From the archives of the Dodge County Independent

10 years ago
February 6, 2013
Randy Carlsen, Publisher
Mantorville talks cats, chickens, dogs, and streetlights
Mantorville city council members discussed the city’s animal ordinance at their meeting January 28, 2013. They talked about whether or not the ordinance should be changed to allow residents to have more than two dogs or to have chickens, and if residents should be required to license their cats. Council members also discussed how changes to the ordinance would be enforced. Residents are encouraged to make comments about the ordinance and the council will discuss it further at their next meeting. The city would also like input about streetlights that are flickering or are burned out in the city so they may notify Xcel Energy. Public Works Supervisor Adam Hovden asked that people call the shop — 635-5119 — and leave a message with the address or intersection closest to street lights that need attention. Hovden also said seven stop signs in town had been changed out for the larger 30-inch signs which are easier to see. Hovden also said the snow plows go out when there are two inches of snow on the ground. He asked that vehicles be kept off streets as much as possible when there are icy streets — caused by low temperatures and freezing rain — so city staff can sand more effectively. Joe Wheeler and Karen DuCharme from the Southeastern Minnesota Multicounty Housing & Redevelopment Authority talked to the council about whether or not the city could use the services provided by the group. City Clerk/Treasurer Cami Reber was directed to advertise for sealed bids for the city’s old plow truck. Council members approved: *Accepting the resignation of Gene Lushinsky from the Mantorville Fire Department. Lushinsky was a volunteer with the department for 25 years. In his letter of resignation, Lushinsky wrote, “…my family has had five who have been with the fire department, beside myself.” *An assessment agreement between the city and Dodge County for $5,256. The assessment fee is for 515 parcels. *New dog impound fees corresponding to the fees charged by K-M Regional Veterinary Hospital for impoundment, dog and cat boarding, euthanasia and cremation, and rabies vaccinations.
 
20 years ago
February 5, 2003
Randy Carlsen, Publisher
Kasson Business Person of the Year has been in business36 years
Gordy Quimby has owned and operated Gordy’s Body Shop in Kasson for 36 years. At the annual meeting of the Kasson Chamber of Commerce he was recognized as the 17th recipient of the Business Person of the Year honor for 2002. Ralph Parkin was recognized as the first Business Person of the Year in 1986 and Richard Palmer of the Kasson State Bank received the honor for 2001. Quimby is a native of Kasson and graduated from K-M High School. Call it fate or coincidence as to how Gordy Quimby started working in the auto body business. He was a teen looking forward to having his car painted. The time frame for getting the vehicle painted did not satisfy Gordy so he decided, “I can do that.” At that point he enrolled at Austin Vo-Tech to take a two-year course to learn the body shop trade. He lasted one year. Gordy grins and says, “I was a vocational dropout. I figured I knew it all then.” Gordy first did construction work, attended vo-tech and then worked in a body shop. He went back to construction for a short time and begged to get his old job back at the body shop. It worked. He was there for six years and then ventured out on his own in the body shop business. That was 36 years ago and he is in the same shop. When asked if retirement was in his future, another Gordy Quimby grin is followed by the statement, “I have another 30 good years left before retirement. Can’t afford to quit now.” Gordy Quimby quietly goes about running a successful business. One way his business success is measured is by the high number of repeat customers he does have. He also takes pride in repairing a vehicle to its pre-accident condition. In the community Gordy Quimby has been an avid supporter of activities. He is one of those behind the scenes people who does not seek out recognition. For example, he was among the first to be a financial supporter of the Kasson Festival in the Park. Gordy has been married to his bookkeeper, Mary, 21 years. He was “honored” by the recognition but has not quite figured out why for sure. To Gordy Quimby, he’s just going about doing what has become second nature for the last 36 years.
 
30 years ago
February 3, 1993
Randy Carlsen, Publisher
Cub Scout Pinewood Derby
The top three winners at the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby were Ricky Sanden, Brian Peters and Adam McConkey.
 
50 years ago
February 7, 1973
Folmer Carlsen, Publisher
Monies Availableto Childrenof Veterans
The State Legion Auxiliary announced this week that certain funds are available to children of veterans who are on welfare. The funds are also available to children in foster homes or residential care. The fund covers items and services not ordinarily available for authorized by county welfare boards. Such extras are defined as music lessons and instruments, class rings and photographs, phonographs, records, sport equipment, etc. Applications for such funds should be made to the county welfare department.