West Concord Area Foundation Pie Bake-Off

Saturday October 24th the West Concord Area Foundation held their first annual Gala with a Pie Bake-Off contest and fundraiser at the Bell Tower Center. Ten varieties of pies were brought by local …

A Learning Journey

Trombones, a career in wholesale management, and a call to the ministry. You might be wondering what these three items have in common. While each requires great dedication, they all find their answer …

Midnight Hounds Album Release Party

Saturday evening at the Pure Rock Studios in Rochester the Midnight Hounds performed live as celebration of the release date of their new album "Atomic Sand". They performed all fifteen tracks of the …

Space Race Disc Golf Friday November 6

There is a fundraiser competition MVP Space Race disc golf on Friday November 6th at the new 18 basket course at Lion’s Park in Kasson. Registration ends at 6pm Friday. The addition of 9 new …

Get your tickets for "Little Women"!

Our December show is "Little Women" adapted by Marisha Chamberlain, directed by Kami Sim. The show runs December 4-20: Shows will start at 7 pm on Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, & 18. Shows will start at 2 …

Triton's Holiday Market is Back!

Well, "tis the season," so they say! And time again for the community to come together and celebrate the season of good will toward men! On Saturday, December 12th, Triton's Community Education joins …

Information wanted on family farms

Dodge County was settled by farm families beginning in 1854, and the contributions of those families were significant in making our county what it is today. Every year the number of family farms …

More Local News

Sidewalk Pastor

Sometimes during life when we become troubled and start thinking of our past, and having negative thoughts, we need to STOP and gain control of our life again. This happens to many of us during …

Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes

We took a trip up the North Shore in September to spend a night in Thunder Bay, Canada. The scenic drive was spectacular as the leaves were turning color and the weather was perfect. One of the stops …

Apples and Healthy Weight

You have heard the rhyme, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But what does an apple really do for you? Does any apple work, or only certain kinds? A few answers can be found here. …

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Obituaries

Gene Alan Gullickson

Gene Alan Gullickson, 66, of West Concord, passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at home with his wife, Brenda, by his side. Gene was born to Eugene and Barbara Gullickson (Schaefer) on …

Raymond (Ray) John Malsom

Raymond (Ray) John Malsom passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, October 25, 2026. He was 87 years old. Ray was born in Aberdeen, SD to Anton and Rose Malsom, where he attended …

Helen Marjorie Spaid (Rosie) Leqve

Helen Marjorie Spaid (Rosie) Leqve, 104, of Kasson, MN passed away peacefully surrounded by her family of Monday, October 26, 2026. Helen was born on December 25, 1921, in Ogden, Utah. When Helen …

Loraine Ina Ripka

Loraine Ina Ripka, 69, of Owatonna, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Owatonna Hospital due to complications following a recent cancer diagnosis. Loraine grew up on the …

David “Dave” Duane Folkert

David “Dave” Duane Folkert, 60, of Kasson, Minnesota passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, September 28, 2026. David was born on July 24, 1966, in St. Peter, MN and was later adopted …

The Messenger October 2026 Issue 5

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Community

Salt and Light in Election Season

Imagine a single candle lit in a dark room. Its flame does not instantly flood the entire house with brilliance, yet it pushes back the shadows nearest to it. As more candles are kindled nearby, the …

Coffee and treats Thursdays are returning to the West Concord Historical Society

Coffee and treats Thursdays are returning to the West Concord Historical Society building beginning Nov. 5 and will continue throughout the winter months. Each day will begin at 9 a.m. The Flame …

Daniel Lee Greene

Daniel Lee Greene, 72 of Dodge Center, MN passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and two daughters on Sunday, October 18, 2026. Daniel was born on December 22, 1953, at Saint Mary's …

Community

Things to do in the Fall garden

Are you ready to call it quits for the year in your garden? Well there are a few more things to do, before the tools and hoses get put away for the year. I was out planting some perennials in my …

Farmers keep watch for UFO's while combining

Last week a farmer in Stevens County, MInnesota reported a UFO in his cornfield. The sheriff department received a call late on Wednesday afternoon about foreign debris discovered while harvesting …

Fall Craft Show

Take a drive to Kenyon this fall for the 53rd annual craft sale and you will find hand crafted gift ideas from a hundred vendors on display for your fall decorating or gifting needs. Every year they …

How to reduce posterior sweat: A guide to staying fresh and dry

AXE reports that butt sweat is normal and can be managed through hygiene, breathable fabrics, and proper habits to stay fresh and confident.

One Big Beautiful Bill: Your top questions answered

Intuit TurboTax reports the One Big Beautiful Bill extends key tax provisions, introducing changes for 2026, including higher SALT limits, new deductions for tips and overtime, and enhanced credits for families and seniors.

Do stocks beat prediction markets? For most people, yes

The Motley Fool reports that over 82% of Polymarket wallets lost money in 2025, highlighting the risks of prediction markets compared to the steady returns of the S&P 500.

Buying a home together: Financial tips for couples taking the next big step

Wells Fargo reports couples buying a home should communicate openly, define must-haves, find a trusted real estate agent, and stay engaged with their lender.

The hidden cost of minimum car insurance coverage

TheZebra.com reports that while lowering car insurance coverage can reduce premiums, it risks financial vulnerability in major accidents.