News

Sen. Nelson hears from local residents at ‘listening session’

State Sen. Carla Nelson was in Kasson last Friday morning to hear the concerns of county residents at a “listening session” hosted by the Kasson Chamber of Commerce at Kasson City Hall. Nelson represents all of Dodge County and portions of Olmsted County, including Byron, in the Minnesota State...

Byron resident brings sleigh rides to Olmsted County History Center

On Saturday, February 24, there will be sleigh rides at the Olmsted County History Center from 10 a.m. — 4 p.m.. (It is located at the intersection of West Circle Dr SW and Salem Road SW in Rochester). Admission will be a free-will donation and all proceeds will be given to the Minnesota Special...

New dialing procedure coming for customers in Minnesota 507 area code

A new 924 area code is coming to the 507 area code region and in preparation for the new area code, all customers located within the 507 area code region should prepare for 10-digit dialing. In a change that went into effect January 30, 2024, local calls can be made with either 7 or 10 digits, and...

Citizen involvement is important

State Sen. Carla Nelson stopped by the Kasson City Hall last Friday morning to meet with local residents in a “listening session.” While the event was sponsored by the Kasson Chamber of Commerce, there were representatives of neighboring cities including Mantorville, Dodge Center, Hayfield, and...

An important tool for economic development

Imagine that your community needs funding to build a trail system which will draw tourism to the area. Or perhaps your town needs better broadband access or a housing plan. Whatever economic development initiative your city or county is working on, there is a good chance you will need to use an...

Have you ever washed someone’s feet?

John 13:3-5 “Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God, got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself. Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the...

From the archives of the dodge county independent

50 years ago February 6, 1974 Folmer Carlsen, Publisher The annual meeting of the Dodge County Republican Women’s Club was held Tuesday, Jan. 29 at Hayfield. Mrs. Bert Fuller of Hayfield will continue as president of the club; Mrs. Tom Avery of West Concord was named vice president and Mrs. Lois...

Kasson Chamber honors Young, Swenson at annual meeting

Kasson’s Chamber of Commerce honored two members of the local business community at last week’s annual meeting. Tanya Young was named Business Person of the Year and Kirk Swenson was named recipient of the Legacy Award. Young has leadership roles with both Ready Set Learn and the Dodge County...

Triton BPA students stand out at Regional Competition

Triton’s Business Professionals of America (BPA) chapter was a dominant force at their Regional Competition in January. After competing against over 300 students from ten area schools, 35 Triton BPA members have qualified for the State Leadership Conference in Minneapolis this March. BPA is the...

Firefighters respond to house fire in Wasioja

What will Highway 57 construction through Mantorville mean for area businesses? It depends who you talk to. Community leaders urge those affected to remain positive, but business owners are concerned they will take a hit when the Minnesota Department of Transportation comes through. “We all hate it...