From the archives of the dodge county independent

50 years ago
February 6, 1974
Folmer Carlsen, Publisher
The annual meeting of the Dodge County Republican Women’s Club was held Tuesday, Jan. 29 at Hayfield. Mrs. Bert Fuller of Hayfield will continue as president of the club; Mrs. Tom Avery of West Concord was named vice president and Mrs. Lois Olive of Kasson, secretary. Mrs. Dana Campbell of West Concord is treasurer.
Speaker for the meeting was Mrs. Gay Molden of Rochester, Republican vice chairwoman of the 1st Dist. She stressed the importance of the precinct caucuses to be held Feb. 26, and told about state officers to be elected this year. She stated that the influence of women is being felt in politics and their further participation is essential.
A discussion was held regarding a “Fun Night” to be held in March, with the executive board to make arrangements. The next regular meeting of the club will be held March 26 at Claremont.
30 years ago
February 9, 1994
Randy Carlsen, Publisher
Parenting tips on discipline
Life as a parent includes many responsibilities. One responsibility that parents often need advice on is discipline. To be effective, discipline must teach a child how to avoid repeating misbehavior and what to do instead. It should also be appropriate to the child’s age and “size” of the crime. Here are some guidelines provided by the Minnesota Committee for Prevention of Child Abuse.
* Babies are never candidates for discipline. They are too little.
* Use discipling sparingly. All children react to approval and affection.
* Discipline only when reasonable expectations are not met. Define clearly, in advance, what you want them to do.
* Be consistent. Whatever style of discipline you choose, use it consistently both at home and away from home.
* Review expectations regularly. There are no perfect children, just as there are no perfect parents. If your children are not meeting your expectations, the expectations may need to be changed.
 
Shame, rejection, withdrawal of affection, or preferential treatment of one child over another have no place in discipline
20 years ago
February 11, 2004
Randy Carlsen, Publisher
Know your location when calling 911
By: Sgt. Dewey Severson, Minnesota State Patrol
It may be a simple question and easy to answer for you in most cases; but in an exciting time the answer may not be readily available. The use of cell phones to report emergencies, from cars in the ditch to serious crashes, are occurring more frequently. With the recent snow and slippery roads it is time again to remind motorists to be aware of where they are when calling.
It is important to constantly be aware of your surroundings, the changing road conditions and the surface changes. But it is more important to know your location when you need that emergency help. In most areas, cell phone 911 calls come to the State Patrol. Because of the vast area covered by a dispatch center, a location of “next to a red barn with blue silos” won’t help the dispatcher find you.
As you travel and enjoy the beauty of Minnesota, take note of the milepost markers along the roadway and road junctions that you may have recently passed. These locaters greatly assist the dispatchers to assist you in that time of need. They can get emergency responders rolling sooner or get that tow truck to you quicker.
Again remember to drive at a speed for the conditions so you won’t need that emergency call. The road crews attempt to keep up with the changing conditions be we all can’t have a snow truck in front of us. Turn on your headlights to see and be seen. And use that seat belt all the time to avoid injury when sliding into the ditch. If you do go into the ditch, check to make sure the exhaust area is clear of snow and stay with the car to give you protection from the elements. Hypothermia sets in quickly when you are excited and wet from the snow. Drive with caution at all times, especially during the winter.
DRIVE SAFE & SOBER TO ARRIVE ALIVE!
10 years ago
February 12, 2014
Randy Carlsen, Publisher
Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging
Care to help older Minnesotans?
Share expertise by assisting older Minnesotans make informed decisions about health insurance and community resource options. Volunteers are being sought to provide non-biased information and help in completing forms for health care, prescription, and other benefit programs.
An intensive training will teach what is needed to know to help others. The training is coming up soon and will be held in Rochester. Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, Medical Assistance, and other related topics will be covered.
There is a need in this area. A coordinator will work with volunteers to establish a site and clients in your area in addition to providing the necessary resources. The initial time committed is one year with a minimum of four hours per month.
Southeastern Area Agency on Aging is the designated agency on aging for 11 counties in southeastern Minnesota. Area agencies on aging were established under the Older Americans Act to respond to the needs of Americans 60 and over.
For more information please contact Laurie at SEMAAA. 507-288-6944, toll free 1-800-333-2433 extension 84017, or email laurie@semaaarochestermn.org