“To be thankful for what I’ve experienced and to not take life so serious.” — Albert Lea Police Lt. Phil Bartusek, giving his New Year’s resolutions for 2008.

“Things are starting to happen in Freeborn County, and I think they’re going to continue.” — Albert Lea Economic Development Agency Executive Director Dan Dorman, at the ALEDA annual meeting in January.

“This is thrilling, beyond words for me. It means so much for me to come here.” — Actress Marion Ross, an Albert Lea native, about the dedication of the Albert Lea Civic Theatre as the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center in June.

“I think in general — from an economic perspective — they felt Romney was a little more up to speed on economic issues.” — Freeborn County Republican Chairman Mark Rofshus, of the Freeborn County Republican Party caucus results in February.

“You just have to see the smile on my face right now. This truly was an example of people working together, and I have to thank the community members for being heavily involved. I really consider it a community project. I’m so proud of everyone.” — District 27A Rep. Robin Brown in April, after hearing that Gov. Tim Pawlenty approved $2.5 million in bonding funds for a landfill cleanup.

“If we take that tool away from us, I really worry what will happen.” — ALEDA Executive Director Dan Dorman of the Jobs Opportunity Building Zones program, during debate about the program at the Capitol in April.

“The bottom line of this whole ordinance is, ‘Do you want a regulation to better regulate our rental housing stock?’ If you’re satisfied with the way it is now, this is not the ordinance for us. If you want to improve the health and safety of this community, then we should pass this.” — Albert Lea City Manager Victoria Simonsen, before a rental housing licensing ordinance public hearing in April.

“Maybe we went around this the wrong way. Maybe we should have started to involve people from the start.” —Albert Lea Mayor Randy Erdman after the public hearing for the rental housing licensing ordinance in April.

“I wish we could have saved it. It’s too bad.” — Judith McKinnon, ex-owner of the former Midwest Antiques building, after it was torn down in April.

“I’m looking forward to the campaign and getting out there and getting our message across. My enemy is not Robin Brown; my enemy is the policies and the politics.” — District 27A candidate Erik Larsen in April

“The opportunity that I have had to be a judge is probably the highlight of my career. It’s been invaluable.” — Freeborn County District Court Judge James E. Broberg, reflecting in April on his 10 1/2 years as a judge.

“We have been impressed from the beginning with how much the city has come forward on this. We’re convinced that if we move forward with the project, we’ll not only have support but leadership.” — Artspace Projects Inc. Resource Development Director Roy Close, on the second day of his visit to Albert Lea in May.

“I think it’s important that we do everything we can to work with the county and try to resolve this, and use closing it as the last resort.” — Second Ward Councilor Larry Baker at a council meeting in May during discussion about the compost site at the Albert Lea Transfer Station.

“This is a major public safety issue in my ward. I’ve been working on this for a few years … For the longest time it seemed like this was going nowhere.” — Third Ward Councilor George Marin, about the Sunset Street extension project in May.

“People are expecting these roads to be there; they’re used to traveling them. But because of the swirling waters and the churning of the water, it damaged these roads.” — Bob Kindler, with the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office, after 52-year-old Dale Wangen of rural Albert Lea died in a washed-out section of Freeborn County Road 34 in June.

“I think they’re going in the right direction. But I just hope that they go ahead and do it and not be at a standstill. We’ve sat dormant too long.” — Albert Lean Karen Mattson, after a community meeting in June for the city’s new comprehensive plan.

“Veterans Day is not just a day for veterans. It’s for all Americans.” — Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Dahlen at a Veterans Day ceremony inside the Freeborn County Courthouse.

“He was literally a product of his environment here. He was noble, he had impeccable integrity and honor and moral courage.” — Roger Martin, one of Corey Goodnature’s best friends in the Night Stalkers, in June at the Corey Goodnature Memorial Golf Tournament.

“I can tell you what: This will go to court. Somebody will get nailed on this — a landlord will — and this will go to court.” — Landlord Mike Carstens, during the fourth rental housing task force meeting in June.

“I started doing this because I love the city. I really enjoy the community, and I want to continue to help it to be the best it can be.” — Councilor Vern Rasmussen, after filing his bid for re-election in July.

“Her kids were her world. That is all she could talk about.” — Nikki Olsen, former classmate of Kelly Jo Abrego, after Abrego was killed in a second auto fatality in the washout area of Freeborn County Road 34 at the end of June.

“The shock has yet to fully wear off. It hasn’t really sunk in that Kelly is no longer with us.” — The Rev. Kenneth Jensen, who conducted the funeral service for Kelly Jo Abrego in July.

“It’s been a tough couple of days for the community of Albert Lea and Freeborn County … When a life is taken unexpectedly there is great emotion.” — The Rev. George Marin during the funeral service for Kelly John Pechumer, the third person to die in the washed out part of Freeborn County Road 34, in July.

“My birthday’s on Saturday — I can’t ask for a better birthday present.” — Area resident Louanna Pederson, after her son Spc. Nicholas Pederson returned to Albert Lea with Minnesota National Guard, D Company, 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry Regiment after a yearlong deployment in July.

“As quiet as I am, I think that I’ve been very productive and very competent in my service as a legislator. I think it’s important to continue in that work. — District 27A Rep. Robin Brown after announcing her intent in July to continue another term in the state House of Representatives.

“This was his lifelong dream. There’s lots of mixed emotions in losing this asset to the city.” — Albert Lea City Manager Victoria Simonsen, after the announcement in July that Albert Lea City Attorney Steve Schwab would become a new Freeborn County District Court judge.

“That’s the one good thing about streaks — before anyone starts talking about them you have to get up there with a good number. We felt like it was a badge of honor that it was even a big deal that we lost.” — Lake Mills volleyball head coach Jim Boehmer in November reflecting on the 62 consecutive conference matches the Bulldogs won. The streak came to an end to Osage 3-2 in the North Iowa Conference tournament.

“Do you ever wonder why so many people are taking time out of their lives to oppose the city council’s proposed licensing ordinance? Do you think all of these people who are against it are just bad landlords?” — Landlord Mike Carstens in a letter sent to area landlords after a rental housing task force meeting in July.

“Everybody else is making a big issue about this, but they’re not asking the council to do it. Everybody’s blaming the council, but nobody’s asked the council.” — Albert Lea Mayor Randy Erdman during debate at an August council meeting about whether to treat Fountain Lake to reduce its green hue.

“It is as we suspected. There was some alcohol involved.” — Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office investigator Will Beers in August about the second car wreck on Freeborn County Road 34, which killed two people.

“I look at the lake every day when I get up in the morning and every day when I come home. It is an issue we need to deal with.” — Councilor Larry Baker during discussion about whether to treat Fountain Lake in August.

“When they would do these things, they would pull the curtain enough, so when they heard a door open, they could stop. They were quite sneaky about what they were doing. She indicated that none of the residents said anything: ‘The ones they were targeting were those that have Alzheimer’s so bad, that they wouldn’t be able to say it or remember.’” — The Minnesota Department of Health report released in August alleging elder abuse at Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea.

“At this point, individuals who were either deemed to be involved in the alleged abusive actions or had knowledge of the incidents and failed to report in a timely manner are no longer employed at the center.” — Mark Dickerson, communications director for Good Samaritan Society, after the release of a Minnesota Department of Health Report concerning alleged elder abuse at Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea in August.

“I was doing what they were doing, kind of joking around about what we saw, but down deep, I was really wishing I had the nerve to be up there on stage,” — Albert Lean Scott Pirsig, reminiscing in February about watching high school theater productions when he was young.

“We were as incessant as the rain because the rain was a steady, steady drizzle. The drizzle never stopped and we never stopped. We just kept cutting into them and making a little impression here and there and the next thing you know we were up 4-0.” — Albert Lea girls’ soccer coach Rick Barnhill after a 4-0 win against New Ulm in September.

“We knew when we received the complaint that it would be a difficult investigation because of the condition of the victims. That made this investigation extremely difficult. We did what we could to collect the evidence we could.” — Albert Lea Police Chief Dwaine Winkels, after the release of a Minnesota Department of Health Report concerning alleged elder abuse at Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea in August.

“I think if we as a city are open and people have time to see what’s going on before the council meeting, the people will have less reason to be upset.” — Albert Lea Mayor-elect Mike Murtaugh in an interview with the Tribune in August. Murtaugh said one of the major reasons he decided to run for office was to attempt to get the city to be more transparent in its actions.

“I never asked ‘why me?’ through all of this. I just tried to stay focused on getting through it.” — Amy Wasson, reminiscing about her cancer journey in March. Wasson would go on to be the honorary co-chairwoman for the Freeborn County Relay for Life.

“Our first priority for today and in the coming days is to ensure the safety and well-being of those living in the Gulf Coast region. To all of those living in the Gulf states, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.” — First lady Laura Bush during the first day of the Republican National Convention in St. Paul in September.

“When the debates have ended, and all the ads have run, and it is time to vote, Americans will look closely at the judgment, the experience, and the policies of the candidates, and they will cast their ballots for the McCain-Palin ticket.” — President George Bush during the Republican National Convention in September.

“Unfortunately at a time when the ‘small guy’ needs a break, the city’s costs are going up at the same pace. After four years of tightened spending, there is little left to give. For the first time in my tenure, we are faced with difficult decisions of decreasing services or cutting staff.” — Albert Lea City Manager Victoria Simonsen in a letter prefacing the proposed 2009 budget in September.

“If they’ve got some assistance to offer or different eyes, I’ll be happy to take their assistance, as I’ve done in the past. I think it’s unwise for a small town and a small county attorney not to use all the assets out there.” — Freeborn County Attorney Craig Nelson, after the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office offered its assistance to Nelson in reviewing the allegations of abuse at Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea in September.

“It’s clear to me that I am a person from and of this community. Obviously I know and am friends with family members of the alleged victims. I know and am acquaintances of family members of the alleged perpetrators. I certainly am friends and have close friendships with people who are employees of Good Samaritan or who have been former employees of Good Samaritan.” — Freeborn County Attorney Craig Nelson in September, after he announced that the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office would prosecute the adults who allegedly took part in abuse at Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea.

“We need to be responsible for our current customers to our current industry we have here in the community to try to do the best job we can to keep them here, to help them expand.” — Councilor Larry Baker said during discussion in September about decreasing sewer rates for top-tier users within the city.

“They’re astounded. They don’t know what to say. They’re completely amazed.” — Derik DeVries, about his parents’ reaction to being selected for “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” in October.

“They are the most caring, loving, humble people we know. They are out there willing to help any way they can.” — Carole Ziebell of Lewiston, about the Dirk and Susan DeVries family, in October.

“He had to scrape me off the ceiling.” — Eileen VanderVegt, mother of Susan DeVries in October, about hearing her daughter’s family had been chosen for a home makeover.

“There’s not one adjective to describe what I saw. It was emotional, and there were tears of joy. I was just bawling.” — Grace DeVries, the sister of Dirk DeVries, the father of the “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” family, on the day of the “Move that Bus” scene in October.

“I think people like the fact that we have both a museum and village in one spot.” — Pat Mulso, executive director of the Freeborn County Historical Museum in May, speaking on getting ready for the museum’s 60th anniversary celebration.

“Two thousand years of grime doesn’t come off too easily.” — Dan Schindler of Albert Lea, speaking in August about his archeological dig in Israel.

“I just love my job. I never wanted to do anything else. It’s been my social life and my home away from home.” — Albert Lea Medical Center nurse Ruth Sather, honored in October for entering her 50th year of nursing.

“Every time we drive up that driveway, we’ll never forget it.” — Dirk DeVries on the day after he and his family saw their new home completed as part of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” in October.

“I already have two years experience, and anybody can look at my record. I always point back to, ‘Don’t listen to what I say, look at what I’ve done.’” — District 27A Rep. Robin Brown during the campaign season in October.

“I’m a small government person because by definition as government grows, your liberty is going to shrink. My impression of Robin is that she has no problem with government.” — District 27A candidate Erik Larsen during the campaign season in October.

“If you love this country, if you love your community … then you take responsibility for it. One of the ways you take responsibility for it is you vote.” — Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie during a visit to Albert Lea in October.

“This is the most important election of our lives. You’re not voting for the next four years, you’re voting for the next four generations.” — First District Congressman Tim Walz during a campaign stop in Albert Lea in October.

“When I first met this man … I knew he was coming across very much with the truth.” — Freeborn County Republican Party Chairman Tiny Brandt about U.S. House of Representatives candidate Brian Davis at the end of October.

“Just knowing how people felt and the fact they’ve given me this opportunity — I take it very seriously.” — Albert Lea Mayor-elect Mike Murtaugh on the night of the Nov. 4 election.

“I congratulate Mr. Murtaugh for his win. I was proud to serve the community for two years, but they obviously want to go another direction.” — Albert Lea Mayor Randy Erdman, after finding out he did not win re-election to the mayoral seat on the night of the Nov. 4 election.

“I have always lived in this smaller community. I know or have had dealings with many people. In this case I know people who work or have worked at Good Samaritan. I know people who currently live at Good Samaritan — some of those people are dear personal friends. I know some members of the families of both the nursing assistants involved in the case and the elderly persons who are the victims of improper care. However, I do not have any personal connections that would be the basis for claiming that I cannot do my job fairly or impartially.” — Freeborn County Attorney Craig Nelson in November after announcing the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office would no longer be assisting his office in prosecution against the four teenagers allegedly involved in abuse at the Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea.

“We’re in a recession, headed for a depression. With projected county budget shortfalls, it is our job to make the hard decisions to be fiscally responsible. We can’t keep raising taxes to fund spending beyond our means in order to increase wages; therefore, I propose a freeze on salaries and hiring.” — District 2 Commissioner Dan Belshan during a December Freeborn County Board of Commissioners meeting about 2009 salaries.

“It was a hard decision. If we had had another option, we would have taken it in a heartbeat.” — Albert Lea Public Library Director Peggy Havener in December, about closing the library on Sundays.

“I’m just trying to digest it. It’s my town, and it’s hard to believe.” — Lifetime Albert Lea resident Bob Haskins in December on allegations of elder abuse at Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea.

“Every life matters and we as a community — I feel we should be doing what we can to value those lives. It shouldn’t matter if there are three or five at a party.” — Councilor George Marin, during discussion about the city’s new social host ordinance in December.

“Not all of the charges are as they appear. Much of this has been distorted by the news media. My daughter was doing nothing more than performing the duties of her job.” — Michael Larson in a statement about his daughter Ashton Larson, one of the adults charged with alleged abuse of residents at Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea, on NBC’s “Today” show in December.

“If something like this can happen in a town like Albert Lea it can happen anywhere across the country.” — Wes Bledsoe, founder and president of A Perfect Cause, a nationally known watchdog group for nursing homes, in December.

“It’s funny, because you feel like you’re flying.” — Bridget Saxton, referring to how it feels to be carried. Saxton suffers from Perthes disease and was in a large cast for a few months.

“I want to live as long as I’m alive.” — Ninty-six-year-old swimnastics enthusiast Cora Peterson.

“Phil is the representation of what I would call the small town policeman that I grew up with and had as a mentor in my small home town in Wisconsin. His concern has always been the safety of the community, especially the young people and he is able to mentor them through their life issues.” — Albert Lea Community Development Director Bob Graham about the late Albert Lea Police Lt. Phil Bartusek in December.

“It was just a matter of time before I was going to leave it there and go. It would have been one of Albert Lea’s abandoned homes.” — Homeowner and former trucker Bruce Spilde in September on repairs he couldn’t afford to make to his home on Frank Hall Drive. A program through the Albert Lea Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Semcac and city government helped him get a $371,000 loan for repairs. Fifteen homes participated in the program in 2008.

“The more that die, the merrier. Because all we’re seeing is carp, I’m not too concerned at this point.” — Shell Rock River Watershed District Conservationist Andy Henschel on hundreds of carp dying in Albert Lea Lake and along the Shell Rock River during the summer.

“We do not have the money budgeted.” — Albert Lea Parks and Recreation Director Jay Hutchison in July, on a lack of city funds for a copper sulfate treatment to prevent Fountain Lake from turning green from excessive algae. He said an entire treatment costs $11,000.

“He loved the facility and thought a lot about our town.” — Bob Furland, facilities manager for the Albert Lea City Arena, in March on Barry Soskin’s interest in bringing a North American Hockey League team to Albert Lea. The Junior A team came to fruition in the fall as the Albert Lea Thunder.

“Visibility is so bad, we decided we’d rather be in where we’re warm and safe. You couldn’t see. You absolutely couldn’t see.” — Traveler Marilyn Abariotes, who in Janaury was headed to Blair, Neb., from St. Paul and opted to stay overnight at the Comfort Inn in Albert Lea because a blizzard with gusts as strong as 46 mph created dangerous driving conditions.

“Once you get above swings of 45 degrees, it gets pretty rare. They’re harder to come across.” — Minnesota Department of Natural Resources climatologist Pete Boulay, on the oddity of the same January blizzard. It brought a loss of 54 degrees within 42 hours. On Jan. 29, there was a difference of 46 degrees between the high and low temps.

“Reserving, however, to the county of Freeborn, its agents and invitees, the right of access to, egress and ingress, across said premises to and from the Jugland dam situated on or near the above described premises.” — A legal agreement from October 1958 between Freeborn County and C.D. Palmer, referring to the Jugland dam at the outlet of Albert Lea Lake. The passage was at the center of a controversy, which grew to its most heated point in October, about how to replace the dam.

“I haven’t had anybody call me and talk about this plan.” — Greg Jensen in October, protesting people who were upset with him but hadn’t contacted him to hear his views. In May, he purchased land next to the dam at the outlet of Albert Lea Lake, resulting in changed Freeborn County and Shell Rock River Watershed District plans for the dam and surrounding land.

“This is probably one of the biggest decisions we will make as commissioners.” — Freeborn County Commissioner Mark Behrends, who in October voted in favor of a joint bridge-dam project, but the county commissioners rejected the plan on a 3-2 vote after a lengthy and heated public hearing.

“The plan right now is to not have one.” — Albert Lea Area Schools Superintendent Dave Prescott announcing in October his plans to retire in June.

“I’m a believer in term limits, so I believe my term is probably up.” — Ken Peterson, announcing he wouldn’t seek re-election to the Albert Lea school board after serving for nine years and being chairman for seven.

“For small cities, survival is getting to be a challenge now.” — Conger Mayor Carla Lindeman in May on the difficulties small cities have with basic services because of reductions in local government aid.

“Albert Lea was known as a town for rodeos in the past, and it’s coming back.” — Troy Thompson, organizer for the Freeborn County Stampede, a PRCA rodeo held for the first time this year at the Freeborn County Fair.

“I’m the fish man. I’ve been trying to train them how to swim.” — Denny Galagan, who is the caretaker for the Conservation Building at the Freeborn County Fair. He was speaking to a class of preschool children touring the fair.

“Our biggest frustration is nobody is willing to make a decision.” — Minnesota Labor and Industry Commissioner Steve Sviggum on the problems with the workers’ compensation system.

“I’m really, really happy, maybe even three reallys.” — ALEDA Executive Director Dan Dorman on Oct. 1 at Albert Lea City Hall, on Mrs. Gerry’s Kitchen selecting Albert Lea for an expansion to handle growth in its line of mashed potatoes. The decision came after the Albert Lea City Council on Sept. 22 voted to reduce sewer rates by 25 percent.

“After analyzing it for months, the board had to shut it down for a while.” — Gary Pestorious, the chairman of the SoyMor Board of Governors, on the decision in March to shut down production at the SoyMor biodiesel plant near Glenville mainly because of the high price of soybean oil.

“To be real honest, I didn’t even know who he was.” — Albert Lea poker player Keith Anderson on tennis great Boris Becker. In December, Anderson won enough online poker to earn the opportunity to play poker against Becker in the Bahamas next month.

“I don’t think I ever heard my dad raise his voice, except maybe to holler in the cows.” — Former Albert Lea resident Jean Hanson, on her father Clare Knutson, who used to farm near Hayward. The man suffers from Alzheimer’s disease and is an alleged victim in a court case charging that elder abuse took place for five months at Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea.

“The miracle is I could have lost my life. Planes don’t typically become engulfed in flames.” — Albert Lean Jason Patton, a missionary to Guatemala and a pilot who in November stepped out of a crashed 1999 Kitfox Classic 4 experimental aircraft in Boulder, Colo., about two seconds before it was engulfed in flames.

“Alcohol is still the No. 1-used drug by teenagers.” — Albert Lea High School resource officer Ted Herman in August, who added it will continue to be No. 1 because of societal views.

“You need to define what welfare is.” — District 27A incumbent state Rep. Robin Brown, a DFLer, telling Republican challenger Erik Larson in an October debate that his definition of welfare includes support for nursing homes.

“More government is not the answer.” — District 27A Republican challenger Erik Larson, at the same debate saying additional government programs won’t help Freeborn County stem population loss.

“Maybe they’re not ready for another Clinton administration, and some of that that came forward.” — Mark Rofshus on Illinois Sen. Barack Obama’s success over New York Sen. Hillary Clinton in the Iowa caucuses in January. At the time, he was the Freeborn County Republican Party chairman.

“I think Huckabee is still a long shot to emerge as a nominee. I don’t think he’s likely to be the Republic nominee.” — Minnesota State University-Mankato political science professor Joseph Kunkel on the success Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee had in the Iowa caucuses.

“It’s refreshing to have an honest, straightforward politician like Gov. Palin.” — Duane Quam Jr., chairman of the Minnesota 1st Congressional District Republican Party, in September at the Republica National Convention in St. Paul during the nomination of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for the vice president on the GOP ticket.

“I could not be happier with the choice that was made, and I would love to have her as vice president.” — Tiny Brandt, chairman of the Freeborn County Republican Party, in September, on the nomination of Palin for the vice president.

“I run on a record. I know what it takes to actually fix a problem.” — U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman, at the Albert Lea Country Inn & Suites in March during his four-day, 15-stop re-election campaign kickoff tour.

“This is going to be significant financial hardship for our farmers.” — U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, during a tour in June of flood-damaged areas in eastern Freeborn County.

“Stick with your dream. Whatever it is you want to do, you can do it. I love you.” — Hollywood actress Marion Ross, during a commencement speech in June to the Albert Lea High School class of 2008. Ross grew up in Albert Lea.

“We couldn’t iron out our differences.” — Albert Lea Education Association President Jim Munyer in March, after arbitrator Rolland Toenges ruled on the side of the Albert Lea school board, increasing teacher pay by 2 percent each year for two-year contracts.

“It’s our take; it’s a different view for growing our county.” — Worth County Development Authority Director Kim Miller on why the gaming nonprofit pours more money into education than any other gaming nonprofit in Iowa.

“It is really nice; it is a family affair. They should really rename it Hansen Arena.” — Albert Lea High School wrestler Logan Hansen in January on Cory, Cody and Logan Hansen moving within two wins of a state title at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.

“This altercation has gone on for 20 years.” — Albert Lea Police Chief Dwaine Winkels in February, on a stabbing that was part of a longtime feud between the Cardona and Zuniga families.

“I can teach a forecheck in five minutes, but in order to do that forecheck you have to be adequate in the fundamentals.” — Albert Lea boys’ hockey coach Roy Nystrom talking in November about the team and keys for the season.

“I’m waiting for tomorrow to see if the Attorney General’s Office will give out flu shots.” — Isanti County lawyer Mark Benjamin in March, saying it is strange for the Department of Health to issue a legal opinion. One Albert Lea bar manager considered holding a “theater night” to allow patrons to smoke and to challenge the state smoking ban, but he changed his mind.

“It started off being a discussion of issues. It turned into a very volatile name-calling session.” — Jeanne Park, a former Albert Lea Art Center board member who on March 25 testified in Mower County District Court about a Dec. 13 board meeting where an attempt to resolve issues between the landlord and the board turned ugly.

“High feed and energy-related costs have made it difficult for Willow Brook to continue operating.” — Mike Briggs, president of Willow Brook, in late March. Cargill purchased Willow Brook, parent company of the Schweigert Foods plant in Albert Lea.

“They do Dairy Queen just like we do and truly saw the value in our people.” — Kraus Foods owner Ron Kraus, who in March sold 33 of his 41 Dairy Queen restaurants to Fourteen Foods.

“I want my little girls growing up knowing they can make a difference on a great big, national level.” — Freeborn County Engineer Sue Miller in May on becoming president of the National Association of County Engineers at a convention in Portland, Ore., in late April.

“If you’re going to have a good program as opposed to a good team, you’ve got to have freshmen and sophomores coming all the time. The veterans and better athletes have more impact on your success as a team, you naturally have a tendency to visit with those kids more. I tell them if they’re getting their name in the paper and getting medals and they’re getting recognition they don’t need recognition from me like the younger kids do. They don’t need to feel important because they already feel like they’re making a big contribution. If you want to keep your program going the kids you have to talk to are the kids that aren’t getting that.” — United South Central boys’ and girls’ track and cross country coach Kent Viesselman reflecting in April on how he’s built a successful program through the course of his 40-plus years of coaching.