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Nose for News by Sarah Stultz

There’s no question that Albert Lea has a lot of kind, giving people.

That’s why in 2018 we started honoring a Citizen of the Year each year in our annual Progress edition.

The people recognized in the years since have varied in factors like age, livelihood and backgrounds, but they all have had one thing in common — they went over and above the average person in their efforts to better the community.

Another year has passed, and it is that time again to look for nominations of who you think deserves the recognition this year.

While there are surely people who have done great things over the course of their lives, we’re particularly interested in people who have made an impact during the last year, and if possible, over a large part of the community.

Our first year, we recognized Holly Karsjens, who at the time had started her own business and had become a vocal advocate for Albert Lea through her words, passion for planning community events and working behind the scenes on community boards.

In the years since, we’ve recognized Norm Fredin, Brad Arends, Johanna Thomas, Eileen Woyen, Cindy Gandrud and Darryl Meyer.

We also recognized Aaron Farris as the Junior Citizen of the Year, and hope this year we will receive nominations for a youth who is worthy to receive recognition as well.

If you have anyone you think deserves the recognition — adult or youth — we ask that you email me at sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com. Please include information about the individual for our Citizen of the Year Committee to review and why you think this person should be recognized.

Whoever is selected will be featured in the 2024 Progress edition, which publishes Feb. 24.

Send in your Naeve Hospital memories

As part of our Progress edition, we are also looking to publish memories over the years of Naeve Hospital.

If you have a memory of yourself or another family member that you would like to submit, you can email that to me, as well.

The Progress edition is coming along nicely, and we’re busy writing, taking photos and contacting businesses for this year’s section.

Sarah Stultz is the managing editor of the Tribune. Her column appears every Wednesday.