County News

New director takes the helm at Dodge Center Ambulance

In this third week as director of the Dodge Center Ambulance Service, Jared Oscarson was settling into his new position with enthusiasm. “I can’t say enough about the volunteers, full-time and part-time staff of this service,” he said. “I’m impressed with the professionalism, integrity and...

Rep. Tim Walz visits Al-Corn to show support for hometown biofuels

Rep. Tim Walz visited Al-Corn Clean Fuel in Claremont on Aug 24 to learn more about the plant’s upcoming expansion exercise and reiterate his support for clean Minnesota-produced renewable biofuels. Walz was briefed on Al-Corn’s $146 million expansion exercise which will provide a significant boost...

Monitoring says recycling noise level not over limit

Noise levels from the McNeilus recycling yard did not exceed state noise standards when they were monitored in July, Dodge Center Council members were told last week. Residents living near the recycling yard have complained to the city in recent months that noise levels were excessive and in...

Tractor parade descends on West Concord

Somewhere around 170 tractors and drivers came into West Concord Sunday noon, stopping for lunch at Boe Auto Center before heading out of town and back to Pine Island. It was all a part of the 11th annual “Tractor Drive” sponsored by the Pine Island Lions Club and by all accounts the day was a...

Mantorville residents talk ordinances

A public hearing covering four different ordinances drew comments from several residents at the Mantorville city council meeting Monday night. For months, council members have discussed the wording of different ordinances governing land use in the town and they were ready to make a decision about...

Wellhead protection plan, Veterans Monument get council attention

A Wellhead Protection Plan public hearing drew little public comment at last week’s West Concord City Council session. Wellhead Protection Plans are required by the state, City Engineer Joe Palen said, and are designed to protect public health. The first phase of the plan was completed in February...

Triton board looks at test scores, approves routine items

A routine presentation on results of state-mandated test scores led to Board Member Tracy Petersohn asking if the board was spending enough time discussing the results. Middle School Principal Luke Lutterman, who is also the district’s assessment coordinator, said that the Minnesota Comprehensive...

Planning Commission recommends county approve feedlot expansion

Luke Scherger’s request to expand his existing feedlot from 3750 head/1125 animal units of finishing hogs to 7500 head/2250 animal units was unanimously approved by the Dodge County Planning Commission last week. The request now goes to the County Board for final approval. Feedlots have become a...

Miniature steam, gas engines a hit at Claremont Hogfest

Last Saturday’s Hogfest celebration saw more than its share of full size tractors between the antique tractor show and the parade. And there were some children’s size pedal tractors in town. But a look at a display on Front Street revealed a table full of scaled-down replicas of steam and gas...

Pine Island tractor driving coming to West Concord

One-hundred-fifty tractors will be leading the big parade from Pine Island to West Concord on Sunday, Aug. 21. This will be the 11th annual “Tractor Drive” sponsored by the Pine Island Lions, said Dean Weis, one of the drive organizers. The drive always starts in Pine Island, he said, but tries to...