Opinions

Lindsay D.Colwell St. John’s Lutheran Church

Holy Week rituals feel new each year

Winter has melted away rather quickly in southeast Minnesota and I am struck again this year at how intense the feeling of newness is in this season. I think that is one of the things that God blesses us with, the ability to see things as new that we have gone through time and time again. I think...

K-M helps develop leaders in education

Two stories in this week’s Dodge County Independent show the strength that the Kasson-Mantorville School District has in developing leaders in education. Ariana Wright, principal at K-M Elementary School, has been hired as the new superintendent of schools in Lake City. Michelle Krell, who served...

Tap brakes on cannabis legalization until we have a plan

As Sheriff of Dodge County, I was elected to enforce our laws and keep the public safe. With the Minnesota Legislature considering the legalization of recreational cannabis, my job may be changing substantially in the near future. These bills have been moving through the legislature at a rapid pace...

Activities continue at fast pace in St. Paul

It was another busy week up at your Minnesota State Capitol! I have been immersed in discussions with my colleagues regarding the rollout of many of our committee budget bills. These bills must be carefully considered as they dictate our policy and budget for the next biennium. TIME CHANGE: My in-...

State bill would provide flood mitigation funds for Kasson

There is currently a bill moving through the Minnesota State Legislature that would provide funds to Kasson allowing the city to make flood hazard mitigation and public water infrastructure improvements. The bill, Senate File 436, was introduced by Sen. Carla Nelson who represents Dodge County and...

I Was Thinking... What Are Americans?

As a history teacher, I had a strong desire to let students know who we were as a nation. This included proudly presenting the development of a democratic republic based on constitutional principles like nowhere else in the world. The “can do” American spirit of explorers, pioneers, and...

Celebrating women who make southern Minnesota thrive

March is Women’s History Month, which is both a time to look back at the incredible accomplishments of women in the history of our country, but also a time to celebrate women who are doing amazing things today. At Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), we know that there are countless...

Weekend showcases what is positive about Dodge County

No matter where you look it seems like there is always a lot of negative news and information out there. Dodge County saw two events this Saturday that put a more positive spin on the world. The first was the Dodge County Expo. This was the 23rd edition of the popular event sponsored by a committee...

I Was Thinking... How Old?

Remember when you were a kid, and you couldn’t wait for your birthday? Well, I can wait. Somewhere along the way, the anticipation of an upcoming birthday has faded. Recently, while having coffee after church, we were seated at the same table with several other couples. The wife of one of the...

Legislative session hits the midpoint

Last week marked the midpoint of the 2023 Legislative Session! And it has indeed been a fast and furious session. Our Founding Fathers did not intend it to be easy to enact laws and wisely provided that each Legislative Body act as a check on the other — to prevent bills from passing into law too...