A thank you to Mary

Letter to the Editor

A year ago the DCI ran a front page news article on how the library had cut the hours of Mary Kramer and closed the library on Saturdays because of “budget cuts”. At a special meeting of the Kasson Public Library Board on Oct. 21, 2011; the board voted to terminate Mary Kramer’s job as the circulation librarian that she has held for 20 years. The board did not even give Mary a verbal “thank you” for the years of dedicated work for our library and they did not allow those of us in attendance to speak and say “thank you” to her. So I am writing this letter to publicly say “thank you” to Mary Kramer for her skillful work in serving our community. She has helped countless people over the years with her knowledge of books and media that cannot be replaced. The library patrons have suffered a big loss of service by her dismissal.

I wonder how Kasson can afford a new larger library that will require more staff and a larger budget when we can’t afford Mary and we can’t be open on Saturdays.

            With deep sadness,
            Clint Patterson
            Past President
            Friends of the Kasson Library
   

Click it or Ticket!

Letter to the Editor

Click It or Ticket

Motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death for people between the ages of five and 34.  Crashes also cause millions of serious injuries each year. Every 10 seconds, someone is treated in an emergency department for a crash-related injury.

The simple act of buckling up is the best way to save lives and reduce injuries from crashes. In a crash, wearing a seat belt reduces your chance of being killed or seriously injured by half.

During October 14-27, law enforcement is conducting increased “click it or ticket” seat belt patrols. Officers will stop and ticket unbelted drivers or passengers. This campaign aims to increase belt use and stop preventable deaths and injuries.

Wear your seat belt on every trip, no matter how short, and insist that everyone else in the car is buckled too.

Remember, every person, every seat, every trip… “Click-It.”

       Guy Kohlnhofer

Letter To the Editor:

Dear Dodge County 4-H families, county commissioners, school personnel, businesses, community members, newspaper editors and friends.

It seems like only yesterday that I was sitting in the basement of the Wells Fargo Bank in Dodge Center interviewing for the position of the Dodge County 4-H Program Coordinator. I remember that I got teary eyed when they asked me why I wanted the position. I explained that 4-H had been an important part of my life and that in particular, my 4-H agent, Cindy Grass, had a huge impact on me because she believed in me, helped build my self-confidence and taught me life skills that I still use today and that I wanted to have the opportunity to be someone's "Cindy Grass."

With ongoing problems with seizures and being recently diagnosed with Lupus I cannot make a commitment to giving 100% to my job. So as you can imagine, it is with great sadness that I must tell you that it has been decided that it is in the best interest of the Dodge County 4-H Program that a permanent Program Coordinator be hired. I will remain on unpaid leave for the next two years in the hope that my health will become manageable. At which time, I can explore other opportunities at the University.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the youth, parents, adult leaders, businesses, fair board members, auction buyers, school personnel, community members, and county commissioners who have been a vital part of the growth and success of the 4-H program in Dodge County. It has been so rewarding to watch fourth graders I worked with graduate from high school, and to see some of the youth I have worked with go on to college to follow their dreams. Watching the youth who had struggled finding that one thing that they were really good at and once they found it watching the ripple effect that success had on everything they did was amazing. The support I received from the parents and adult leaders and the entire community was second to none and made it possible for me to do my job – without all of you - it would have been impossible. I wish nothing but the best for all of you. All of you were like an extended family to me. I hope that the new program coordinator will appreciate how lucky he or she is to be a part of such a great community.

My final thought is that I hope that in the nine years that I served in Dodge County, I touched the life of at least one youth, and was their "Cindy Grass" and helped them feel more confident, taught them life skills that they will use for the rest of their lives and gave them the feeling that someone in addition to their parents and teachers, believed in them.

Thanks again from the bottom of my heart!   
  
            Sincerely,
            Diane Whalen

The Fire Departments of Kasson & Mantorville urge residents of their respective communities and rural fire districts to take steps to prevent home fires

A fire at home can occur in just about any room of the house and even outdoors. While one can't account for natural disasters or other unforseen problems, there are many steps homeowners can take to prevent fires.

• Check the cords on all appliances and electronics. Replace any frayed or damaged cords or wires.

• Do not overload outlets or rely heavily on multi-plug power strips.

• Keep cords out of the reach of children and pets.

• When cooking in the kitchen, always be present while food is on the stove or in the oven. Flare-ups can occur at a moment's notice.

• Don't store items over the stove. They can fall and ignite.

• Turn pot handles so that children can't reach them and pull them over, risking burns.

• Be sure appliance vents have room to "breathe."

• Have the chimney checked and cleaned regularly.

• Use a metal or glass fireplace screen to block embers.

• Limit the use of portable space heaters around the home.

• Use extreme caution with cigarettes and ashtrays. Empty them frequently when signs of heat and burning are gone.

• Use light bulbs that are at the recommended wattage for a fixture.

• Don't place any electrical items by water in the bathroom.

• Store flammable materials in a locked metal container in the basement or garage.

• Service the furnace and hot water heater on a regular basis.

• Do not store items too close to the furnace.

• Be sure every level of the home is equipped with working smoke detectors.

• Keep one or two fire extinguishers charged and at the ready.

There will be a special guest at the Kasson Fire Department open house Wednesday, October 12 from 6-8 p.m. “Flash the Fire Dog” will be on hand. He will be a special guest of Johannes Marsland, owner of Vigilant Fire Protection of Kasson.