A fire in southern Dodge County has destroyed a hog barn and 2,000 smaller pigs, Blooming Prairie Fire Chief Dean Naatz said.
The blaze broke out around 8 a.m. Thursday at the Garness Farm located along Hwy. 30 between Hayfield and Blooming Prairie. It took firefighters from three area departments, including BP, Hayfield and Claremont, to bring the fire under control.

Nearly nine months after the pandemic began, Dodge County has recorded its first COVID-19 death.
Public Health Director Amy Caron reported late Wednesday that a person in their 90s has died from the COVID-19 virus. 
“Our sincere condolences go out to the family during this difficult time,” Caron said. “We hope that in the near future vaccine distribution will occur to help combat this virus so others do not have to suffer.”

Joan Betty Naylor, 87, of Kasson, formerly of Claremont, passed away surrounded by her family on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020 in Farmington from oral cancer.
Joan was born on April 13, 1933 in Elysian, to Joseph and Laura (Worrel) Warner. She grew up in Claremont.   

Constance “Connie” Yvonne Svenby, 85, of Fergus Falls, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020, at LB Broen Home in Fergus Falls.
Connie was born on May 20, 1935, in Rochester to Vernon and Lorna (Osborn) Fuchs. She grew up in Kasson where she was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church.  She graduated from Kasson High School in 1953.

Avonelle “Avvy” Mathias, 83, of Minnetonka, passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side, on Nov.28, 2020. 
She was born on July 8, 1937, in Kenyon, the daughter of Gustav and Thelma (Jacobson) Hilling.  

Area Chambers of Commerce are not allowing the Grinch to steal Christmas 2020.
Kasson, Mantorville, Byron and West Concord area businesses are launching an all out attack on the Grinch and hosting activities targeting moms, dads, kids and grandparents.

Three years ago, the KoMet Pantry opened at Kasson-Mantorville High School and has been serving kids in need ever since. The Pantry provides perishable and non-perishable food as well as personal items such as shampoo and deodorant.