From the archives of the dodge county independent

50 years ago
July 10, 1974
Folmer Carlsen, Publisher
Ceremony to Open Trunk Hwys. 30 & 56
A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Friday, July 12 at 3:00 p.m. in Hayfield to mark the opening of Trunk Highway 30 in Hayfield and Trunk Highway 56 between Hayfield and Brownsdale according to Robert J. McDonald, District 6 Engineer, Minnesota Department of Highways.
The completion of these highway segments will put Hayfield on all weathernine ton road for the first time in its history. Included in this construction project in Dodge and Mower Counties were improved safety design for the project length plus curb and gutter and a storm sewer system in the city.
Representing Commissioner of Highways, Ray Lappegaard will be W. S. Ekern, Deputy Commissioner and Chief Engineer, McDonald and A. L. Sotebeer, Resident Engineer on this project, will also be present.
City organizations sponsoring the ceremony, according to Alvin Naves, Mayor ofHayfield, include the Hayfield Development Corporation, Chamber of Commerce, Jaycees, Lions Club, and American Legion.
30 years ago
July 13, 1994
Randy Carlsen, Publisher
FFA members attend Washington conference
Sarah Tvedt, Tobin Lorch and Erica Ness of the Minnesota FFA chapter of Kasson-Mantorville, attended the 1994 Washington Leadership Conference in the nation’s capital. The conference is an activity of the National FFA Organization in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Education.
The week-long program helps FFA members improve their leadership skills, develop and understanding of the nation’s heritage and prepare for leadership roles in their chapters and communities. Sessions on self-confidence, goalsetting, and team building were combined with discussions on personal development, motivation and citizenship to help members become effective leaders in the science, business and technology of agriculture.
Visits to Mount Vernon, the SmithsonianInstitution, Arlington National Cemetery, the Jefferson Memorial and other historic sites in Washington were included in the conference.
A highlight of the week was a visit made to the office of Congressman/Senator Paul Wellstone and Tim Penny, both of Minnesota.
The chapter advisor is Lynn Campbell. The trip to the conference was sponsored by theK-M FFA Chapter and Alumni.
20 years ago
July 14, 2004
Randy Carlsen, Publisher
Free Fun For Everyone at the Fair
Has anyone ever told you that laughter is the best medicine? A great way to reduce stress is to come on out to the Dodge County Free Fair and participate in the many free events. The Outdoor Stage (AKA “Free Stage”) will feature exciting events all week long and is located next to the rest area and 4-H building. On Wednesday evening, July 14, S & S Express will warm up the stage for a hot fair week from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Thursday brings the 4-H Share the Fun Acts and music from Good Vibrations from 6:30 to 9:00to 9:00 PM. Friday really starts to sizzle with the Singing Safari’s shows for daycare day (11 AM, 2PM). Kick Back Productions will bring some after dinner tunes from 7:30- 9:30 PM on Friday July 16. Can you believe all this is happening and it’s all free! Saturday on the outdoor stage be marveled by The Magic of Gary Skillestad at 1:30 and 4:00 PM. You can even learn a magic trip in a special session at 2:30 PM. On the Outdoor Stage Sunday, July 18, don’t forget the fiddler’s Jamboree at 2;00 PM anannual favorite. Tina and Lena are back for another hilarious comedy/singing variety show that is guaranteed to have you rolling with laughter in two different shows. Tina & Lena’s noon show will be a brand new Gospel show and 4:00 PM will be a completelydifferentact! Internationally recognized (performed in Canada once?.?.). Stay for both shows, you won’t want to miss out.
Do you know someone who is exhibition at the fair this year? Do you want to educate your child about animals and farming? Check out all the hard work that created the 4-H and FFA displays! Attending shows in the arena can teach you lots you never knew about pigs, cows and other cute creatures. The old pavilion has a new look, check out all the educational displays and fun activities to learn about life on the farm!
Don’t forget the petting zoo. All free and fun ways to enjoy a great summer day — there’s just too many to name them all!
For more information on any of these topics contact the fair office at (507) 634-7736 or checkyour Fairgoer’s Handbook. We hope to see you at the Dodge County Free Fair in Kasson July 13-18, 2004
10 years ago
July 9, 2014
Randy Carlsen, Publisher
Drug courts hosts 8th Sober Fest
The Dodge County Drug Court, the Wabasha County Substance Abuse Court, and the Winona County Drug Court will be hosting their Eighth Annual Sober Fest event on Saturday, July 19 at Veteran’sMemorial (North) Park in Kasson from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sober Fest includes participants and alumni of the Dodge County Drug Court, the Wabasha County Substance Abuse Court, and the Winona County Drug Court, their families, and friends. Sober Fest is also open to the public.
Sober Fest 2014 kicks off with a softball match between the three drug courts, followed by a hog roast, presentation of community service awards, and a raffle.
Come out and join everyone for food, fun, and prizes, and to support the drug court participants as they give back to the programs that helped them on the road to recovery. Donations will be accepted. For more information, please contact Eric Thompson, Dodge County Drug Court, at (507) 635-6180.