Nose for News by Sarah Stultz

 

I think it’s well known among the people who live in Albert Lea that one of our city’s greatest assets is its people.

I was happy when the Tribune decided two years ago to start recognizing one of those people each year in our Progress edition who is making a difference in the community.

The first year, our Citizen of the Year was Holly Karsjens, who has stepped up to organize many of the fun activities happening in downtown Albert Lea, such as Wind Down Wednesday, and who is a tireless supporter of the community.

The second year, the Citizen of the Year was Norm Fredin, former Freeborn County Fair manager, who has spent a lifetime giving back to the community through various volunteer and civic efforts.

This year, we hope to name both an adult Citizen of the Year as well as a junior Citizen of the Year, for a student who is making a difference at the high school age.

From the organizations we are involved with, we have heard about many young people who are balancing busy schedules — not only with academics and extracurricular activities, but volunteer activities benefitting different segments of the community.

Both people will be featured in the Progress section that comes out at the end of February.

While we have received some nominations so far, we’d love to receive more. The committee of newspaper leaders and community members that reviews and selects the winners will meet next week. 

Nominations can be sent by email to sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com or by mail to 808 W. Front St., Albert Lea, MN 56007.

The deadline is Friday.

If you have questions about this process, please give me a call at 379-3433.

On a similar note, for our Progress edition we are also looking for ideas for stories in the small communities surrounding Albert Lea. If you know of positive things happening in Manchester, Alden, Freeborn, Hartland, Manchester, Hayward, Ellendale, Geneva, New Richland, Wells, Kiester, Conger, Glenville, Emmons, Lake Mills or Northwood, we’d love to hear your ideas.

Whether it’s a person, a business, an organization or anything in between, let us know.

Our Progress edition is one of our largest editions of the year and features stories about people doing great things throughout the area.

This year, the edition will publish Feb. 29 and will have the theme of Community with Vision.

I look forward to seeing what ideas you might have.

Sarah Stultz is the Tribune’s managing editor. Her column appears every Tuesday.