From the archives of the dci

10 years ago
January 16, 2013
Randy Carlsen, Publisher
“Letters Home From the Civil War”
Authors of their recently published book, “The 1st MN…Second to None,” Richard and Sharon Krom have had an interest in history for many years. More recently that interest has focused on the American Civil War. Richard is the President and Sharon the Program Chair of the Rochester Civil War Round Table. They have spoken on a wide range of Civil War subjects at schools, history centers and to numerous groups across the state. They especially enjoy sharing the story of the First Minnesota Regiment in which Richard’s great grandfather Edward H. Bassett served. After a nearly decade long search Richard and Sharon located 218 letters written by Edward that are included in their book. The letters along with an extensive historical narrative provide an illuminating insight into the daily lives of these brave Minnesotans as they endured the arduous marches, tedious camp life and fought in more than 34 major battles and 61 other engagements in three years.
20 years ago
January 15, 2003
Randy Carlsen, Publisher
Hackenmiller wins school-level geography beeat K-M
Ross Hackenmiller, 8th grade student at Kasson-Mantorville Middle School won the school-level competition of the National Geographic Bee on January 8th and a chance at a $25,000 college scholarship. The school-level Bee, at which students answered questions on geography, was the first round in the 15th annual National Geographic Bee. The kickoff for this year’s Bee was the week of December 16th, with thousands of schools around the United States and in the five U.S. territories participating. The school winners, including Ross, will now take a written test; up to 100 of the top scorers in each state and territory will be able to complete in their state Bee April 4. The National Geographic Society will provide an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for state champions and teacher-escorts to participate in the National Geographic Bee national championship on May 20 and 21. The first-place national winner will receive a $25,000 college scholarship and a lifetime membership in the Society. Jeopardy! Host Alex Trebek will moderate the national finals on May 21. The program will air on the National Geographic Channel, and afterward on PBS stations, produced by Maryland Public Television. Check local listings for dates and times. Anyone can brush up on geography with GeoBee Challenge, an online geography quiz at www.nationalgeographic.com/geobee, which poses five new questions a day from previous National Geographic Bees. Questions range from relatively simple to a stumper such as Name the ocean current that makes it possible for coral to form as far north as the Bermuda Islands. (answer: Gulf Stream).
30 years ago
January 13, 1993
Randy Carlsen, Publisher
Subway expectedto open this week
The Kasson Subway Sandwich and Salad Shop is tentatively planning to open for business Friday, January 15. The latest date when the business would open is Monday, January 17. John Speltz of Rochester is the owner/operator of Kasson’s newest business located at South Mantorville Avenue, next to the Pump ‘N Munch. Speltz also owns franchises in Rochester (37th Street near I.B.M.) and in Stewartville. Subway is a national franchise chain, which happens to be the fastest growing franchise for fast food in the United States, now over 7,000 strong. Speltz, who opened the Stewartville store two years ago this spring, started taking a look at this area almost two years ago. After looking at the area, and realizing the growth taking place here, he began to get more serious about opening a franchise. He believes the location will be an asset for visibility from the highway and is equally located between the two market areas of Byron and Dodge Center. “Stewartville has been good for us and I think this is a good natural area too. We’re excited about opening here,” said Speltz. The Subway will have seating for 35. A percentage of the food though is carryout. They have some 14 varieties of hot and cold sandwiches with a combination of “free fixins.” Subway does bake their own bread continuously throughout the day at all locations. Speltz called Subway the “fast food healthy alternative.” One of the other specialties is that the customer can see the order being made right in front of them. The new Kasson business will employ between six and 10 people. Brenda Nelson, assistant at the Rochester Subway near I.B.M., will serve as the manager here. All of the other employees have been hired locally.
50 years ago
January 17, 1973
Folmer Carlsen, Publisher
Fox Pelt Price Near All Time Recorded High
The Department of Natural Resources reported today that prices for fox pelts have neared the all time high recorded in the early 1930’s when the animals were worth as much as $32. According to local fur buyers, fox are worth $20 or more this winter, depending on quality. Department figures show that an average of 40,000 to 50,000 fox now are taken annually in Minnesota. The largest harvest was 70,000. Only about 2,500 were taken annually in the early 1930’s. Department officials believe that the high prices being offered for the furs has stimulated interest in trapping this year. The DNR is sponsoring a bill in the legislature that would make the fox a game animal. It presently is listed as an ‘unprotected species.’
Photo: DCI Archive Photo Richard and Sharon Krom authors of a book on the 1st Minnesota in the Civil War.