For the past several months, this newspaper has written about the EMS crisis facing communities including some in Dodge County.
Whether it’s West Concord struggling to find volunteers and or staff, or Dodge Center Ambulance dealing with coming up with needed funds to help pay for capital equipment it’s no secret the local ambulances are in trouble.

The Dodge County Independent has written about transparency often on its editorial page, and once again, it will have to be used to call out government officials trying to hide information from the public.

To the Editor:
 
It is said in the Bible, “And a child shall lead them.” Tim Walz’s son Gus has led us into a much-needed discussion about developmental disabilities.
Chances are you know someone with a developmental disability. A slight disability might manifest itself in issues navigating day-to-day life. A profound disability can require residence in a group home, like the ones that populate southeastern Minnesota.

No matter what line of work you are in, seeking out professional development often means traveling to the Twin Cities or even out of state. Costs can add up quickly when factoring in travel and lodging.

It’s already August 15 so it looks like we can’t deny it. Summer, at least as far as vacations are concerned, is coming to an end.
Last weekend the Kasson Festival in the Park drew a big crowd. But, aside from a couple of county fairs in the area such as the Steele County Fair which is going on this week, and the State Fair, which starts next Thursday, the festival was the last big weekend event of the summer.

Several new laws passed during the 2024 legislative session went into effect on August 1, 2024.
Like the 2024 session results or not, it’s important for citizens to understand how new laws affect them. I encourage all Minnesotans to familiarize themselves with these changes.”
Key changes include: