Pondy Restaurant Closes

Sunday October 4th the Pondy Restaurant and Bar closed for good. Steve Overton and his son Riley, have owned and operated the business for the past eight years. Overton has worked in the restaurant …

Local Landowners Fight Powerline

On August 22nd owners of the Bleed Heart Floral Farm in rural Mazeppa held a benefit to raise funds for legal fees to fight the proposed 765kV Extra High Voltage transmission line crossing their …

2026 Wabasha County Farm Family of the Year

The Jostock family farm was established in 1942 when Robert and Audrey Jostock began raising dairy cows and operating a farrow-to-finish hog operation on 200 acres overlooking the Zumbro River near …

Goodhue County 4-H Three Fall State Events

State Horse Show Results Congratulations to our horse participants who competed at the State Horse Show September 18th-21st. Charli Gjemse (Zumbrota) competed in Barrels, Jumping Figure 8 and Key …

Things to do in the Fall garden

Are you ready to call it quits for the year in your garden? Well there are a few more things to do, before the tools and hoses get put away for the year. I was out planting some perennials in my …

Goodhue County Flu and Vaccine Clinics

King’s Path Academy Opens in Zumbrota

Over 10 years ago, Rachel See had a vision from the Lord showing her that she would one day start a school and ministry for families, bringing in the wisdom of older generations and the younger …

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Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes

We took a trip up the North Shore in September to spend a night in Thunder Bay, Canada. The scenic drive was spectacular as the leaves were turning color and the weather was perfect. One of the stops …

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

Janice “Jan” Rose (Jansen) McDonough

Janice “Jan” Rose (Jansen) McDonough, 84, of Mazeppa, MN, passed away unexpectedly on August 8, 2026, at her home. She was born April 13, 1942, in Chili, WI and was the 7th child of 9. Her Father …

Colin Joseph Atkinson

Colin Joseph Atkinson, 89, of Oak Center, MN, died on July 18th, 2026 from complications with ALS. He was born to Merle and Evelyn (Fick) Atkinson on January 6th, 1937 in Wabasha County, MN. He …

Ann Elizabeth (Pierce) Streiff

Ann Elizabeth (Pierce) Streiff, 74, of Zumbrota, Minnesota, died on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Elysian Fields in Red Wing, Minnesota. Ann was born on October 19, 1951, to Bill and Mary …

Layne “Bing” Edward Bucher

Layne “Bing” Edward Bucher, 89, of Zumbrota, passed away peacefully on May 24th, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN. Bing was born December 16th, 1936, to Edward and Matie Bucher, …

Scott William Strain

Scott William Strain, 62, of rural Mazeppa, passed away unexpectedly on April 20, 2026. Scott was born to Lloyd and Arlene Strain of Rochester, who preceded him in death. Scott had a strong work …

Mazeppa-Zumbro Falls Messenger October 2026

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Community

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 …

To the Editor

*Opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor are not necessarily those of The Messenger. My name is Jake Rude, and I am seeking re-election to the Zumbrota-Mazeppa School Board. For the past …

To the Editor

*Opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor are not necessarily those of The Messenger. Most residents don't have the time to attend school board meetings, read lengthy agenda packets, or review …

Community

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 …

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 …

Wabasha County Opioid Epidemic Response Request for Proposal 2027

On August 20, 2021, the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office joined the historic $26 billion multi-state settlement agreements with pharmaceutical distributors McKesson, Cardinal Health, and …

Caring for the Caregiver: 7 Ways to Support Those Who Care for Others

(Feature Impact) Whether it's helping an older family member manage appointments and medications, caring for a sick child or coordinating disability services for a loved one, almost everyone will be a caregiver, need a caregiver or both at some point in their lifetime.

4 Ways to Make Room for Better Living

(Feature Impact) Oftentimes, making your home better suited for your needs starts with rethinking how the doors open. Whether you're remodeling or building a new home, understanding the options can help you choose doors - and the installation hardware behind them - that make rooms more comfortable and convenient.

Real-World Weight Journeys: Exploring Health Experiences to Improve Care

(Feature Impact) A number on a scale tells only part of the story. Living well is also about having energy, feeling your best and enjoying a good quality of life. Yet each person's path is different, and lifestyle changes, medicines and other approaches to managing weight can affect health in different ways.

Medicare Open Enrollment Ends Dec. 7: Give Your Plan a Check-up

(Feature Impact) Medicare Open Enrollment runs now through Dec. 7. Use this time to make sure your plan still fits your needs with these four steps.

Bring History to Life with Experiences That Feel Real

(Feature Impact) Reading books and watching documentaries can be good ways to learn about history, but there's something particularly meaningful about immersive experiences that allow you to step inside the stories that shaped the world.