Klaus Alberts IV and Mantorville Mayor Chuck Bradford officially cut the ribbon last week opening the new bandshell that has been constructed at Riverside Park in Mantorville.

Hanson Family Foundation Representative Jim Fiebiger presents the City of Hayfield with a check of $20,000 to put towards the purchase of their new city park coming the Spring of 2025. Picture are David Johnson (MBT Bank), Paul O’Brien (Public Works Supervisor), Marnie Davis (City Clerk), Jim Fiebiger (Hanson Family Foundation).
 
 

A report of anhydrous fumes crossing Hwy 56 next to the Central Farm Service Coop south of Hayfield caused the closure of the highway and rerouting of traffic last week.

About a month ago, this newspaper began investigating the abrupt resignation of Kasson-Mantorville School Board member Amy Olson.
Olson in her resignation letter cited a family crisis that had caused her to be distracted from the work. Right away, we knew there was more to the story.
We were stonewalled by the superintendent, board chair, and even Olson herself. No one wanted to answer our questions on the record.

Last month, Hurricanes Milton and Helene devastated parts of the southern United States. As families evacuated and started to rebuild, firefighters, police officers, and emergency personnel were a constant presence including the Minnesota National Guard who went down to help.

As I am writing this column, it is Election Day. The polls are open and voters across the country are going to their polling places to cast their ballots. Many others, in fact, 78 million of our fellow citizens, have already cast their ballots during the early voting time frame.
This election year, I think we can all agree, is one of the most polarizing in our history. Polls indicate the voters are very evenly divided.

A reception at the Mantorville Art Guild last Saturday officially recognized Mary Ayshford as the winner of the competition for the design on the 2024 Mantorville Christmas cookie tin. The cookie tin promotion is sponsored by the Mantorville Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the annual Olde Fashioned Christmas in Mantorville.

The Kasson-Mantorville High School October students of the month were recognized at a recent school board meeting. These students were selected based on this criteria: Staff are asked to vote for students who: 1) Are responsible for themselves and others, 2) Are positive role models, 3) Offer help to others in need, 4) Are progressing academically.

Emergency response departments serving rural communities in Minnesota, Illinois, and Wisconsin have been awarded $731,000 for equipment needs and program enhancements through Compeer Financial’s Fund for Rural America. Among those receiving grants were several departments in Dodge County.