It is summer time during an even year, which means election season is underway.
Like we did in 2024, the DCI will begin its weekly election series to help keep readers informed about where the candidates stand, starting after the 4th of July.
Each week we will feature different contested races at the local level along with for our state legislator positions.

Photo courtesy of the Dodge County Sheriff Office
Deputy Dave Skadson (left) was awarded the 2026 Outstanding Juvenile Officer of the Year award from the Minnesota Juvenile Officers Association. He poses with Kasson Police Department School Resource Officer Zach Kasper, who nominated Skadson for the award.

Anna Brennan, a member of the Byron High School Class of 2024, was crowned as the 90th Miss Minnesota during a ceremony at Treasure Island Resort & Casino last weekend.
As Miss Minnesota, Brennan will represent Minnesota at the 2027 Miss America competition and will receive a $10,000 educational scholarship.

Dodge County is one of only eight Minnesota counties that doesn’t have its own jail. Instead, the county contracts with neighboring Olmsted County Detention Center, paying a $75 per diem per detainee rate set by the Minnesota Sheriff’s Association (MSA).
Olmsted County Commissioners questioned that set rate during the June 16 Administrative Committee meeting, citing rising costs and increased budget demands.

SUBMITTED PHOTO
Matt Spurbeck, left, and Derek Harlow are the founding members of Neon Arrival, a band that began while both were students at Kasson-Mantorville High School. They have regrouped to play original indie music across southeast Minnesota; you can catch the group July 17 at the Dodge County Free Fair.