From the archives of the dodge county independent

50 years ago
May 2, 1973
Folmer Carlsen, Publisher
Co-operation…
This sign (built to replace the sign that was destroyed by the State Highway Department as the result of a misunderstanding) was erected April 27th by members of the Mantorville Restoration Association at the South City Limits of Mantorville. Not only does it welcome visitors to the historic town but, more significantly, it represents the co-operation that still exists in small towns in Mid-America. After the first sign was destroyed, Ron Hunt, Chairman of the Restoration Association got on the phone and asked for help. Help came in the form of poles donated by the Kasson-Mantorville Telephone Company, tin donated by McNeilus Steel, Dodge Center, lumber from Kasson Lumber and Sid Forland, paint from Erickson Hardware, vehicles from Don Jackson and Fred King (The Darn Barn), Martin Otto (Otto’s Grocery), sign preparation material, bracing from Harold Wilke and holes donated by Johnny Johnson. Several members of the restoration association helped in construction of the sign, Willis Carlson, Harry Wilke, Chris Callahan, Lloyd Bradford, Suzy from Suzy’s Shoppe and Chris and Ron painted the sign. It is anticipated that some 100,000 people will tour Mantorville in the coming season.
30 years ago
April 28, 1993
Randy Carlsen, Publisher
Several businesses burglarized here
The first of four burglaries was discovered at 4:20 a.m. Thursday morning by a member of the local police department while on routine patrol. The businesses entered include Marc’s Mobil, Country Pizza, Johnson’s Mobil and the Kasson Elementary School. A total of $530 and ten packs of cigarettes were reported missing from the burglaries. Entry to the various establishments was gained by prying doors open. Burglaries in Byron and Hayfield occurred the same evening and it is not known at this time if they are connected to those here in Kasson. However, a member of the local department stated that attempts were made to gain entry into four other places of business here the same evening. The burglaries are being investigated by the Kasson Police Department and the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department. According to those departments, some leads are being investigated.
20 years ago
April 30, 2003
Randy Carlsen, Publisher
Vacuum cleaner engine propels hovercraft
Travis Moret and Sam Lorentz tackled one of the largest fifth and sixth grade science fair projects and they were even at a disadvantage. The two fifth graders were behind right after the start because it took over two weeks to get the instructions for this scaled down model hovercraft. The boys titled their science fair project “Amazing Pressure.” With a few basic tools, some scrap wood and a vacuum cleaner motor, they were able to create amazing pressure that lifted the craft off the ground. The craft had three pods with air tubes running from the engine to each of the three pods. The engine created enough pressure to actually lift the craft off the ground. Not only did the boys have to build the project, they also had to be able to explain how the craft worked, why they picked this special project and what they learned from constructing the craft. Their effort paid off because their project was one selected for the ZED Science Fair.
10 years ago
May 1, 2013
Randy Carlsen, Publisher
Award of bid to demolish former school put on holdby threatened litigation
Last Wednesday morning the bids were opened for asbestos abatement and demolition of the former Kasson school. There were 10 bids and the price ranged from $161,400 to $385,000. According to Neil Britton from Widseth Smith Nolting the apparent low bidder was Fitzgerald Excavating of Goodhue. Before any action was taken to accept the low bidder the city went into closed session with city attorney Joe Guzinski. Three individuals filed suit for threatened litigation in Dodge County District Court. They are Griselda Cuomo, Linda Jerviss and Marlyn Schroeder. According to city administrator Randy Lenth the 25 page document is a carbon copy of the one filed in 2007 by KARE (Kasson Alliance for Restoration). The cause of this action comes down to historic significance. Purpose of the suite: “An order for preventing the city of Kasson from demolishing in whole or in part the 1918 Kasson public school.” The project start date for demolition was to be June 3, 2013 and a completion date on or before August 30, 2013. The city has 30 days from the time the bids were opened to award the bid. The city administrator anticipates the low bid will be accepted at the next council meeting. However, due to the litigation, demolition is not able to begin until the suit is settled in court. He added that the council would like to award the bid because it was what he called “very favorable”. The bid was $80,000 lower than the second bid. A judge will take a look at the suit and determine if it has merit. If he rules in favor of the plaintiffs a court date will be set for the plaintiffs and city to give reasons for their proposed actions.