Kenyon Market Sold to New Local Owners

After announcing earlier this summer the market was for sale or may close, Pete Wagner, owner of Kenyon Market in Kenyon confirmed a deal has been reached to sell the store to new local owners, …

Highway 56 and Goodhue County Road 9 Converted to four-way stop Sept. 21

MN DOT installed new signage on Highway 56 and County Road 9 east of Dennison on Monday September 21st, 2026 converting the intersection to a four-way stop.

DENNISON, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation will be converting the intersection of Highway 56 and Goodhue County Road 9 into a four-way stop on Sept. 21 as a way to reduce vehicle …

Chuck Schwartau Named to NACAA Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame Presentation: JJ Jones, NACAA President, Chuck Schwartau, Carol Schwartau

At the 2026 national meeting of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA) Chuck Schwartau, Goodhue, MN, was one of four members nationwide named to the association’s Hall of …

Gol Harvest Luncheon

Soup’s on at Gol Lutheran Church for its annual Harvest Luncheon 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, October 18 at the church just west of Kenyon at 1500 Highway 60 Blvd. Take-out orders are also …

Goodhue County Flu and Vaccine Clinics

K-W Noble Knights of the Week for October 2, 2026

Front Row: Jax Kiffmeyer KG Mrs. Cheryl Dahl Abranna Khaoone KG Mrs. Mandi Kyllo-Lunde Caroline Dahlgren Gr. 1 Mrs. Katie Benbrooks Leona Chang Gr. 1 Mr. Tony Donkers Emma Quam Gr. 2 …

Centennial Banquet and Annual Meeting

The Rice County Historical Society’s 2026 Fall Banquet and Annual Meeting will be held on Friday, October 22, at the Inn at Shattuck-St. Mary’s in Faribault. The banquet will begin with time …

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Spiritual Battle Plan

Eyes awaken; I see the bright rays of sun shining through the window. The exact opposite of the pain shooting through my abdomen. I quickly tell myself, “It will be okay, and it will pass.” I …

Apples and Healthy Weight

You have heard the rhyme, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But what does an apple really do for you? Does any apple work, or only certain kinds? A few answers can be found here. …

Farm Girl Chatter

Well folks, it’s that time of year again. Fall is creeping around the corner, which means harvest is coming, cattle work is picking up, and before we know it, we’ll be wondering where the heck …

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Obituaries

Lois Geneva Estrem

Lois Geneva Estrem, 82, of Kenyon, died on Monday, October 5, 2026, at her home. She was born December 7, 1943, in rural Sogn, Minnesota, to Everett and Gladys (Esterby) Hommedahl. She grew up …

Cathie Jo Spaulding

Cathie Jo Spaulding, age 66, of Faribault, Minnesota, passed away on September 29, 2026. Cathie was born on February 26, 1960, in River Falls, Wisconsin, to Milburn “Red” and Marlys Jackson. …

Gary David "Cecil" Hutton

Gary David "Cecil" Hutton, 74, of rural Kenyon, died Monday, August 24, 2026, at his home. Cecil was born February 18, 1952, to Cecil and Marian Hutton in Northfield, Minnesota. He grew up on the …

Harriet Wiederholt

Harriet Wiederholt, a cornerstone of the Miesville community and the beloved matriarch of the Wiederholt family, passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening, August 25, 2026, at the age of 102. A woman …

Daniel Joseph Pumper

Daniel Joseph Pumper, age 70, of Northfield, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, August 7, 2026. Daniel was born on February 3, 1956, in Northfield, Minnesota, to Joseph Francis James …

Mainstreet Messenger September 2026

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Community

To the Editor

*Opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor are not necessarily those of The Messenger. Dear Mr. Ryan: Every once in awhile something comes down the pike that is so egregious that it is hard …

Goodhue County Health & Human Services Employee Spotlight

Goodhue County, MN (October 2026)- Goodhue County Health and Human Services (GCHHS) Employee Spotlights are an opportunity to inform and educate our residents about the many programs and services we …

Local Feast! Marketplace on Saturday, November 7

Gather at the Mayo Civic Center for a true celebration of the people who produce our region’s finest locally-produced and sourced foods and beverages. Local Feast! Marketplace on Saturday, November …

Community

Why Asian Lady Beetles Show Up Every Fall in Minnesota

According to the University of Minnesota Extension, these beetles are officially called multicolored Asian lady beetles (Harmonia axyridis). They were brought to the United States from Asia years ago …

Victorian Funeral at the Alexander Faribault House

You are cordially invited to experience death and the Faribault House like never before. Join the Rice County Historical Society for a Victorian Funeral at the Alexander Faribault House (12 1st …

Second half property tax payments due Oct. 15

Rice County second half property taxes for real/personal property are due Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. Payments can be made in person via cash, check or money order at the Property Tax & Elections …

If people aren't visiting websites anymore, what's the real ROI of a website?

WebXd reports that website ROI has shifted; fewer visits occur as AI tools and local searches reduce traffic, yet remaining visitors often show higher buying intent.

The rise of ‘healthkeeping’: How everyone's doctor's appointment became her job

Zocdoc reports that healthcare management often falls to women, with many juggling appointments and caregiving, leading to burnout and neglected personal health.

How much does payroll cost? A $50,000 hire can run up to $70,000

Xero reports that hiring a $50,000 employee can actually cost up to $70,000 when factoring in taxes, benefits, and payroll software—owners should budget accordingly.

5 reasons tenants want a private landlord

TurboTenant reports tenants increasingly prefer private landlords for direct communication, lower rents, fewer hidden fees, pet flexibility, and more leniency with late payments.

Why maintaining muscle matters during weight loss, and how to do it

GoodRx reports that maintaining muscle during weight loss is crucial for health.