Miss West Concord Kailey Ellingson, right, and her court, Princesses Chloe Olson and Olivia Fate, posed
Friday night after the program at Lions Park during Survival Days. In addition to the Miss West Concord
selection, Sydney Naze received the Key to the City and Keith Clammer was named Citizen of the Year.

When Dr. Molly Anderson-Krahn, was getting her undergraduate degree from Winona State University, with a degree in Biology, she wanted to be an Athletic Trainer. 
But eventually  those plans changed. 
After volunteering and working at an animal clinic in Winona, Anderson-Krahn realized that she had a new passion and that is to be a vet. 

August is upon us which means one thing. Kasson Festival in the Park is coming soon. 
This year’s Festival once again will feature a variety of different events for all ages, and to satisfy any different interests. 
 
Thursday, Aug. 8 
 

Merilyn Frances Hoium, 87, died July 12, 2019 at
Season’s Hospice in Rochester.
Merilyn was born Feb. 29, 1932, on a farm near Geneva. Merilyn went to a one-room school house in Freeborn County. Merilyn moved to Blooming Prairie High School in 1948. That was where she met her hus- band Donald Hoium. Don and Merilyn were married in July 1950.

Burton A. Kittelson, age 97 of Austin, passed away
peacefully Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at home with his wife by his side.
Burton was born July 1, 1922 in Austin, to Edward F. and Berthena O. (Stemson) Kittelson. He was baptized at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. He graduated from Austin High School in 1940.

About 30 years ago First Baptist Church of Kasson Pastor John Todor’s life changed forever. 
For the first time in his life he was free, when his mom and him were able to escape persecution in Romania and made their way to Serbia.
Recently, Todor along with his wife took his three children, ages 11, 9 and 7 to Romania for the first time. 
“It was amazing,” Todor said about being able to take his children there. 

Faded flowers end up in the compost. Sour milk goes down the drain. And old socks? Well, they normally end up back on our feet. Unless, of course, you have the problem I’m experiencing. 
I’ve waged a war on my assortment of socks. And it’s one that I am quickly losing.
Sport socks, dress socks, funny socks, casual socks, you name it and they’re driving me bonkers.

Almost anyone I ever talk to in my personal life can all agree on one thing. 
They don’t like change. 
When it comes to my professional career of listening and telling stories I find this to be the same thing. Whether it's someone retiring after a 40 year career, or a company going through major changes, they often have a lot of anxiety and sometimes resentment towards changes. 

The hottest weather of the summer greeted fans and drivers July 19 for week 10 of racing action at Chateau Speedway in Lansing. Friday night’s action was sponsored by Motor Supply Company of Austin and Albert Lea as well as R and S Racing of Albert Lea.