Michael Jon Riedel, 39, died unexpectedly at his home in Rochester on Dec. 11, 2018.
Born Feb. 27, 1979 in Rochester, he was the beloved son of Jon and Sandy Riedel of Kasson, and is survived by his parents, as well as his faithful dog, Winston, who was like one with him. Michael graduated from Kasson-Mantorville
High School in 1997, and was employed at Olmsted Medical Center in Rochester. 

Richard L. Eggert, 86, of Kasson passed away peacefully on Friday, Dec. 14 surrounded by loved ones.
Richard was born April 17, 1932 to Herman and Letha(Brown) Eggert. Richard was a military veteran having served in the Korean War. He retired from the US Postal Service.

Duane Bartel took his seat on the Triton School Board Monday night after being sworn in by Board Chair Jim Jensen. Bartel was appointed to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of board member Rodney Dostal.

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be exhausting and stressful to say the least, especially as folks are dashing around trying to find that perfect gift for their loved ones.
My daughter recently came home with a report from school that caught my interest. It’s something that made me stop dead in my tracks and really think about what’s important in life.

The Kasson- Mantorville School Board approved the 2019 payable tax levy on Mon- day night during their regu- larly scheduled school board meeting.
The levy amount approved by the board was set at $5,076, 836.21. The levy increase will be a increase of 4.52 percent compared to last year.

The Kasson-Mantorville wrestling team tackled their latest challenge to open the 2018-19 season last week as they entered the Minnesota Christmas Tournament. The tournament, which took place in Rochester on December 14 and 15, features some of the top talent in the state and even though the KoMets knew they would be tested, they had high goals going into the tournament.

As the Star Herald of Dodge Center ended publication last week, it leaves only one newspaper in existence in Dodge County.
Over the years dating as far back as 1857, there have been newspapers in seven communities throughout Dodge County, though they hadn’t all been in operation at the same time.

Gail Yvonne Hofius, 63, of Blooming Prairie, died Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018.
Gail passed away peacefully surrounded by her daughter and her husband at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester. 
Gail was born on June 7, 1955 in Placerville, Calif. 
Some of her favorite things were seeing new places, camping, crafts, Blue and Rock N’ Roll music, the ocean, gardening and spending time with her family. 

Every year the Minnesota State Patrol gives an award called the “Eagle Award” for the top DWI enforcer in the state.
In 2018, for the first time ever a trooper from the outstate, Mitch Elzen, won the award. Elzen, who lives in Dodge County, patrols southeastern Minnesota, mostly Dodge and Olmsted counties.
For Elzen, unfortunately, he and his family know what it’s like to have consequences from someone driving drunk.