage to his high school sweet heart, Candace Hall.

A month before Kasson-Mantorville Superintendent Ted Ihns announced his resignation, school board member Kate Ryan said she was aware that it might happen, according to an email obtained by the Dodge County Independent through a standard public data request.
On Jan. 6, the K-M School Board held its organizational meeting, elected board officers, and swore in new board members.

The Kasson-Mantorville School Board has officially begun the process to hire a new superintendent beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.

Now in its sixth year, the Ride for Wyatt snowmobile fundraiser in Mantorville is scheduled for Feb. 8 but again this year — like last year — will adjust since there likely won’t be adequate snowfall for snowmobiling. Still, there’s plenty of fun to be had, said organizer Matt Coy.

The book targeting big agriculture in Dodge County is in the running for one of Minnesota’s best books.
Sonja Trom Eayrs, who is the author of Dodge County, Inc., received notification last week of being selected as one of four finalists for the Emilie Buchwald Award for Minnesota nonfiction.