Kasson City Council members recognized the top readers in the library’s summer reading program at last week’s council meeting.
Andrew Holz was the summer’s top reader among all those 11 and under with 182 hours. Arabella Egelston was second with 149 hours and Audra Lohrback was close behind with 141 hours.

Buffy Beranek, Executive Director, Southeast Minnesota Multi-County Housing and Redevelopment Authority received the 2019 Outstanding Advocacy Award from the Minnesota Housing Partnership. Beranek was recognized for her efforts on the Affordable Housing Trust Fund in Goodhue County and advocating for Local Housing Trust Funds throughout the state of Minnesota. During the 2019 session and beyond, Buffy ardently supported MHP’s agenda.

The schedule for approval of Dodge County Wind LLC’s applications to build a wind farm and transmission line in Steele, Dodge and Olmsted counties is now more uncertain as the company asked the PUC for permission to withdraw its application for the route permit.

The West Council City Council accepted the resignation of City Manager Jake Dickson at last week’s regular monthly meeting.
Dickson said he had notified the city of his plans to resign earlier in the month and that his last day in West Concord will be Aug. 30. He indicated only that he would be going to the Twin Cities.
Dickson. He has been the city manager in West Concord since May of 2018.

The Dodge County Board last week proclaimed the county a “Purple Heart County” at the request of Veterans Services Director Todd Nelson.
Dodge County has a long history of stepping up and serving the country in the military services, Nelson said. From the Civil War recruits who signed up at Wasioja to today’s members of the volunteer armed forces, the Dodge County communities have strong ties to the military.

Nathan K. Goodwin, age 97 of Austin, passed away Monday, Aug. 12, 2019 at St. Mark’s Living in Austin after a long battle with cancer.
Nathan was born on Feb. 9, 1922 in Austin, the youngest of three children of Nels and Nellie Goodwin. Nathan graduated from Austin High School and went on to attain an Associate degree.

I remember about seven years ago, I was at the urgent care with my mom. I don’t remember what I was there for, some sort of illness or sports injury, but that doesn’t matter. 
What matters is I looked up at the TV in the waiting room and saw nothing but pure sadness as the news broke that a shooting had occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School, less than 100 miles from my parents' home in Rhode Island. 

I was smothered in patriotism at the Steele County Free Fair last week.
U.S. President Donald Trump has been caught showing his love for America by embracing the American flag. I got a little wrapped up in America on opening day of the fair.
I was part of the Blooming Prairie Honor Guard that participated in opening ceremonies of the Steele County Free Fair last week.

The DCI has a new Sport Editor as Alex Neuhring began in his new role on Monday.
Nuehring is replacing Chris Schad, who left the paper at the end of the spring sports season.
Although this will be his first time working for the DCI full-time the Rochester native has knowledge after interning in the summer of 2017.