It’s less than a week from the season premiere of "The Voice," and those who watch the show may see a familiar face on their screen. 
Cori Kennedy, who is a West Concord native and 2015 Kasson-Mantorville High School graduate will be one of the contestants on the show. 
The season premiere on NBC is set to take place Sept. 22, 7 p.m.

Citing high expenses, Smokin’ Silverback in Kasson has closed less than a year after opening the location. 
The business was previously located in Owatonna. 
Eviction proceedings began at the end of August due to failure to pay rent, according to court documents. 

Members of the Kasson American Legion Auxiliary last Saturday honored 14 members who have been involved with the organization for more than 50 years. 
Five of those members attended the celebratory lunch and received certificates for their years in the Auxiliary. The group was joined by American Legion Post Commander Paul Reese.

It’s almost time for the 2025 Oktoberfest in Kasson, sponsored by the Kasson Chamber of Commerce.
The event is scheduled Saturday, Sept. 27, and this year, there is something new. Open containers will be allowed from 1 to 4 p.m. within the clearly marked event area.
Alcohol must be purchased at Tammy’s Place or the Kasson Legion. There is no outside alcohol permitted. Signs will designate where open containers are allowed.

After falling short in her bid to become the state representative from House District 24A last year, Heather Holmes will once again run for the seat. 
She announced her bid during a campaign kick-off event in Dodge County last week.
Last year, Holmes won the DFL endorsement and took on longtime incumbent Duane Quam, a Republican from Byron.

 
Dodge County’s three school districts have now lifted the lockdowns they implemented after what was called “concerning behavior of a community member.”
The lockdowns started about 9:20 a.m. at Byron High School, where a video was recorded by Daniel James Lewison, 55.
He is listed as a person of interest by the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office; as of 12:30 p.m. Thursday, he was not in custody.