Survival Days in West Concord next Weekend

Survival Days will be celebrating the fortieth anniversary this year during the last weekend of July. On Thursday July 25th the Guns and Hoses charity softball game will take place at 7pm with …

Dodge County Free Fair starts this week

One Hundred and sixty-eight years and the Dodge County Free Fair is happening this week, July 16th thru the 20th. Grand Stand shows this year include Bull Riding on Wednesday July 16th at 7pm. …

Dodge Center Business Woman named Citizen of the Year

This year the Dodge Center Lion’s Club picked Beth Hanggi as the Citizen of the Year. Beth is a Dodge Center native, growing up here with her brother and sister. She started a furniture refinishing …

Meet the New West Concord Liquor Store Manager

Kim Gruber is the new manager at the West Concord municipal liquor store. She started the new position on June 23rd. Kim and her husband Harry live near Faribault on a small hobby farm with some …

Miss West Concord Candidates 2025

Jaiden Baumgartner, daughter of Travis & Amy Baumgartner. Jaiden is involved in volleyball, student council, Link Crew, SMV, and is a community volunteer. Jaiden is sponsored by Ellingson. Emily …

Donation From Estate Launches Ballfield Improvement

A donation from the estate of K.D. Nelson of West Concord is the trigger to launch an upgrade the support shed at the softball field in town. The current shed was built by the West Concord High …

Museum Musings

I’ve loved berries and berry picking for as long as I can remember. As a child, summer meant a succession of wild and tame berries that I enjoyed picking and especially eating. It seemed to me that …

More Local News

Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes

I was born to be a farmer, it was in my blood from birth. I probably got that from my father. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else for the rest of my life. It was the greatest vocation you could …

Sunshine Vitamin

As we enter the summer season and experience the longest daylight hours of the year, this is a good time to consider our dependence on the sun for daily life. Our modern conveniences of electricity, …

A Minnesotan;

We’ve hit the point in the summer when things start to turn hot and sticky. Which also means that we’ve hit the beginning of the county fair season. While the people living in the cities tend …

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Obituaries

Richard L. Thissen

Richard L. Thissen died unexpectedly at his home on July 9, 2025. He was born on January 13, 1944, at the Waseca Hospital to Irene (Cahill) Thissen and Ignatius Thissen. The family of six children …

Michael N. Andersen

Michael N. Andersen, age 81, of West Concord died Sunday, July 6, 2025, at Methodist Hospital in Rochester. Mike was born December 19, 1943, in West Concord to Norman and Hazel (Sivert) Andersen. …

Maddox Roger Erler

Maddox Roger Erler, beloved son of Kevin and Taylor (Ellingson) Erler, passed away peacefully in the arms of his family on Saturday, July 5, 2025, just days before his 4th birthday. Born on July …

Kay “Katie” Katherine Hanson

Kay “Katie” Katherine Hanson, 84, of Dodge Center, MN passed away on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at Mayo Clinic St. Mary’s Campus in Rochester, MN. Kay was born on April 22, 1941, in Leader, MN …

Gerald "Gerry" Henry Fahning

Gerald "Gerry" Henry Fahning, 93, of Dodge Center, MN passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Mayo Clinic St. Mary's Campus in Rochester, MN. Gerry was born on October 30, 1931, in …

The Messenger July 2025 Issue 1

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Community

Pastors Corner

Have you ever heard the expression “God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason”? This terse admonishment essentially is saying, “Hey! You need to do more listening and less talking.” …

That's the Latest

I was on the farm north of West Concord in the 1980’s and I remember well, highway 56 being closed in 1984 from town south to highway 14. I don’t remember exactly how long it was closed but it …

Triton 6th & 9th Grade Students Orientation Day September 2

Community

TMS-THS Open House August 27

Tanisha Fox Announced as New Triton Middle-High School Principal

Cobra Communications

The foundation of a strong school is built on a dedicated staff, engaged families, and a supportive community. As your superintendent, one of my top priorities is to ensure that we continue moving …

African women are key to fighting climate change – these are the green skills they will need

There’s a long list of green skills that women across Africa need so that they can get jobs and start businesses that help the world adapt to climate change.

Is erectile dysfunction the key to unlocking the crisis in men’s health?

Hims reports that many men avoid doctor visits, worsening health. Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be a sign of serious issues, urging men to seek care.

How to help an elderly person with dementia

Village Caregiving reports that caregivers for dementia patients need support. Key strategies include compassionate communication, creating safe environments, and self-care.

The most in-demand skills and jobs for 2025

Upwork reports growing demand for AI, data science, finance, consulting, coding, customer service, and creative roles by 2025.

The WNBA isn’t just having a moment, it’s a major growth opportunity for small businesses

Shopify reports the WNBA is experiencing significant growth, with fan engagement and merchandise sales surging, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs.