Sunday, february 26, 2012

Look for these inserts inside:

Page 2 • Albert Lea Tribune • Sunday, February 26, 2012 PROGRESS 2012

Table of ContentsEducationReading and creating relationships

Patricia Dollum found joy in being a volunteer reader at Hawthorne Elemen-tary School. Page 1

Meet the new teachers of Albert Lea School District

There were more than 30 new educa-tors hired this year. We tell you about each and every one, including what their favorite sandwiches are. Page 1

By the numbersSix figures describe a few key aspects

of the Albert Lea School District: debt schedule, teacher pay, enrollment, staff, cost of education, general fund. Page 2

NeighborsRemember the Freeborn Yeomen

Historic photos provide a trip down memory lane for the remaining gradu-ates of Freeborn High. Pages 1 & 2

Remember the Emmons Eagles

Freeborn and Emmons used to have a rivalry, before consolidation changed everything. See photos from back in the day. Pages 1 & 6

Neighbors by the numbersCheck out handy at-a-glance informa-

tion on all the incorporated communi-ties in the Albert Lea area, including updated census figures. Page 1

Wells shinesThis city of 2,300 is showing how to

keep a small-town downtown filled. New businesses have come and more appear on the horizon. Page 2

Recover, restart and do even better

Looking back, floods appear some-what of a blessing for Morgan’s Meat Market. The disaster hurt, but it gave the store owner a chance to start all over. Page 3

A moose of a reputation …What’s the story behind the moose

on the wall at Lerberg’s Food in El-lendale? The tale goes back to the year 1919. Page 3

Meet the perfect kindergarten teacher

Meet Deb Louters of the Christian school in Hollandale. She loves being a teacher. Page 4

Watch for the Little OnesFacebook page urges the passing of

stronger laws for school bus stop-arm violations and provides continuing dis-cussion on the loss of Kadyn Halverson of Kensett. Page 5

The joys of local tourismIowa website highlights the favorite

attractions of northern Iowa, from the Top of Iowa Welcome Center to the Little Brown Church. Page 5

Photographer’s choiceDarcy Sime of Alden share some of

her favorite photographs. Page 6

Honoring the eastern Faribault County veterans

(And western Freeborn County vets, too.) A memorial is going up in Wells to honor veterans of the communities of Alden, Bricelyn, Easton, Delavan, Free-born, Kiester, Minnesota Lake, Walters and Wells. Page 7

A night out in GlenvilleA freelancer takes her mom out for a

date at The Office and enjoys the good food and friendly faces. Page 7

Then & NowSee historic photos from Clarks

Grove, Geneva, Myrtle, Hayward, Man-chester and Twin Lakes, then see those places today. Pages 8 & 9

Setting a course for successBy the time the Lake Mills volley-

ball players are seniors, they will have played nine seasons of the sport. No wonder they win. Page 10

People & DemographicsJust an average family

Learn more about the wife, son, daughter and pet of Albert Lea Mayor Vern Rasmussen. Page 1

A day in gym classSee photographs of a physical educa-

tion class at Lakeview Elementary School. Pages 1 & 4

Learning a variety of vehicles

Students at Riverland use tools and technology to learn how to repair old and new automobiles. Pages 2 & 3

The early birdsMeet the men who arrive at B&B Cafe

before everyone else. They like the cof-fee and conversation. Page 5

Bilingual Mass still popularSt. Theodore Catholic Church has of-

fered a Mass in Spanish since 2001. Read the story in English or Spanish. Page 5

Photos of youThe Albert Lea Tribune does many

Prairie Profiles over the course of a year. See photographs of profile sub-jects in the past year. Pages 6 & 7

Fast factsGet handy information on Freeborn

County and the counties that surround it, plus numbers about Minnesota and Iowa. Page 8

Elementary schools have 3 new principals

Meet Eric Hudspith at Lakeview, Karen Zwolenski at Hawthorne and Matt Esterby at Halverson. Page 9

Family & HomeA man and his cave

Mike Swalve’s basement is something to see. It has a bar, beer on tap, a pool table, a kitchen, an overhead televi-sion, beer signs, log furniture and wood paneling. Page 1

Albert Lea weather by the numbers

What’s the record for snowfall in a day? How about precipitation? High temperature? Page 1

How to turn this … into this

Designs from Freeborn Lumber Co. & Design Center help homeowners envi-sion their plans. Page 2

Meet the homeownersWhat’s it like to be a first-time hom-

eowner and how hard was it to find the right home? Page 3

Hot rodsFrom Buicks to go-carts, you sent us

photographs of your hot rods, and we printed them. Pages 4 & 5

Projected labor force by county

What do Minnesota officials think will happen with Freeborn County and surrounding counties in coming decades? Page 5

Where in the Lea are these places?

Can you match photos to a list of places? You probably have seen these out and about. Pages 6 & 7

Then & NowSee historic photos of historic homes

in Albert Lea, then see what they look like today. Page 8

Ag & IndustryA new kind of energy

Never seen before! We show the

inner workings of the Poet Glenville ethanol plant. Page 1

How much will we get?The Bent Tree Wind Farm probably

is just the first wind farm in Freeborn County. More are expected. Page 2

Leaders breed leadersThe Albert Lea chapter of the Nation-

al FFA Organization teaches students about leadership, business and commu-nity involvement. Page 3

4-H’ers enjoy new categories

Participant pool for 4-H contests at the Freeborn County Fair keeps grow-ing and so do the categories. Page 4

It’s all in the detailsCustomers at Red Carpet Car Wash

get a choice. They can get an automatic wash 24 hours a day or get a detail cleaning by hand during normal work hours. Page 5

The one, the only … Mug Shots

Whether it is Minnesota Corrugated Box or 4 Seasons Travel, the workplace is fueled by coffee. See the interesting cups from which people drink their java juice. Page 6

Just about any type of cleaning

Fire? Sewer? Baby? ServiceMaster Clean on Front Street will make any interior look like new again. Page 7

Taking care of businessPhotos the Albert Lea Tribune staff

took in the past year while covering lo-cal business. Pages 8 & 9

Freeborn County industry by the numbers

How many dollars of the local econ-omy are generated by the food process-ing industry? Find out. Pages 10 & 11

Health & BusinessMending more than just teeth

Marko Kamel of Uptown Dental is a cosmetic dentist who offers Botox and Juvederm injections. Pages 1 & 2

A stroll around the Blue Zones Walkway

The five-mile walk (or jog, run, bike) around Fountain Lake offers several popular sights to see. Page 1

New medical professional settles in at Mayo

Doctor from Thief River Falls prefers living closer to Twin Cities and to Deco-rah, Iowa. Page 3

Mayo Clinic Health System in A.L. by the numbers

How many births happened in 2011 at the maternity ward? How many ad-missions? Find out. Page 4

Spin cycleSpinning classes go over well at the

Albert Lea Family Y. Spinning means riding a stationary bike. Page 5

Signs, signs everywhere a sign

From Alpha Orthodontics to Wen-dy’s, signs decorate the landscape of Albert Lea. Pages 6 & 7

Stylish cakesThe owner of Sugar Chic Cake De-

signs makes baked goods with a distinc-tive flair. Page 8

The parks of Albert LeaCut this list out and save it for the

next time your business needs to recruit an employee to Albert Lea. Page 9

Investing in YouthWhy do businesses sponsor sports

programs in Albert Lea? Because they care about children. Pages 10 & 11

Faith & charitiesCreating a warm environment

Anchorage, Alaska, is a long way from Albert Lea. But the new pastor at Crossroads Church is getting used to the flatness of the Midwest. Page 1

Meet 5 young Christians from the area

Find out what church they attend, where they live and their favorite Bible verses. Pages 1 & 6

A marriage of 2 religionsMichigan woman meets Minnesota

man. She practices Judaism and he Christianity. They make it work by learning about both faiths. Page 2

New pastors in the areaMeet the new pastors at Bear Lake

Concordia Lutheran Church in Conger and at Thorne Crest Retirement Com-munity. Page 2

Father and daughter travel to Haiti

This is a story of a former Albert Lea family that now resides in Fergus Falls and goes on missions. Page 3

Name that churchDo you recognize these churches

based on the crosses they have on their exterior? Pages 4 & 5

Freeborn County residents save thousands on prescriptions

FamilyWize is a program available at many local pharmacies. Page 8

Community & Gov’tQ&A with Chad Adams

The Albert Lea Tribune sits down with the new Albert Lea city manager and asks him about his first six months on the job. Page 1

Hot steppersElementary students show their skills

with jumping rope at halftime of a bas-ketball game. Pages 2 & 3

Ghost towns of Freeborn County

Been to Bancroft, Bath, Buckeye, Crayon Park, Deer Creek, Dorwart, Fairfield, Itasca, Knatvold, Lerdal, Moscow, Newry, St. Nicholas, Sigsbee, Sumner and Trenton? Pages 4, 5, 7 & 9

Community LifeBorn into music

Meet Tim Stoneking, a musician who was taught by his grandma how to play a piano at age 7. Page 1

What’s new with Ben?Ben Woodside was playing basketball

in France. Then in Slovenia. But now he is Georgia — the former Soviet republic, not the U.S. state. Pages 2 & 3

Shades of Jade gardensMembers of the Shades of Jade Gar-

den Club share their gardens, as seen last summer. Page 5

They are the keys to success

Meet two friendly faces behind the Success Coach program at Albert Lea High School. Page 6

Albert Lea adopted its integration plan from Austin

Success coaches help students deal with hurdles like being new, getting bullied or esteem issues. Pages 6 & 7

What’s the future hold?Handy figures that project the popu-

lation for area counties. Page 7

Photographer Darcy Sime of Alden shares some of her favorites in the Neighbors section. Above is a rural sunset over a farm near Alden.

PROGRESS 2012 Sunday, February 26, 2012 • Albert Lea Tribune • Page 3

Accentra Credit Union ................................................. Community Life ............... 9Accents Decorating ................................. Community and Government ................7ACT ......................................................... Community and Government ................5Addies Gifts & Flower ............................. Community and Government ................5Ag Power ........................................................ Agriculture and Industry ............... 2Ag Power ......................................................................... N - Hollandale ............... 4ALAMCO Wood Products LLC .................................... Community Life ............... 8ALBDC ...................................................................Business and Health .............. 11Albert Lea Area Schools ........................................................ Education ............... 2Albert Lea Electric ........................................................ Home & Family ............... 2Albert Lea Family Y ..................................................... Community Life ............... 4Albert Lea Seedhouse .................................... Agriculture and Industry ............... 3Albert Lea Seedhouse ............................. Community and Government ............... 3Albert Lea Steel Service Center ..................... Agriculture and Industry ............... 8Albert Lea Veterinary Clinic ........................................ Community Life ............... 4All Weather Roof ........................................... Agriculture and Industry ..............10Alliance Benefit Group ................................................ Community Life ............... 9Almco ............................................................. Agriculture and Industry ..............12AmericInn .................................................................... Community Life ............... 9Antiques of the Midwest ......................... Community and Government ................5Applebee’s ................................................................Faith and Charities ................7Assembly of God Church .........................................Faith and Charities ............... 3Audibel ...................................................................Business and Health ............... 3B & D Metal Works, Inc. .......................................................... N - Wells ............... 2Becker Auto........................................................................ N - Hayward ............... 9Best Western Plus ..................................................Business and Health ..............10Big Toe Excavating ...................................................... Community Life ............... 4Bonnerup Funeral Service ...................... Community and Government ..............10Bonnerup Funeral Service .................................................N - Ellendale ............... 3Bonnerup Funeral Service ......................................... N - New Richland ............... 3Boss Supply Inc. ............................................ Agriculture and Industry ............... 2Bowman Electric .......................................................... Community Life ................5Broskoff Structures ...............................................................N - Geneva ............... 8Bruss Heitner Funeral Homes ................................................ N - Wells ............... 2Casa Zamora ............................................................Faith and Charities ................7Certified Travel ............................................................ Community Life ............... 4Chamber ALFC ......................................................Business and Health ..............10Cheers Liquor ..........................................................Faith and Charities ................7Christianson Plumbing & Heating .............................. Community Life ................7City of Albert Lea ...................................................Business and Health .............. 11Clarks Grove Hardware ............................................... N - Clarks Grove ............... 8Clarks Grove Veterinary Clinic ....................................N - Clarks Grove ............... 8Clover Leaf Lions ......................................................... Community Life ................7Collins Auto Repair .........................................People & Demographics ................5Complete Home Inspection, Inc ................................. Community Life ............... 6Com-Tec ..............................................................................N - Glenville ................7Conger Catering .................................................................... N - Conger ............... 6Conger Meats ........................................................................ N - Conger ............... 6Country Care Boarding Kennel ...................................N - Clarks Grove ............... 8Countryside RV Service ............................................... Community Life ............... 4CPS Mansfield .............................................................. Community Life ............... 4Craig’s Taxidermy .............................................................. N - Freeborn ............... 2Crescendo Exquisite Food & Wine ..........................Faith and Charities ................7Crossroads Church ..................................................Faith and Charities ............... 3Crow Wing Kayaks ....................................................... Community Life ............... 4Curt’s Pharmacy .......................................................... Community Life ............... 4Dahl Farm Supply .......................................... Agriculture and Industry ................5Dawson Properties ...................................................... Community Life ............... 6Daybreakers Kiwanis ................................................... Community Life ................7Daycare Page .......................................... Community and Government ............... 6Dewey Kruger Music ..................................................... N - Northwood ................5Diamond Jo ............................................ Community and Government ............... 9Dinah’s Style ............................................................Faith and Charities ............... 6Donna Nelson Insurance, Inc. ................................................ N - Alden ............... 6Doug’s Sandblasting .................................................... Community Life ............... 4Dr. Lundstrom, D.D.S. ..........................................Business and Health ................5Dras Cases, Inc. .....................................................Business and Health ............... 8Eastside Liquor ........................................................Faith and Charities ................7Erlandson’s .................................................... Agriculture and Industry ............... 3Expressions Salon ....................................................Faith and Charities ............... 6Falkstone ....................................................................... N - Northwood ................5Family Dental Center ...................................................... N - Lake Mills ..............10Farm Bureau Financial Services ................................... N - Northwood ................5Farmer’s Mutual Insurance of Manchester ..................N - Manchester ............... 9Farmers State Bank ...................................................................... InsertFarmer’s State Bank ...................................... Agriculture and Industry ............... 2Featherlite Graphics ................................................... Community Life ............... 9First Lutheran Church .............................................Faith and Charities ............... 2First National Bank - Ellendale .........................................N - Ellendale ............... 3Flaherty’s Hi-Tech Motorwerks ................................... Home & Family ............... 4Fleet Farm .................................................................... Community Life ............... 4Freeborn Construction ............................................Faith and Charities ............... 8Freeborn County ........................................................................... InsertFreeborn County Co-op Oil Co. .............. Community and Government ............... 8Freeborn Lumber Company ......................................... Home & Family ................7Freeborn Mower Cooperative ................ Community and Government ............... 3Geno’s Plumbing ....................................................Business and Health ............... 8George’s of Geneva ...............................................................N - Geneva ............... 8Glenville Plumbing .............................................................N - Glenville ................7Glenville Short Stop ............................................................N - Glenville ................7Good Samaritan .......................................................Faith and Charities ............... 2Grace Lutheran Church ...........................................Faith and Charities ............... 3Green Lea Golf Course .....................................People & Demographics ................7Green Mill ................................................................Faith and Charities ................7Hagen & Associates ....................................... Agriculture and Industry ................7Hanna Heating and Cooling ........................................ Community Life ............... 4Hanson Tire ................................................................. Community Life ............... 2Hart Brothers Weaponry .................................People & Demographics ............... 3Hayward Co-op .................................................................. N - Hayward ............... 9Hemenway Storage ............................................................ N - Hayward ............... 9Holiday Inn Express - Northwood ................................ N - Northwood ................5Home Federal Bank ...................................................... Home & Family ............... 6Indoor Tech ................................................................. Community Life ............... 4Injection Technology Diesel Service ............................. N - Northwood ................5Innovance ...................................................... Agriculture and Industry ..............12Interstate Packaging ...................................... Agriculture and Industry ..............10ISC Financials ............................................................... Home & Family ............... 6ITC .......................................................... Community and Government ................7Jag Tours ....................................................... Agriculture and Industry ..............10Jan Jerdee - Blue Cross Blue Shield ............................ Community Life ............... 4Jensales Inc ...................................................................N - Manchester ............... 9Johnson Heating .................................... Community and Government ................5Jordahl Meats ................................................................N - Manchester ............... 9Karl’s Carquest.................................................People & Demographics ................7Kee Lanes .............................................................................. N - Kiester ................7KIMT ....................................................... Community and Government ............... 2KIMT ............................................................................. Home & Family ............... 3Knutson Oil Co./H&K Propane ..........................................N - Glenville ................7KOA Kampground ............................................................. N - Hayward ............... 9L&D Ag Service .................................................................. N - Hartland ............... 4Lake Mills Chamber Development .................................. N - Lake Mills ..............10Lake Mills Community Schools ....................................... N - Lake Mills ..............10Larson Allen ............................................ Community and Government ................7

Larson Contracting ........................................................................Index ............... 4Larson Manufacturing ..................................................... N - Lake Mills ..............10Lembke Construction, Inc. ........................................... Home & Family ............... 3Lou Rich ......................................................... Agriculture and Industry ..............12M&S Outdoor Equipment .....................................Business and Health ................5Main Street Dental .................................................... N - New Richland ............... 3Manchester-Hartland Telephone Co. ...........................N - Manchester ............... 9Manpower ...................................................... Agriculture and Industry .............. 11Mark Schmitz State Farm ........................................................ N - Wells ............... 2Mary Go Round ...................................... Community and Government ................5Massage Connections ............................................Business and Health ............... 3Master Plumbing ........................................................ Community Life ............... 9Minnesota Abstract ....................................... Agriculture and Industry ................7Minnesota Corrugated Box ........................... Agriculture and Industry .............. 11Minnesota School of Business ............................................... Education ............... 4Morreim Drainage .........................................................N - Manchester ............... 9Mrs. Gerry’s Salads ..........................................People & Demographics ............... 8Nancy’s Café............................................ Community and Government ................5National Guard ....................................... Community and Government ............... 2Nelson’s Market Place ................................................. Community Life ............... 4Nelson’s Shell ............................................................... Community Life ............... 4New Dimension Electronics ................... Community and Government ............... 2New To You ............................................. Community and Government ................5NIACC .................................................................................... Education ............... 3Nick’s Country Store .......................................................... N - Hayward ............... 9Nick’s Used Cars .................................................................N - Glenville ................7Noon Kiwanas .............................................................. Community Life ................7North American Mat Company ...................................... N - Hollandale ............... 4North American Title ............................. Community and Government ................5Northbridge Mall .............................................People & Demographics ............... 9Northern Country Co-op ........................................................ N - Alden ............... 6Northland Custom Interiors .......................................... N - Northwood ................5Northstar Powersports ........................... Community and Government ............... 2Northwood Lumber ....................................................... N - Northwood ................5Northwood Theatre ....................................................... N - Northwood ................5Northwood True Value .................................................. N - Northwood ................5Oak Park Place .................................................People & Demographics ............... 2Oakview Golf Club ............................................................. N - Freeborn ............... 2One in Christ ............................................................Faith and Charities ............... 3Orthodontic Health Center....................................Business and Health ............... 3Our Father’s House .................................................Faith and Charities ............... 3Our Savior’s Lutheran Church ................................Faith and Charities ............... 2Panels Plus ..................................................... Agriculture and Industry ..............12Parts City Auto Parts ............................................................... N - Wells ............... 2Plaza Morena ...........................................................Faith and Charities ................7Poet ................................................................ Agriculture and Industry ............... 4Produce State Bank ..................................................... Community Life ............... 3Produce State Bank ........................................................ N - Hollandale ............... 4R & R Flooring ........................................................................ N - Alden ............... 6Raleigh’s Ace Hardware .............................................. Community Life ................5Reinertson’s Embroidery ....................... Community and Government ................5Rich Murray ................................................................. Community Life ................5Riverland Community College .............................................. Education ............... 4Ron’s LP ........................................................................... N - Lake Mills ..............10Round Prairie Lutheran Church .............................Faith and Charities ............... 3Royal Lawn .................................................................. N - Clarks Grove ............... 8Royal Sports ................................................................. N - Clarks Grove ............... 8RWP ............................................................................. Community Life ..............10Salem Lutheran Church ..........................................Faith and Charities ............... 3Salvation Army ............................................................ Community Life ................5Sanderson Auto ...................................... Community and Government ............... 9Security Bank ...................................................People & Demographics ............... 2Select Foods ................................................................. Community Life ..............10Service Master ............................................................. Community Life ............... 4Shell Rock River Watershed ......................................................... InsertShell Rock River Watershed ............................People & Demographics ............... 9Signature Real Estate ................................................... Home & Family ............... 3Signatures Supper Club ................................................. N - Northwood ................5Southbridge Mall ......................................................... Community Life ............... 2Southern Lock & Glass ..........................................Business and Health ..............10Southside Custom ........................................................ Community Life ............... 4St. John’s Lutheran Home.......................................Faith and Charities ............... 8St. Theodores School .............................. Community and Government ................7Stacia’s Grooming and Pet Boutique........................... Community Life ............... 4State Bank of Clarks Grove ..................... Community and Government ............... 3State Bank of New Richland ...................................... N - New Richland ............... 3State Farm Insurance/Nancy VanderWaerdt .............. Home & Family ............... 6State Line Electric ...............................................................N - Glenville ................7Studio 22 ..................................................................Faith and Charities ............... 6Syverson Ford ..................................................People & Demographics ..............10The Albert Lea Art Center ...................... Community and Government ................5The Image Hair Salon ..............................................Faith and Charities ............... 6The Square Yard, Inc. ........................................................... N - Kiester ................7The Vineyard Church ...............................................Faith and Charities ............... 3Thompson Electric ................................................Business and Health ............... 9Thompson Oil ................................................................. N - Hollandale ............... 4Thompson Sanitation ......................................People & Demographics ............... 9Thorne Crest ................................................................ Community Life ............... 9Thorne Crest ................................................................................. InsertThree In One ............................................................Faith and Charities ................7Tim’s Auto & Tire Sales ......................................................N - Glenville ................7Titan Machinery ............................................ Agriculture and Industry ............... 3TNT Appliance ........................................ Community and Government ................5Total Glass & Lock ........................................................ Home & Family ............... 8Trades & Labor Federal Credit Union .... Community and Government ................5Trading Post................................................... Agriculture and Industry ................5Troy Thompson Agency ................................. Agriculture and Industry ............... 8Ulland Brothers ........................................................... Community Life ............... 6United Methodist Church ........................................Faith and Charities ............... 3United Way of Freeborn County .............................Faith and Charities ............... 4Uptown Dental.......................................................Business and Health ............... 2US Bank ...........................................................People & Demographics ............... 8Van Wilgen Drainage ...................................................... N - Hollandale ............... 4Ventura Foods .......................................................Business and Health .............. 11Vern Eide Chevrolet..................................................... Community Life ............... 3Vern Eide Chevrolet...................................................................... InsertVillage Cooperateive ................................................... Community Life ............... 6Waldorf College ..................................................................... Education ............... 3Wangen Excavating ..................................................... Community Life ............... 4Water Craft Corperation .......................................................... N - Wells ............... 2Wedgewood Cove Golf Club .......................... Agriculture and Industry .............. 11Wedgewood Cove Golf Club ......................................................... InsertWells Federal Bank ...................................................... Community Life ............... 2Wells Insurance Agency .......................................................... N - Wells ............... 2Wells Market Place .................................................................. N - Wells ............... 2WFS ....................................................................................... N - Briclyn ................7WFS .......................................................................................... N - Wells ............... 2Workforce Development, Inc ...................................... Community Life ............... 4Zenk, Read, Trygstad ................................................... Community Life ............... 3Zion Lutheran Church .............................................Faith and Charities ............... 2Zogg Dermatology, PLC .........................................Business and Health ............... 3Zumbro River Brand Inc. .............................. Agriculture and Industry ............... 4

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

Page 4 • Albert Lea Tribune • Sunday, February 26, 2012 PROGRESS 2012

Sunset Farms

Steller in Garner, IA Your Single Source Contractor

Commercial • IndustrialRetail/Service

www.larsoncontracting.com info@larsoncontracting.com

1-800-765-1426

508 West Main StreetP.O. Box 68

Lake Mills, IA 50450641-592-5800507-373-6645

Lou Rich

Wedgewood Cove Golf Course

Our team will take youfrom concept to completion

with maximum efficiency& superior quality

Celebrating 35 Years

in Business!