Opinions

Book targeting big ag is powerful

We are the last two of four daughters born to Garth and Betty Evarts. We were brought up on our family farm, which was homesteaded by Omri Evarts, our great-great-great grandfather. Ownership was granted to him in 1858. Everything we have become started on that land, on that farm. Farming is not...

Message to Elon Musk: Hands off our government

Hands off our government! We won’t stand by and watch our government be treated like part of your Big Tech empire. The Constitution clearly grants Congress power to control the budget and act as a check on the executive branch. If you want top access to our government, you must follow the rules —...

Legal newspapers aren’t a game and neither is a free press

Over 250 years ago, the framers of this country’s great experiment wrote the Constitution, purposely protecting the freedoms of speech, religion, and the press. The First Amendment states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof...

Stronger than the storm

Two Owatonna women are launching an effort to help a Dodge County family become stronger than the storm. That storm involves a Dodge Center family who lost a wife and mother trying to be a Good Samaritan just a day after celebrating her 46th birthday. Erin Brose, who grew up in the Owatonna area,...

Lakin Riley Act needs major changes

As a longtime English language teacher of adult learners and SE Minnesota resident, I’m dismayed that the flawed Laken Riley Act has advanced in the House and Senate at a fast pace. This act requires the mandatory detention of undocumented immigrants charged with such nonviolent crimes as...

A Chinese frenzy for the holidays

Forget about the traditional holiday fixes of turkey, ham or meatballs. Our family is all in for Chinese food staples, though we don’t have a hint of Chinese in us. At least that we know of. Don’t ask me where it comes from, but my family has developed a huge liking for Chinese cuisine, especially...

What to expect during the 2025 session

The 2025 legislative session opens January 14, and it will be unlike any that we have ever seen. The Senate begins in a 33-33 split following the passing of my colleague and friend, Senator Kari Dziedzic, after a battle with ovarian cancer. Senator Dziedzic was a dedicated, thoughtful leader. Her...

What is going on at K-M?

We are right around the halfway mark of the new school year, and there have been a number of controversies taking place within the walls of Kasson-Mantorville schools. As we previously reported, a longtime school board member quit the board in October, citing personal reasons. A few short weeks...

Remembering Jimmy Carter

As this week’s edition of the Dodge County Independent comes in your mailbox, Americans are taking time to remember President Jimmy Carter, who died Dec. 29, age 100, at his home in Plains, Ga. His state funeral is being held today at the National Cathedral in Washington DC. Often, he is remembered...

Surprising holiday travel issues

Every year since 2017, during the holidays, I have flown either from Minnesota to the east coast for the holidays to visit my family, or vice versa to visit my in-laws. I’ve run into some hiccups, during those years, with the worst situation to date, being a few hours late, while my wife was stuck...