Opinions
Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) and Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02) introduced the USDA Express Loan Act, legislation which would establish a new Express Loan Program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), allowing lenders to receive expedited approval for Farm Service Agency (FSA)...
Congratulations are in order to the city of Kasson for being one of six small towns in the 20-county area served by the Southern Minnesota Initiative Fund’s (SMIF) Rural Entrepreneurial Ventures (REV) program.
The three-year program provides resources to help rural communities as they strive for...
Some exciting things are happening with the Dodge County Independent, and I’d like to share some of them with you this week.
This week we’re going out to an expanded audience as nearly every household in Dodge County and western Olmsted County will be receiving the newspaper. In the newspaper...
Creating a sense of belonging in rural Minnesota can enhance the overall quality of life for everyone who lives there. By embracing different perspectives, cultures and ideas, rural Minnesota can build stronger, more thriving communities. At Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), we...
Dears ago, the participants of a conference were debating what made Christianity unique. The participants debated back and forth. Just then C.S. Lewis came into the room and sat down. “What is everyone arguing about?” He asked. When he learned that they were debating the uniqueness of...
Dears ago, the participants of a conference were debating what made Christianity unique. The participants debated back and forth. Just then C.S. Lewis came into the room and sat down. “What is everyone arguing about?” He asked. When he learned that they were debating the uniqueness of...
Friends and neighbors,
With the start of the new school year, serious questions linger about yet another new law passed by the legislature. Just this fall, a number of police chiefs across Minnesota raised concerns about a new vague and poorly vetted law affecting School Resource Officers (SROs)....
To the Editor:
The Big Iron Classic strikes again. The website claims the event celebrates the “trucking lifestyle.” But I have far more respect for truckers than the stigma Big Iron perpetuates. I want to thank all the truckers and their families who showed up with respect. We respect you and...
It is said that English is one of the hardest languages to master because there are so many rules and exceptions. Even as a native speaker, I regularly have to look up spellings and question which words to use in the correct context. If that wasn’t bad enough, some words or phrases just lie.
I...
To the Editor:
Since the United Way of Dodge County and United Way of Olmsted County combined forces through a merger in January of this year, our staff have been spending time getting to know the people and communities of Dodge County. In the last several months, we’ve met with local United Way...