Ryan and Niki Eipers are third generation dairy farmers living north of Dodge Center where his grandparents moved to from Illinois in the early 1970’s.  
Ryan said they milk 145 cows and raise many of their replacement heifers plus also buy some heifers too.   They are able to grow the majority of their feed supply especially corn silage and haylage.   

The first Black Lives Matter protest in Dodge County was impromptu and slowly added more and more protestors until there was a small group protesting the unequal treatment of African Americans on Friday, June 5.

After months of limited social interaction, community members will be able to begin congregating at the Kasson Aquatic Center when it reopens near half-capacity on either Friday, June 19 or Saturday, June 20.
The exact date when the aquatic center will open will be known once the Kasson City Council approves the Parks and Recreation Department’s plan to open when it meets on Wednesday night.

A major highlight of my summers ever since growing up on the farm has been the county and state fairs. Ever since I can remember, I have been involved with a fair in some shape or form.
One of my first memories is showing pigs at the county fair. I still remember showing a champion hog and having my picture in the local newspaper. You would have thought I won the lottery as I had so much excitement built up within.

Ernest D. Betlach, age 96 of Blooming Prairie, passed away peacefully Friday evening, May 29, 2020, at Owatonna Hospital in Owatonna.
Ernie was born Jan. 12, 1924 in Blooming Prairie to Edward J. and Anna (Nymon) Betlach. He grew up in Blooming Prairie and graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1942.

Shirley Ann Kubat (Peterson), 85, of Owatonna passed away on May 29, 2020.
Shirley was born Jan. 20, 1935 to Charley and Mary (Dutton) Peterson. Mom left this world to be with Jesus on May 29, with family by her side, holding her hand.

After several years of living south of the Mason-Dixon Line, my wife and I were enamored with the thunder boomers, lightning crashes and the wall clouds that moved through the area last week. It reminded us of the severe weather we experienced while living in Arkansas and Missouri, the heart of Tornado Alley.

Ralph Kenneth Marquardt, 89, of Dodge Center passed away at his home on Tuesday, May 26, 2020. 
Ralph was born on Oct. 23, 1930, the son of August and Anna (Maass) Marquardt in Wasioja.
Ralph attended Wasioja grade school and graduated from Dodge Center High School. He was united in marriage to Ardis Christiansen on Feb. 15, 1953, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna.  

Sylvia Antonia Wells, 83, of Kasson passed away on Tuesday, May 26, at the Seasons Hospice House in Rochester.
Sylvia was born on Feb. 26, 1937 in Wrangell, Alaska to Burton and Ruby (Everson) Brouillard.