Friends and neighbors,
The 2026 Legislative Session has closed.
I am happy to report that Republicans effectively used our tie in the State House to pass many legislative victories for Minnesotans. Similarly, and of equal importance, we used our leverage to block several far-left proposals that would have damaged our state.

My wife and I have been visiting my family back home in Rhode Island, and last week, the weather called for sunny skies and warm temperatures — so we went to the most perfect place on earth: Fenway Park.
Boston is about an hour or so train ride from Providence. My wife, who is an avid swimmer, wanted to take a dip in the bay, so we decided to leave extra early.

It’s with great excitement that we make this edition of the Dodge County Independent available to every household in the county. It’s time to become acquainted with this countywide newspaper.
As a helpful tool, we’d like to share some information with you to help you navigate the DCI and use it to your fullest potential. Many of the questions below come from people who want to know more about our publication.

A man living in Kenyon appeared Tuesday in Dodge County District Court, where he’s been charged with multiple felonies after an alleged sexual assault.
Scott Peder Olson Jr., 39, faces one count each of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, domestic assault by strangulation and fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct.
He was released from custody in lieu of $25,000 conditional bond.

A Kasson woman has been criminally charged after accusations of domestic assault.
Yasmeenah Nee Dancil, 31, faces one count of domestic assault by strangulation, a felony, and one misdemeanor count each of domestic assault and fifth-degree assault.
She was scheduled to make her initial appearance Wednesday in Dodge County District Court.

State Rep. Peggy Bennett, a Republican lawmaker from Albert Lea, abruptly dropped out of the governor’s race last week after her pick for lieutenant governor told her at the last minute he wouldn’t be able to move forward.

Claremont Chamber of Commerce President Dean Schuette was at Triton High School last month, watching as multiple scholarships were awarded to students who were soon graduating.
Giving back to the community is what the Chamber does, using funds coming from charitable gambling.
Last year, the Claremont Chamber was able to donate $262,000, while also paying $398,000 in taxes. If you think that seems skewed, Schuette would agree.

Byron’s redemption run to the state championship game ended with heartbreak for the second consecutive season last weekend when the No. 2 Bears fell 6-1 to No. 5 St. Francis for the Class AAA state title at Jane Sage Cowles Stadium at the University of Minnesota.
The Bears were victims of a slow start that allowed the Fighting Saints to play with full confidence and pull ahead 6-0 through three innings.