Preserving the Past

The famous Mantorville Opera House, established in 1918.

When the Mantorville Opera House began in 1918, no one truly recognized its future significance. However, after facing the effects of a changing nation and many years of neglect, the building slowly …

Welcome Summer with Dodger Days

Dodge Center’s Dodger Days will be held June 12th thru 15th . Thursday kicks off with city wide garage sales. Look for the QR code on the full page ad on page 42 of this issue for locations and …

Local Church Bids Farewell to Pastor

Retirements are a sometimes scary and intimidating thing. Having to step out of your everyday work and live without a clear-cut structure is a daunting thought for many, and it's usually why people …

Summer Fun starts this week

What to do this summer. The Natalie Webb Family Aquatic Center in Dodge Center is open for the summer. Open swim hours are noon to 7pm and the food court is open daily from noon to 6pm. Swimming …

Memorial Park Pavers Fundraiser

Memorial Park is taking orders for memorial pavers as an ongoing fundraiser for the pool/park. Cost is $100. They are a great way to honor a loved one that is longer with us & support your community. …

More Than Marshmallows: How Summer Camp Builds Lifelong Friendships

For many kids, summer camp is a place of adventure, discovery, and marshmallow-fueled campfires. But beyond crafts, canoe trips, and cabin games, camp offers something even more enduring: friendship. …

Doug Ohman Speaks at West Concord Library

On April 29 we had Minnesota historian and photographer Doug Ohman back at our library. This year he spoke about Cemeteries of Minnesota. He is standing by several of the books he has published over …

More Local News

Brain Food

In The Wizard of Oz tale, the scarecrow laments that he does not have a brain. How could he think about not having a brain without having a brain to think? By the end of the tale, we see the …

Ghost Poops?? Allergy Season, Worst Ever?

What Foods Trigger the Greatest Cravings, Leading to Overeating? Researchers at the German Center for Diabetes Research have found that just five days of overeating ultraprocessed snack foods can …

A Minnesotan:

Once again it’s summer in Minnesota which means that it’s time for all Minnesotans to migrate outside. We all know that the four Minnesota seasons are pre winter, winter, still winter and …

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Obituaries

Barbara Ann Flicek

Barbara Ann Flicek, age 85, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Circle Drive Manor, where she had resided since January 2025. Barb was born on September 9, 1939, in Berne, Minnesota, …

Sherrolynne (Sherrie) Mae Robinson

Sherrolynne (Sherrie) Mae Robinson passed away on Friday, May 23, 2025, at her daughters home in Kenyon, MN. She was born January 7, 1941, to Robert and Jessie (Christoffersen) Northway at her …

Ken Ackerman

Ken Ackerman, 86, of Willmar, died Tuesday, June 3rd at Bethesda Grand in Willmar, MN. His funeral service will be Friday, June 6th at Living Hope in Willmar at 11:00am. Visitation will be Thursday, …

Dorothy Marcella Wendler

Dorothy Marcella Wendler, age 99, of West Concord, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. The youngest of eight children, Dorothy was born on December 14, 1925, to the …

Lora Katherine Johnson

Lora Katherine Johnson, 54, of Dodge Center, MN passed away on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at her home in Dodge Center, MN. A visitation will be held from 12:30-2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 7, 2025, at …

The Messenger June 2025 Issue 1

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Community

National Library Week

On April 10 during National Library Week, we had West Concord native Roger Barr visit our library and talk about his 40+ year career as a writer. We had a packed house. Roger Barr is a 1969 graduate …

Peril at Pumpernickle Pass kicks off the Summer Melodrama Season!

It's summertime which means it's melodrama time at the Mantorville Opera House! The first melodrama is Peril at Pumpernickle Pass by Tim Kelly, directed by Beth Regener. About the show: Waldo Weasel, …

Arnold "Abe" Charles Abrahamson

Arnold "Abe" Charles Abrahamson passed away on Friday May 16th, 2025, after an illness of cancer. He was born on July 4,1945 in Chariton Iowa to Pearl and Dorothy Abrahamson. The family moved to …

Community

Berne Wood-Fired Pizza Reopens for 2025 with First-Ever Saturday Night Event

West Concord, MN – A favorite summer tradition returns as Berne Wood-Fired Pizza kicks off its 2025 season, bringing together community, music, and delicious wood-fired pizza in the heart of …

Area Memorial Day Services

Claremont American Legion Memorial Day Services May 26, 2025 Claremont Street Cemetery 8:00am Moland Church Cemetery 8:30am Rice Lake Cemetery 9:00am St. John's Church Cemetery 9:30am Hillside …

The Evolution of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Celebrating EMS Week

A Brief History of EMS Emergency Medical Services (EMS) have a rich history that dates back over 150 years. The origins of EMS can be traced to the Civil War, where Major Jonathan Letterman …

What a roommate can save you in 100 US cities

SmartAsset ranked 100 of the largest U.S. cities based on the average savings for someone who splits a two-bedroom apartment with a roommate versus renting a one-bedroom apartment by themselves.

A new parent’s guide to keeping baby cool in summer

Naturepedic reports that new parents should keep babies cool in summer to prevent overheating, which poses serious health risks.

Here’s how US tariffs may affect home prices in 2025

NewHomeSource reports that new U.S. tariffs on construction materials may increase home prices by $5,000 to $20,000 in 2025, burdening buyers.

Love and money: The reality of couples’ finances before marriage

SoFi reports that most couples are open about finances before marriage, with 75% comfortable discussing money, but still face financial challenges.

Vinyl products are recyclable — and the industry is taking the lead

(BPT) - By Ned Monroe, CEO of the Vinyl InstitutePVC, aka vinyl or polyvinyl chloride, is a versatile component found in many of the products we use every day — from siding and pipes to medical …