Located in Kasson, the first village newspaper was the Dodge County Republican, which published its first issue May 3, 1867. Ulysses B. Shaver was publisher and editor. Benjamin A. was at the helm from 1898 to 1903, followed by Julius P. Nottage and George W. Nottage 1903 – 1938. From 1938 to 1942 James Melone published the Republican, succeeded by Harold and Vanya Sattler, 1942 – 1949.

The name, Dodge County Republican, was changed to Dodge County Independent, June, 1949, when the paper was purchased by Philip S. Duff, Jr., and Bernard A. Montgomery. In the early 1950’s Ralph Walker and Bernard A. Montgomery were the owners and publishers. In June of 1963, Folmer Carlsen became owner and publisher, and currently the owner and publisher is Randy Carlsen.