CHS has closed the elevator in Claremont and directed members to take their soybeans and grains to the elevator in Kasson.
Nick Ulschmid, logistics manager at CHS, said co-op members were notified of the closing earlier this season. He said the closure was a corporate decision made partly because of the damage to the grain bins from a tornado in 2023. One bin was destroyed, and others were damaged in the storm.

For 2025, 45.2% of students across the state were proficient in math, according to the MCA (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments) scores released by the state last month.
For reading, the statewide average was 49.6%.
Some area school districts are celebrating success, while others caution that state testing is not the only factor in determining academic success.
Byron

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.