When my wife and I were expecting our first child, one of the most challenging tasks was selecting a name we both could agree upon. Since we both had been teaching for several years, some names were quickly eliminated because they reminded us of some kids we had had in class.

The Dodge County Independent is honored to introduce a new editorial cartoonist beginning this week.
The DCI will now run cartoons created by Joe Heller, an award-winning cartoonist from Green Bay, Wis. He replaces Ed Fischer, who died earlier this year. In recent months, the DCI had been running Fischer’s cartoons from the archives.

As the 2026 legislative session comes to a close and my time in the Minnesota Senate nears its end, I sincerely thank the people of Dodge, Olmsted and Wabasha counties for the trust you have placed in me over the years. You have become my friends, and it has been a joy to serve you.

When I first moved to Minnesota, one of the things I quickly realized was how much Minnesotans love their gas stations.
Everyone, it seems, has their favorite chain of gas stations.
Back home we love Dunkin’ Donuts, and after almost a decade of being with me, my Minnesotan wife may have finally realized what the hype is all about — so much so, she decided we’d wake up at 4 a.m. for it.

Dear Seniors, 
As we come to the end of another school year, I find myself especially proud of all of you. You’ve had success in the classroom, through your activities, and most importantly, you’ve grown into great human beings.That matters more than anything.

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Dr. Michael Kelly is a doctor at Mayo Clinic in Kasson.