Imagine that your community needs funding to build a trail system which will draw tourism to the area. Or perhaps your town needs better broadband access or a housing plan. Whatever economic development initiative your city or county is working on, there is a good chance you will need to use an important tool, called the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), to achieve your goal.

The new legislative session begins on February 12. Though we will not be crafting a new state budget this year, Minnesota faces a challenging fiscal situation that will significantly impact what we can realistically accomplish.

I recently sent the DCI a one sentence letter to the editor stating: “I predict that Donald Trump will not run for President but will run for Russia within six months.”
Karen wrote back to say it was too short, so if this gets too long you can blame her.

The Mantorville Theatre Company needs your help. 2023 saw a decline in revenues from pre-pandemic times (Theatre Arts groups have their own version of long COVID — not fun for people who have it or for organizations still in recovery.)

The recent article in the Dodge County Independent titled “Changing of State Flag is Short-sighted” written by Sheriff Scott Rose was spot-on. The only thing I might add is the expected costs to implement these changes and who will ultimately be stuck paying for it.

Congratulations are in order this week to two individuals honored at last Friday night’s Kasson Chamber of Commerce dinner and annual meeting.
Tanya Young was named Business Person of the Year and Kirk Swenson received the Chamber’s Legacy Award.
Young is well-known in Kasson and Dodge County for work with several nonprofit and community groups, primarily the Ready Set Learn program and the Dodge County Salvation Army.