From the archives of the dodge county independent

50 years ago
February 20, 1974
Folmer Carlsen, Publisher
National FFA Week Observed February 16-23
Governor Wendell Anderson has officially proclaimed the week of February 16-23 as “FFA Week” in Minnesota. The week will be observed in Minnesota as part of the nationwide week honoring the National Association of FFA with nearly 450,000 members in approximately 8,500 affiliated organizations. There are 14,903 members of FFA in Minnesota’s 270 affiliated local high school chapters. The theme for FFA Week is “FFA -For Tomorrow’s Agriculture.”
FFA Week will open the 44th Anniversary celebration of Minnesota Future Farmers, as the first state FFA chapters were founded in Minnesota in 1929 and the first annual meeting was held in 1930.
Membership in the FFA is made up of youth between 14 and 21 who are or have been students of vocational agriculture, agribusiness, natural resources, and environmental improvement. Vocational agriculture-agribusiness education in high school provides training in supervised occupational experience programs for FFA members who plan to farm, enter and area vocational technical school or agricultural college, or seek careers in the agriculture and agribusiness.
The state and National FFA Foundation awards program provides chapter, state, and national recognition for supervised programs of agricultural production, marketing, processing, and service.
State headquarters of the FFA is in the Agriculture Education unit of the State Department of Education.
Over 2,000 high school FFA’ers are expected to continue to serve as amateur weather observers in 1974 and reporting precipitation to office of State Climatologist, St. Paul Campus. The newly-developed, all weather rain/snow gauges are available from the high school FFA chapters or from Lake Region Rehabilitation Industries, Fergus Falls, MN., 56537
30 years ago
February 23, 1994
Randy Carlsen, Publisher
County Farm Bureau aids disaster relief
The Dodge County Farm Bureau has named the Dodge County Emergency Food Shelf as the recipient of $414 disaster relief money from the Farm Bureau’s Disaster Relief Fund and is presenting this check for the support of rural people who have encountered this past year’s weather related financial difficulties. These funds are a portion of the donations received by the state Farm Bureau for the 1993 flood and crop disaster relief. The Dodge County Farm Bureau recognizes the financial problems that farmers may now be experiencing due to the inclement weather of 93.
“There has been a community spirit and understanding unmatched this year as neighbors help one another clean up and overcome the loss felt by our farmers. We have seen the truest sense of community cooperation,” said Mark Moenning, a Dodge County Farm Bureau leader. “When a tornado strikes it’s over in minutes, but the unrelenting cool and wet weather has led to destruction which will have a long-lasting and lingering effect. We want this money to assist the valiant efforts that have been made by local volunteer agencies in making a difference.” While this check is only token support for the actual losses incurred, extensive relief will be needed to help farmers through these difficult times.
The state Farm Bureau held several “Financial Recovery” meetings during the fall which generated many suggestions for a financial recovery effort. Components for short term relief include: A lowering of interest rates with a government buydown for disaster areas, postponement of 94 real estate taxes in the form of a loan, a reduction in FMHA paperwork, and a lender set-aside on principle payments.
20 years ago
February 25, 2004
Randy Carlsen, Publisher
Sunday series on the Passion at Mantorville Congregational
Because of the intense interest being generated by the movie, “The Passion of The Christ,” the Mantorville Congregational Church is planning a series of Sunday worship services extending through March which will explore why Jesus had to die on the cross. Many other churches in the area are also planning special emphases during this time.
Mel Gibson’s new film, “The Passion of the Christ,” starts in theaters on Ash Wednesday, (today). This is a feature length film portraying the last 12 hours of the life of Jesus, up to his death on the cross: his betrayal, trial, beating, and crucifixion. The movie, artfully intertwines flashbacks to earlier episodes in Jesus’ life, giving fuller meaning to His person, His sufferings, His relationships, and the message of His life to humanity.
The Congregational Church is joining with the many Christian leaders nationwide who are heartfully encouraging adults and older youth (with parents’ consent) to go see this movie. However, many may come away from the movie wondering why Jesus so willingly underwent such suffering and such a painful death. Historically, this intentional inner drive and concern has been called Jesus’ “passion”. The Bible records what Jesus himself, as well as many others, said about why Jesus had to die, and how this is amazingly relevant for us today.
The public is invited to attend the Sunday series on “The Passion of Jesus Christ”, at First Congregational Church in Mantorville (3 blocks East of the Hubbell House) at 10:00 a.m., Sundays starting now through March. For information, call Pastor Jerry Platz, at 635-3011
Note concerning the R-rating for violence (the depictions of what actually happened to Jesus, as recorded in the Bible), many Christian leaders are recommending that youth older than 12 or 13, might see this with their parents or youth group leaders. Parental consent forms are available at the church if desired.
10 years ago
February 26, 2014
Randy Carlsen, Publisher
A Matterof Balance
Do you have concerns about falling? Many older adults experience concerns about falling and restrict their activities. A Matter of Balance is an award-winning program designed to manage fall and increase activity levels.
This program emphasizes practical strategies to manage falls. Participants will learn to view falls as controllable, set goals for increasing activity, make changes to reduce fall risks at home, and exercise to increase strength and balance. Anyone concerned about falls, interested in improving balance, flexibility, and strength, who has fallen in the past or who has restricted activities because of falling concerns should consider attending.
Classes are held twice a week for four weeks for two hours each. They will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kasson from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday and
Fridays. To register and learn more call Faith in Action 507-634-3654. Free will donations will be accepted.