Local Hayfield candidates

Rich Fjerstad is the current Hayfield Mayor and running unopposed. There are six names on the ballot for the two open Hayfield City Council. Chris Nelson has lived in Hayfield his whole life, other …

Hayfield Grocery Celebrates First Year

The Hayfield Grocery, Hardware and Liquor Store had an open house this past weekend to commemorate their first year in business. Store owner Shikhar Kanki and his wife live in Rochester and staff the …

Oktoberfest in Kasson

Farmers Union to host Meet the Candidates event

BYRON, Minn. – The Olmsted and Dodge County Farmers Unions are hosting a Meet the Candidates event at 6 p.m. Oct. 13 at Frank 'N Stein Restaurant and Lounge, 15 Frontage Road, Byron. The event …

Hayfield Ambulance Benefit

Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association Scholarship Program

Sheriff Scott Rose of Dodge County announced today the commencement of the Law Enforcement Scholarship Program for 2026. Sheriff Rose proudly announced that the MSA Board of Directors has established …

The 2026-27 school year is off to a great start

Our students are settling into routines, procedures, and expectations. Staff members are working hard to establish the foundation for a successful school year. There are many experiences and …

More Local News

Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes

A year ago, I had an hour to pass waiting for someone at St. Mary’s Hospital. I was looking for something to do while they had a test and took the occasion to walk to the patient and visitor …

An Inconvenient Study

Science is a powerful tool. A tool can be used for good, or it can be used improperly, which can result in significant harm. True science is the observation of causes and reactions in a controlled …

A Minnesotan:

The longer I live in the Cities I have become more and more aware of what my husband likes to call the pumpkin spice monsters. A pumpkin spice monster is one who goes crazy for pumpkin spice as soon …

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Obituaries

Michael Joseph O’Connor

Michael Joseph O’Connor, 77, of Brownsdale, Minnesota entered the Kingdom of Heaven on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. He passed peacefully in his home surrounded by his loved ones after his journey …

Linda Remillard

Linda Remillard, age 77, of Faribault, died on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at New Richland Care Center. Arrangements are being completed by Boldt Funeral Home & Cremation Services, …

Gene Earl Whittington

Gene Earl Whittington, age 73, of Hayfield, MN, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Mayo Clinic, St. Mary’s Campus, in Rochester, MN. Gene was born on August 10, 1953, in …

Joyce Ann Stivers

Joyce Ann Stivers, 91, of Kasson, MN passed away on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Mayo Clinic St. Mary’s Campus in Rochester, MN. Joyce was born on July 30, 1935, in Frankford Township, Mower …

Karen Murn Knudson

Karen Murn Knudson, 85 years old, passed away on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester, MN. Karen was born on August 11, 1941, in Kasson, MN to Harvey John Knudson and …

The Messenger October 2026 Issue 1

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Community

The Power of Story

In the background of our lives are stories. More than facts and figures and outcomes, stories guide how we live our lives, how we interact with people, how we work, what we hope for. We attach …

Austin-area farm to host conservation event

AUSTIN, Minn. – An Austin Township farm family will open their land along the Cedar River to visitors next week for a field day on using data for conservation that benefits wildlife and farming. …

Kenyon Market Sold to New Local Owners

After announcing earlier this summer the market was for sale or may close, Pete Wagner, owner of Kenyon Market in Kenyon confirmed a deal has been reached to sell the store to new local owners, …

Community

The King & Crooners Show and End of Season Car Show October 10th in Dennison

Chris Olson returns to Dennison in October blending the old with the new in his tribute show, The King & Crooners Show at The Sapphire Event Room. Chris has entertained for many years each fall in …

Heavy Rains Bring Floods South of Our Area

Early Saturday morning’s threat of heavy rain slide south of us and caused severe flooding along it’s path. New Richland, a community of 1,200 residents, suffered water damage in 80% of the …

Highway 57 to get Roundabout

In the summer of 2027, MnDOT will resurface a section of Highway 57 and build a roundabout. The roadway will be repaved from 9th Street in Mantorville to Dodge County Road 16. They will also …

7 e-commerce mistakes that can slow peak season growth

Passport reports seven e-commerce mistakes that can hinder growth during peak season, emphasizing the need for early preparation and streamlined operations.

Halloween should be scary. Your bill doesn't have to be

CreditFresh reports that Halloween expenses are rising, with families facing higher costs for candy, costumes, and decorations.

Exclusive: Hybrid schools open new legal front for choice

The 74 reports that Roots Learning Academy, a hybrid homeschool program in Pennsylvania, faces state scrutiny and potential closure due to childcare licensing requirements.

A rare win in Indian Country: How tribes drove out a mining company in one week

The Economic Hardship Reporting Project and The Guardian report that tribes united to successfully drive out a mining company from Pe' Sla, a sacred site in South Dakota.

Money is Americans’ top source of stress, and it’s taking a toll on their mental health

Credit Karma reports that money is the top source of stress for Americans, impacting mental health, with many seeking tools for better financial management.