from the archives of the dodge county independent

50 years ago
June 5, 1974
Folmer Carlsen, Publisher
Cooperation Required in 55 MPH Limit
“If the 55 mph speed limit is to be effective in Minnesota, it is necessary to have the full cooperation of the driving public,” Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner W. R. Hoaglund stated today.
No matter what law is put on the books and regardless of its importance, law enforcement alone cannot make it effective. Also required is voluntary compliance by the citizens of the state.
When the speed limit was lowered to 55 mph on March 3, compliance and cooperation by drivers was very good. Lately, however, drivers are forgetting their good intentions and are driving over the limit.
Hoaglund states, “It is impossible for State Patrol, county and city enforcement officers to cover every mile of street and highway in the state around the clock, seven days a week. Though I am sure that all agencies are doing their best to enforce the limit, countless numbers of drivers disregard the limit and get away with it.
“I also might warn drivers that if they are convicted of multiple speeding offenses (over the 55 mph limit) within a 12-month period, the driver license could be suspended.
“On the other hand, I appeal to all law-abiding citizens to comply with our state laws. So far this year, we have lost 80 fewer lives than during the same period last year. Reduced speeds contributesgreatly to this important saving. Let’s all cooperate.”
30 years ago
June 8, 1994
Randy Carlsen, Publisher
Kasson Ballet School to have summer sessions
Kasson Ballet School, now in its ninth year, will again be offering summer dance sessions. These sessions will offer dance classes for pre-school through advanced levels. Session I will have sampler classes for 4 weeks beginning on July 11. Classes will be taught for all levels in tap, jazz and ballet. This exciting 4 week session will have classes for those who are continuing in dance and for those who would like to begin dance instruction.
Session II will be a one-week dance camp with classes running Monday-Friday. This session runs from August 8-12. Daily classes will include technique instruction, music and dance history, creative expression& mime, nutrition and anatomy and much more. Session II is appropriate for children ages 4-12 who are beginners or returning dancers.
Registration is limited and will be on a first-come basis. Registration will close July 1. For more information about summer dance programs or other dance questions, call 634-7739.
20 years ago
June 9, 2004
Randy Carlsen, Publisher
Turtles don’t have crossing guards
During early summer, turtles all over Minnesota are traveling to their egg-laying grounds, often having to hike across roads and highways.
“It is fairly common to see turtles that have been hit by vehicles this time of year,” said Kristy Zajac, private lands specialist for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
“A turtle’s hard shell is no competition for a car or truck,” Zajac said. “Considering all the other natural perils turtles face in their fight for survival, we need to be careful in our wanderings as well.”
June is the primary egg-laying month for most of Minnesota’s native turtle population. Most species lay one clutch of eggs per year, but a couple species lay two. Between two and three months, small turtles will scratch away the egg with their claws and tap at the shell with a smallpoint on the top of their nose, called a caruncle, to break through the egg, Then they dig their way through the packed soil to the surface, where enough yolk remains in their system to sustain them for a few days or weeks.
Most young do not make it to this stage of life, however. “Skunks, raccoons and opossums are excellent predators of turtles,” Zajac said. “Turtle nests are often discovered soon after laying, until the scent is washed away by rain. Predators dig up the nests and eat eggs at a ferocious pace. Raccoons have even been known to pull the female from her shell while she is laying her eggs.”
Most turtles do not survive to adulthood. “But the one thing turtles have on their side is a long life,” Zajac said. “Hopefully over several decades, a female will lay enough eggs that a few make it to adulthood.”
“We can all help by giving turtles a break,” Zajac stated. “Remember, turtles don’t have crossing guards to protect them ontheir journeys.”
10 years ago
June 4, 2014
Randy Carlsen, Publisher
TACC celebrates second year with open house June 8
The Train a Child Center (TACC) will be celebration their second year of Christian education in Kasson on Sunday, June 8th with food and a special speaker. An opportunity will be given for people to share how Christian education has impacted their lives.
At the same event the newest Church in Kasson will be celebrating its organization into an established work of Christ in the community. Rev. Dr. Jim Kraemer, from the Prairie Lakes District Church of the Nazarene, will be present to help celebrate. Come for the food, come for the fun, or simply come to help celebrate what Jesus is doing in this community.
Call 507-721-2500 for more information. Church begins at 11:00 a.m. and the open house will be held from 1:30 — 3:30 p.m.