News

K-M teacher in running for Minnesota Teacher of the Year

Sara Bailey, an elementary special education teacher in the Kasson-Mantorville School District, is in the running for the 2024 Minnesota Teacher of the Year. Education Minnesota recently released its list of candidates for the 60th annual Teacher of the Year program. The list includes 159 teachers...

Longtime area residents glad they made move to Minnesota

(Editor’s Note: This is the first part of Wayne Hendrickson’s conversation with Mantorville residents Gene and Donna Lushinsky, who have never regretted their move to Minnesota 50 years ago.) Gene Lushinsky grew up living in Colorado Springs, Colo., with a younger sister. Gene said he wasn’t good...

Valentine-themed benefit this weekend for Mantorville Theatre Company

A show full of song and frivolity will be held this weekend to benefit the Mantorville Theatre Company. Triple Berry Pie, Et cetera! is a Valentine-themed event at the Opera House in Mantorville. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 17, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 18. Triple Berry Pie...

Farm & Power Show coming to Owatonna

The North American Farm & Power Show is coming to the Four Seasons Centre in Owatonna March 14-16. The annual show will feature the latest technology the farm industry has to offer. More than 12,000 farmers attend the show to view the area’s largest variety of farm equipment and services, shake...

From the archives of the dodge county independent

50 years ago February 13, 1974 Folmer Carlsen, Publisher Prank Call Results In Accident Two people were hospitalized and two cars extensively damaged in an accident that resulted from a prank telephone call here late Tuesday afternoon. Mrs. Dale Walker and her five-year-old son Steven were taken by...

K-M, School Board agree on teacher contract

Kasson-Mantorville Education Minnesota and the K-M School Board have reached agreement on a contract for the next two school years. The two sides reached a tentative agreement on January 18 with the teachers approving the contract last Tuesday and the School Board giving its approval on Wednesday....

Ride For Wyatt carrying on, despite lack of snow

If initiative is what it takes to succeed, these high school students have got it. This year, Kasson-Mantorville High School staff launched their new KoMet Internship Program for seniors who were interested in interning with an area business. Initially six students were signed up to participate but...

Sen. Nelson hears from local residents at ‘listening session’

State Sen. Carla Nelson was in Kasson last Friday morning to hear the concerns of county residents at a “listening session” hosted by the Kasson Chamber of Commerce at Kasson City Hall. Nelson represents all of Dodge County and portions of Olmsted County, including Byron, in the Minnesota State...

Byron resident brings sleigh rides to Olmsted County History Center

On Saturday, February 24, there will be sleigh rides at the Olmsted County History Center from 10 a.m. — 4 p.m.. (It is located at the intersection of West Circle Dr SW and Salem Road SW in Rochester). Admission will be a free-will donation and all proceeds will be given to the Minnesota Special...

New dialing procedure coming for customers in Minnesota 507 area code

A new 924 area code is coming to the 507 area code region and in preparation for the new area code, all customers located within the 507 area code region should prepare for 10-digit dialing. In a change that went into effect January 30, 2024, local calls can be made with either 7 or 10 digits, and...