From the archives of the dodge county independent

50 years ago
July 3, 1974
Folmer Carlsen, Publisher
1924 Kasson Graduation Class Has Reunion
The Kasson High School class of 1924 celebrated their golden anniversary June 28th at the home of Stella Beaver in Kasson.
Twelve members and their spouses were present. The High School principal Rev. Marlo Berger and Mrs. M. Berger of Dayton, Ohio, were guests.
Mrs. Ella Beaver Appell of Hanover, New Hampshire and Mrs. Florence Gile Stepherson, Rochester were unable to attend.
A buffet luncheon was served while reminiscing and visiting continued.
A trip through the Kasson School brought back many memories.
The reunion continued with a dinner at the Hubbell House.
Mrs. Allice Oiseth Weesner and Thelma Folkestad, took the group through events from kindergarten through graduation, closing with the thought “we are not growing old, the best is yet to come.”
Mrs. Appell called long distance and visited with members of the class. Rev. Marlo Berger closed the reminiscing expressing his joy and appreciation for being able toparticipate in the 50th reunion.
Before goodbyes “That Old Gang of Mine,” closed the day.
30 years ago
July 6, 1994
Randy Carlsen, Publisher
County receives funds from DNR
The Department of Natural Resources recently sent a total of $94,749 to eleven counties in southeast Minnesota to compensate for loss of tax revenues on lands purchased for MN Wildlife Management Areas (WMAS). Dodge County received $2,176.62.
This payment is an 8% increase over last year’s payment. “In addition to these payments, the DNR also makes in-lieu of tax payments to counties also from the “general fund” amounting to more than $4.7 million dollars,” said DNR Regional Real Estate Coordinator, Jerry Johnson.
The DNR division of Fish & Wildlife manages over 729,000 acres in 1,200 Wildlife Managed Areas. WMAs are managed forwildlife production, habitat protection and enhancement, public hunting, trapping and other compatible uses.
20 years ago
July 7, 2004
Randy Carlsen, Publisher
Camels and Carvings
You heard right! This year at the Annual Dodge County Free Fair you can ride a camel and root for your favorite pig. Exotic animals galore for you to meet and greet, this sure beats a trip to Africa! A Zebra and a camel are just two of the animals you can see under the big top. The pig-racing exhibit will be nearby so you can also watch famous hogs race to the finish, Friday and Saturday Chip Fall chain saw artist will be back with carvings to be auctioned off Saturday at 5:45 p.m. at the Free Stage. More Saturday fun — Kids Pedal Tractor Pull at 4:00 P.M., and Helicopter Rides at 1;00 pm until dark! Don’t forget Tina & Lena on Sunday, a Dodge County Free Fair favorite! Come see these fun exhibits and more at the Dodge County Free Fair July 14–18, 2004
10 years ago
July 2, 2014
Randy Carlsen, Publisher
International high school exchange students seeking host families
Visiting students, ages 15-18, from around the world including Germany, Spain, Switzerland, and Thailand are seeking host families in and around Kasson for the upcoming 2014-2015 academic school year. Host families are needed for the fall semester and full school year.
Host families (traditional families, singles, empty nesters, etc.) serve as mentors and a home base for their student. Visiting students participate as active members of the family and integrate into their host’s daily routines and traditions just like any other family member. Hosting an international student is a great way to explore a new culture and promote a sense of lifelong learning and adventure.
“Every year Minnesota plays host to talented, top-of-their-class students with the lifelong dream of studying in America,” reports Dawn Green, iE-USA’s Area Director. Dawn adds, “Minnesota’s spirit of hospitality and focus on academic enrichment makes it an ideal environment to develop cultural exchange and promote international diplomacy on a local level.
iE-USA, the sponsoring program, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting education and understanding through intercultural and academic exchange. iE-USA is certified by the Council on Standards for Internation Educational Travel and strictly adheres to all U.S. Department of State Student Exchange Program regulations and guidelines.
Exchange student participants undergo an extensive application and orientation process in their home country prior to being accepted into iE-USA’s program. Each student is responsible for his/her own spending money and fullhealth insurance coverage.
To learn more, contact Kasson representative Darlene Benjamin at d.benjamin@international-experience.net, 507-301-3613. Host families may review prospective student profiles online at iE-USA.org. Families interested in hosting this year must apply by August 15, 2014.