Mark (Birgy) Daniel Birgin, 63, of Wabasha, MN (recently moved from Kasson) passed away at home surrounded by family, on October 4, 2025.

Steven Robert Jensen, age 76, passed away on October 2, 2025 due to lung cancer which was a result of exposure to Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam.
Steven was born April 4, 1949 to Robert Jensen and Joan (Nereson) Jensen. He had one brother, Daniel.

The Kasson-Mantorville School Board unanimously approved a measure last Monday to begin recording all regular and special school board meetings.
In 2024, the school board passed a resolution to record regular board meetings. Current board member Patrick Madery voted against that measure but supported recording both last week’s resolution.

Kasson’s City Council approved a preliminary 2026 tax levy of $4,844,142, a 7.8% increase over the 2025 levy of $4,493,797.
The preliminary levy cannot increase but can be adjusted downward by the council before the final number is approved in December.

The Byron City Council approved the 2026 preliminary budget and levy during its September meeting, keeping the tax rate flat.

In a time of heightened concern over school safety, a West Concord police officer’s simple act of compassion has brought comfort to a young student and pride to an entire community.

They gathered in the Foundation Building at the Steele County Fairgrounds Saturday morning, united for one purpose — the fight against Alzheimer’s.
Following the Walk to End Alzheimer’s opening ceremony, participants headed out for the walk, either a one mile or 5K.

Area school boards OK teacher contracts
Alex Malm
Staff Writer
Both the Hayfield and Kasson-Mantorville school boards have approved two-year contracts with their teacher unions.

Dodge County commissioners last week unanimously approved a preliminary budget of $39,126,718 and a total net levy of $19,187, 888.
The levy amounts to an increase of 6.9% from 2025. The total budget represents an increase of 7.5%, County Administrator Jim Elmquist said.
The preliminary budget and levy amount will now be used to calculate the Truth in Taxation notices that will be sent to residents.