Community b

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2018 | COMMUNITY | PROGRESS 2018 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PAGE B1

The Humane Society of Freeborn County has a cat room at the shelter, with a section gated off for kittens to climb around in. COLLEEN HARRISON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

FILLING A NEED IN THE COMMUNITY Funded by grants and donations, Humane Society seeks to find homes for animals By the numbers

By Colleen Harrison

colleen.harrison@albertleatribune.com

When Christa DeBoer started fostering dogs for the Humane Society of Freeborn County over two decades ago, she wouldn’t have predicted she’d be directing the entire organization one day.

Back in 1996, DeBoer said the Humane Society was mostly a fostering group that worked out of a small office in Albert Lea. When the need for a new director arose 10 years later, DeBoer stepped into the position assuming it’d be temporary. That was 12 years ago.

“Honestly, I love what I do,” DeBoer said.

“I’m very fortunate to have a job that I’m very passionate about.”

In 2008, city officials approached DeBoer about combining the resources of the Humane Society and the city’s animal control. The Humane Society took over the previous city pound building at 101 James Ave., where it still is today. With the Humane Society’s takeover of the building and the merging of resources, the organization was able to do away with the euthanizations that animal control previously did at the pound. While the Humane Society does hold animals law enforcement or other city officials pick up, if an animal is unclaimed after seven days it is put up for adoption at the shelter or is rehomed to a foster or specialized rescue group. The Humane Society is a no-kill shelter, something DeBoer said some people unfamiliar with the shelter still don’t realize.

Between 2009 and 2010, an addition was put on to the shelter, helping the Humane Society to better serve both animals and the community. It also helped with the growing pains DeBoer said the Humane Society was going through.

Volunteers are another component that has helped the shelter progress as it has grown, but DeBoer said the shelter is always looking for more help.

When people come in interested

1996

Year Christa DeBoer started fostering dogs for the Humane Society of Freeborn County

2006 Year DeBoer became the director of the Humane Society

2008 Year the Humane Society combined with and took over the former city animal control pound to use for the shelter in volunteering, she said she asks them what specifically they’re looking to do. While many are interested in coming in to play with and pay attention to the animals, DeBoer said people are always welcome to do that during open hours — which are 1 to 5 p.m.

Tuesday and Thursday, noon to 5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday; the shelter is closed to the public Sunday, Monday and Wednesday.

What the shelter needs more of, DeBoer said, is volunteers willing to help clean the facilities and help exercise the dogs. Shelter staff spend about five hours cleaning every day before they even open the shelter. Volunteers also help with record keeping, adoption application processing and maintaining the Humane Society’s Facebook page.

“Facebook is a huge part of what we are,” DeBoer said.

The shelter uses the social media platform to post pets up for adoption, advertise adoption specials, notify its followers if certain supplies are needed and to post updates on successful adoptions, among other uses.

While DeBoer said some say it has been bad the last few years as far as overpopulation in shelters goes, she doesn’t believe that.

She thinks platforms like Facebook that help people notice more adoptable animals helps get pets

Christa DeBoer has been the director of the Humane Society of Freeborn County since 2006. into a good home faster.

“Five years ago, people didn’t know where to go, but now they do,” she said.

While some animal shelters can receive city, state or even national funding, the Humane Society of Freeborn County is completely funded by grants and donations.

Even with that being the case, the shelter still gets animals up-todate on vaccines, veterinary care and either spays or neuters unaltered animals that come through the shelter — all with the intent of making animals more adoptable.

For example, getting a female cat spayed and up-to-date on shots costs the shelter about $200, but cat adoption fees are just $40.

Even still, DeBoer said there are people who come in expecting “a deal.” Those people are typically weeded out in the application approval process; the shelter’s goal is to find good homes for all animals that come through — with an emphasis on the good.

Being at the shelter for as long

Humane Society of Freeborn County Assistant Director Ryan Arbuckle See ANIMALS, Page B11 visits with Temple, a dog up for adoption at the shelter.

PAGE B2 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PROGRESS 2018 | COMMUNITY | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2018

INFLUENTIAL CITIZENS OF THE

PAST

By Kelly Wassenberg

kelly.wassenberg@albertleatribune.com

Where everyone stands today is the direct result of the footsteps of those who walked before them. Citizens of the past shaped their communities, enriched their cities and laid the groundwork for all who would follow.

Whether it was aiding in establishing a city, contributing in the areas of business and job growth or enhancing the lives of others by bringing about changes in education, these individuals positively influenced the lives of others who, in turn, have the opportunity to positively effect the lives of yet another generation.

This list of citizens of the past was collected with the assistance of Linda Evenson of the Freeborn County Historical Museum, Betsy Hermanson of the Wells Depot Museum and Marvel Beiser of the Clarks Grove Area Heritage Museum.

Katherine Meighen worked on the Shoreland Heights subdivision and was the first woman to serve on the Naeve Hospital Board.

Helmer Myre Jan. 2, 1891Oct. 6, 1951

PHOTO COURTESY OF FREEBORN COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM

Katherine Meighen 1873-1968

Born in 1873 in Cedar Falls, Iowa, Katherine Meighen was described as Albert Lea’s first and most successful career woman by the time of her death.

Meighen worked hand in hand with her first husband, William A. Morin, on land development and insisted upon learning the business following his passing. She set up an office in her dining room and began plugging away at the secretarial and management duties of the job she had to assume.

She started subdividing land adjacent to her own property and had Oak Street put in before systematically breaking the land into different lots before having homes constructed. Before long, she was working on the Shoreland Heights subdivision.

Meighen married her second husband, John Meighen, in 1917, and was appointed by then Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover as area chairman for the Better Homes movement — which was described as a national affair with the objective of bringing up the standard of homes and living. The Better Homes movement also did considerable work in the area of zoning regulations, some of which are still in place today.

Meighen was also the first woman to serve on the Naeve Hospital Board. She served as its secretary for nine of her 11 years she was on the board. She was a charter member of the hospital’s auxiliary, as well as a lifetime member.

Meighen also made significant contributions to the YMCA and Freeborn County Historical Society.

Bottom: Helmer Myre was named the Light Heavyweight Champion of the World for 1921 to 1922.

Top: Helmer Myre, back right, poses with officers on the Albert Lea Police Department.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE FREEBORN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Helmer Myre grew up in Iowa.

Plagued with allergies, he was a sickly child, but long hours in the fields gave him a physique that led others to encourage him to take up wrestling. Myre took up the sport in 1911 and by 1918 was the United States Lightweight Champion. He was named the Light Heavyweight Champion of the World from 1921 to 1922.

Myre, his wife, Ethel, and their three children, Herman, Charles and Ruby, moved to a farm outside Geneva in 1918 and to Albert Lea in 1921, when he accepted a position with the Albert Lea Police Department for four years. In 1928 he was appointed to fulfill the term of sheriff and served in the position until 1938.

During this time, his family lived at the jail next to the present day courthouse. The jail and the sheriff’s residence were connected and his wife served as cook for all the prisoners.

Myre was elected Minnesota state representative for the 6th District for two terms and was later elected to the state Senate for two terms. He eventually retired from politics at the advice of his physician.

Following his death at the age of 60, the Minnesota Legislature named a state park in his honor in 1953.

Helmer Myre State Park is known today as Myre-Big Island State Park.

Ethel Myre lived to the age of 96. She died Nov. 19, 1986.

• Commerical Storefronts • Overhead Doors • Entry Doors & Hardware • Glass & Door Repair • Mobile Locksmith • Auto Glass • Custom Glass Shower Enclosures • Mirrors • Thermal Units

507-373-9446 | 316 Main Court, Albert Lea | Southernlockandglass.com

Email: southernlockandglass@gmail.com | Web: www.southernlockandglass.com | Facebook: www/facebook.com/southernlock

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2018 | COMMUNITY | PROGRESS 2018 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PAGE B3 Top: George Rentz was credited with inventing a bicycle for two.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WELLS DEPOT MUSEUM

Middle: The Real Tone Phonograph was invented by George Rentz. One of the phonographs is on display at the Wells Depot Museum.

Mary King, director of Naeve Hospital School of Nursing, poses with the Naeve Hospital School of Nursing class of 1939. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE FREEBORN COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM

KELLY WASSENBERG/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

Bottom: George Rentz won first prize at the Chicago Fair, however, Wells Depot Museum staff are not sure if it was for the design of his bicycle or for racing it.

PHOTO COURTESY WELLS DEPOT MUSEUM

Mary King April 14, 1887March 11, 1980

Charles Myers played a major role in establishing Jobs Inc. in Albert Lea. PHOTO COURTESY FREEBORN COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM

Charles Myers 1899-1991

George Rentz 1867-1947

George Rentz was an Iowa native who moved to Wells sometime after starting a family with his wife, Mary. His profession was listed as a jeweler in many census records, and he operated Rentz Jewelry Store with his youngest son, Frank Rentz.

George Rentz was also an inventor. According to a Tribune article written Sept. 23, 1956, he had patents on a bicycle for two, a gas lamp that was manufactured at American Gas Co. in Albert Lea and the first self-cleaning fountain pen, which was sold at his family’s jewelry store in Wells.

George Rentz invented the Real Tone Phonograph, as well.

The phonograph was advertised as having an “improved reproducer which makes the tone the clearest and sweetest ever heard.” The Wells Depot Museum has one of the phonographs on display, along with the advertisement, which listed the price of the device as $75 in 1918. At today’s prices, the Real Tone Talking Machine would be approximately $1,350.

Charles Myers was cited nationally for creating Jobs Inc., which was a program designed to encourage aggressive industrial development in the time following World War II. Myers came to Albert Lea in 1937 as the district manager for Interstate Power Co. “In 1943 he was chairman of the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Postwar Planning Committee, which in cooperation with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, published ‘A Procedure for Community Postwar Planning’ which received national and international publicity,” according to the 1998 Freeborn County Heritage Book.

In 1944, Myers and 97 businessmen in the county developed Jobs Inc., and he was elected to serve as its first present. He served in the position for 16 years. In 1960, he served as chairman of the board.

He served locally as a president of the Kiwanis Club, was a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge and was a member of the Albert Lea American Legion and the Elks Club.

At the state level, he served in several appointments, including the state’s Economic Advisory Council, Board of Minnesota Efficiency in Government Commission and the advisory commission to the state’s Business Development Agency. A street in the Jobs Industrial Park was named Myers Road in his honor.

Mary King was a lifelong resident of Freeborn County, where she dedicated her life to the nursing profession.

King graduated in Naeve Hospital’s School of Nursing in 1916. She continued her education at the University of Minnesota.

King was the second superintendent of Naeve Hospital and director of the school of nursing from 1923 to 1945.

During this time period she was in charge of all the business necessary to maintain and operate the hospital, selected and taught the students who attended the nursing school and served as an X-ray technician.

After resigning as superintendent, she furthered her education and came back on a full time basis as a nurse anesthetist until she retired from Naeve Hospital in 1961.

Her public service was not over, as she volunteered to serve as the assistant superintendent of St. John’s Lutheran Community without pay. She started this position on St. John’s opening day, Jan. 2, 1962, and continued to do so for four years.

She died at the facility in 1980.

See CITIZENS, Page 4

Working at Cargill is an opportunity to thrive – a place to develop your career to the fullest while engaging in meaningful work that makes a positive impact around the globe.

You will be proud to work for a company with a strong history of ethics and a purpose of nourishing people. We offer a diverse, supportive environment where you will grow personally and professionally as you learn from some of the most talented people in your field. With more than 150 years of experience, Cargill provides food, agriculture, financial and industrial products and services to the world. We have 150,000 employees in over 65 countries who are committed to feeding the world in a responsible way, reducing environmental impact and improving the communities where we live and work.

To learn more about Cargill in Albert Lea, visit: www.cargill.com/albertlea Cargill is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Vet.

PAGE B4 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PROGRESS 2018 | COMMUNITY | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2018

CITIZENS

Florence Adair 1908-1985

Continued from Page B3

Dennis Adair, left, received an education at the Alpha Class due to his mother, Florence Adair, center, who advocated for special needs children to have somewhere to receive an education before federal mandates required public schools to educate special needs children. Floyd Adair, Florence Adair’s husband and Dennis Adair’s father, is shown on the right. PHOTO COURTESY OF FREEBORN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Before the American Disabilities Act mandated all children receive a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment possible, there was the Alpha Class in Albert Lea. The school began after a plea from Florence Adair to the Kiwanis Club about her son, Dennis, who had Down syndrome.

“Our child is a United States citizen. He is a resident of the city of Albert Lea, and yet outside our own family circle, kind friends and neighbors, he is not accepted.

Rather he is neglected, ignored or forgotten. There is no place in the public school system for him. The pity of it is, there truly is no place!” she said in her speech. “But why shouldn’t there be a place for him and many other children like him, right here in Albert Lea? In a democracy such as ours, he should have equal rights with other children.

He is just like any other child; he laughs and plays, loves affection and reacts to abuse the same as other children. True, he cannot compete with normal children in learning reading, writing and arithmetic, and he shouldn’t be expected to.

“We don’t ask for the impossible for our child and others like him. All we want is for him to be accepted for who he is. How can he learn? Just like any other child, but in slow motion.

Not only himself, but also the community will benefit from him being taught,” she later concluded.

Five months later, the Kiwanis Club sponsored the Alpha Class — this was 24 years before special education was federally mandated.

Adair also founded Arc of Freeborn County and The Arc-Minnesota.

Adair lived to the age of 76, and managed to care for her son at home until just prior to her death. She and her husband, Floyd, also had a daughter, Carol.

J.M. Snyder is credited for reactivating the YMCA in Albert Lea, where he served as executive secretary for 27 years.

James “J.M.” Snyder 1889-1983

Snyder came to Albert Lea in 1928 to reactivate the Albert Lea YMCA program. He served as executive secretary of the organization for 27 years before he retired.

In 1931, he was asked by the city manager to manage softball teams in the city of Albert Lea. At the peak in 1938, there was said to have been 34 teams of men and boys playing softball and baseball.

Snyder brought many different programs to Albert Lea. Some of the programs were just for fun, but most added a dimension of quality to life, such as learning a new skill, leadership abilities, sportsmanship, learning to work with others or group living experiences. One

See CITIZENS, Page B6

all roads lead to

DOWNTOWN ALBERT LEA

spot on satisfaction lothing are enter

C

Jamie A. Kyllo

General Practice at Law Downtown Albert Lea 202 W. Clark St. | Albert Lea

Locally owned & operated by robin Carstens

507.373.4680

• hats • sweats • blankets • jackets • denims • business logos

Reinertson’s Embroidery

''The Professionals'' 116 S. Washington Albert Lea, MN Phone 373-2318 HourS: Mon.-Fri.6:00-5:30 ,, Closed Sat. 9:00-11:00 Hours: Mon.-Fri.6:00-5:30 sat. & sun.

Albert Lea Art Center

It’s a beautiful stitchuation

Phone: 507-373-0751 Cell: 507-261-3959

230 S Washington Ave. Albert Lea, MN 56007 greinertson@gmail.com

Call us for your vacation now!

Create, Educate, Promote & Showcase the Arts

Art on Broadway Original Art & Art Supplies

226 West Clark Street, PO Box 313 Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-373-5665

alartcenter@gmail.com • www.thealbertleaartcenter.org

Downtown Albert Lea 130 West Clark Street 507-373-4705 | 800-328-4298 www.4-seasonsvacations.com

WHERE STYLE IS CREATED

A Leader and Innovator in Real Estate.

International Network - Community Expertise

204 S. Washington • Albert Lea, MN • 373-8963 www.cbhomeconnection.com Each office is independently Owned and Operated

Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri 10 am - 5 pm Thurs 10 am - 7 pm Sat 10 am - 3 pm Sun - Closed

Unique women’s clothing & accessories 144 S. Broadway, Albert Lea, MN 507-473-2111

Walk-ins Welcome

123 S. Broadway 377-6062 Open Mon-Thurs 9-8, Fri 9-5, Sat 9-3

Step into Fashion Prices to put a smile on your face.

Apparel • Outerwear Accessories • Shoes

New to you CoNsigNmeNt

123 North Broadway 507-373-0388

It’s a beautiful stitchuation

We Carry Raleigh, Felt & Redline Bicycles We Repair All Brands of Bikes - Bike Rental Available Open Tues.-Fri. 9:00am-5:30pm, Thurs. till 7:00pm, Sat. 9:00am-3:00pm 114 S. Broadway Ave. | Downtown Albert lea | 507-373-2060

CLOSED MONDAYS UNTIL MARCH 12TH!

• hats • sweats • blankets • jackets • denims • business logos

US Patients consume 80% of the Global Opioid Supply Source from the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians

Try Chiropractic First!

SHOFF CHIROPRACTIC Promoting Health & Wellness Since 1950 Dr. Christopher Shoff

Located in Historic Downtown Albert Lea 507-373-7054

“Agents Readily Available To Help You Today”

AUTO • HOME • BUSINESS • BONDS

Reinertson’s Embroidery Phone: 507-373-0751 Cell: 507-261-3959

Don’t Overmedicate Your Symptoms

230 S Washington Ave. Albert Lea, MN 56007 greinertson@gmail.com

373-3062

209 S. Washington, Albert Lea

Representing Fine Companies Such As:

Progressive • Travelers • Farmers Mutual Ins. Co. RAM Mutual Sateco • AAA • Dairyland

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2018 | COMMUNITY | PROGRESS 2018 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PAGE B5

Mark Calderon is one of the six community members who have formed the Albert Lea Lakers booster club in hopes of expanding the Lakers name and getting more people into the stands. TYLER JULSON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

BOOSTER CLUB FORMS TO SUPPORT LAKERS By the numbers

By Tyler Julson

tyler.julson@albertleatribune.com

In their second season, the Albert Lea Lakers will play for the first time with the support of a booster club this year.

During their first season, the Lakers hadn’t had a booster club to help get their games and information into the public eye.

By forming a six-member booster club, residents of Albert Lea are hoping to expand the Lakers’ name and draw in bigger crowds

6

People who make up the booster club to the games.

Mark Calderon, a lifelong baseball fan and former high school player, is one of the members of the booster club who hopes to bring more attention to the team.

“We started a nonprofit booster club this year to make Albert Lea aware,”

11

2

Games the Albert Lea Lakers won last season

The season for the Lakers this summer in Albert Lea

Calderon said, “We want the people of Albert Lea to be aware and get excited about a collegiate baseball team here in town.”

Calderon said the first part of putting their name out there was getting businesses to support the team.

The booster club already

has a handful of local businesses lined up to lend a hand this year, including Anytime Fitness, Leach Law Firm and others.

The biggest challenge the booster club is facing now is the task of finding host See LAKERS, Page B10

Blake Bagenstos pitches six innings during an Albert Lea Lakers game last year, allowing just one run in a 4-3 win over the Bandits.

I MAKE

INSURANCE SIMPLE

507.438.2807

Jesse.grimes@fbfs.com Now serving Northern Iowa and Southern Minnesota

• Auto • Home • Life • Health • Longevity • Farm/Ranch • Crop • Business • Disabililty • Umbrella

CALL FOR A

EE FRO TE QU

Jesse Grimes

PAGE B6 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PROGRESS 2018 | COMMUNITY | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2018

CITIZENS Continued from Page B4

program he felt personified those characteristics was camping, which was also one of Snyder’s first loves.

Snyder introduced camping to the Albert Lea area in 1929. He began Hi-Y Camp on Beaver Lake and a boys’ camp on Pickerel Lake. In 1939, Moraine Point was leased and was purchased the following year to conduct camping programs. The camp was said to have had accommodations for 60 boys, eight counselors and two cooks.

In the 1960s, Camp Moraine became a part of the expanding state park property. The YMCA camp activities dwindled and all the cabins were demolished. The area has since been renamed New York Point Group Camp. It is part of Myre-Big Island State Park. Two permanent buildings, a dining hall and craft hall are still reminders of where Camp Moraine once stood.

In spite of a large volume and quality of programs, the Y faced economic hardships for a few years in the ’30s and there were times that a paycheck didn’t come to Snyder for a few months; he not only stuck with his job, he often helped out those who asked him for assistance during the height of the Depression.

His gifts of time, energy and dedication were honored in 1971, when it was announced at the fifth annual Freeborn County Softball Association Banquet that they were naming the ballpark J. M. Snyder Fields.

Have an idea for an influential citizen of the past to feature in a future issue of the Tribune?

Contact Kelly Wassenberg at kelly.wassenberg@albertleatribune. com or 379-3439

Bottom: Charles Peterson with his wife, Hansine. PHOTO COURTESY CLARKS GROVE AREA MUSEUM

J.W. Peterson was instrumental in establishing the village of Clarks Grove.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CLARKS GROVE AREA MUSEUM

Philomena Wievel was a doctor of oestopathy who served patients in the Wells area for over 50 years. PHOTO COURTESY OF WELLS DEPOT MUSEUM

Philomena Wievel Aug. 11, 1885-Aug. 25, 1984

J. W. Peterson Dec. 28, 1856-July 2, 1933

J.W. Peterson, along with his brother, Charles, were influential in establishing the village of Clarks Grove. J.W. Peterson started the first co-op creamery in Minnesota in 1890. The brothers then worked together to build a store across the road from the creamery. The store carried some groceries as well as farm supplies and contained a blacksmith shop.

The store later became Clarks Grove Hardware and Implement. As more customers came into the area, there was a need for a more complete grocery store.

Mercantile Grocery, a cooperative store, was then built the next year with J.W. Peterson serving as its first president. The brothers were also the first to build homes in the community.

A one-room schoolhouse was built on J.W. Peterson’s farm property across from the farm supply store in December 1901. In 1903, J.W. built another store, which housed the post office for many years. Charles Peterson was its postmaster.

Clarks Grove was officially incorporated on Jan. 1, 1920. J.W. Peterson was involved and held office in many different community organizations. At the time of his death, he was president of Clarks Grove Lumber Co., a member of the village council and a member of First Baptist Church, known then as Danish Baptist Church.

Danish Baptist Church was located on the grounds of the church cemetery northeast of the village of Clarks Grove. In 1915 a new church was built in Clarks Grove and the old one was torn down. J.W. Peterson helped collect funds that were used to rebuild the church. He was a faithful member of the church for 58 years, a trustee for over 25 years, a leader and very active in many organizations.

Philomena Wievel moved to Wells in September 1920 after graduating from Still Osteopathic College in Des Moines. Her first office was in the Knights of Columbus building, which was damaged by the Aug. 17, 1946, tornado.

Her office would move a couple more times before she bought a home at the corner of Franklin Poem by Wievel Street and U.S. Highway 22, which also Homesick “Walking the lonely contained an office space for her to path of a crowded street, Hungrily you gaze into see patients. each face that you meet.

Originally, But not a trace of a faWievel had considered going miliar face can you see; Then turn aside, to hide. into the nursing A trembling tear of a profession, but a serious injury heart apart, that pains had her question- and aches aloud, While walking the ing if she’d ever walk again. She received lonely path of a surging help through osteopa- crowd.” thy, regaining her ability to walk and persuading her to take a different career path.

During her 50-year career, Wievel was a member of the Osteopathic Cranial Association, American Osteopathic Association and Osteopathic Academy of Anatomy.

She was also well known for her poetry. A book of her poems, “Silent Symphonies,” was published in 1944. Her poetry earned her an honorary membership in the Eugene Field Society, a national association of authors and journalists.

While much of her poetry reflected her religious beliefs, others highlighted everyday thoughts and feelings, such as homesickness or current events.

Wievel was known to be a strong-willed woman. She never married and continued to give treatments weeks prior to her death to the nursing home staff who she cared for.

AUDITIONS Feb. 26 & 27

6:30 pm

The Miracle Worker Immortalized on stage and screen, this classic drama tells the story of Annie Sullivan and her student, blind and mute Helen Keller. There are many male and female roles of various ages, including children.

For more audition details, visit actonbroadway.com Marion Ross Performing Arts Center 147 N. Broadway, Albert Lea

Your First Choice in Foot Care (507) 373-6133

Board certified in podiatric surgery. Board certified in Podiatric Orthopedics

904 E. Plaza St • Albert Lea, MN • www.communityfootclinic.com

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2018 | COMMUNITY | PROGRESS 2018 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PAGE B7

Keeping Southern MN Kleen since 2005

Commercial Residential Pressure Washing Washing Commercial and and Residential Pressure

Patios • Decks • Siding • Docks • Awnings • Buildings

Patios • Decks • Siding • Docks • Awnings • Bui Free Estimates 507- 383- 6432 or 507- 320-7220

Phone: 507.373.6650

Fax: 507.373.4124

Call us TODAY at 507-373-6650 for a FREE estimate.

Courtney Drescher colors Claire Bestul’s hair in January. Bestul said she has noticed during four years with Drescher how well she handles color. SARAH KOCHER/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER ’DO WOMAN TURNS SMALL BLDG. INTO 1-ROOM SALON

By Sarah Kocher

sarah.kocher@albertleatribune.com

Even before she purchased what would become The Best Little Hair House, a local hair stylist was making waves — and curls, colors, cuts and shaves.

Since December, Courtney Drescher has operated out of the former service station at the corner of Fountain and Vine streets.

She uses the area as a studio-style salon in which she does haircuts, chemical treatments like coloring or perming, manicures, facial waxing, formal styling and airbrush makeup. But for Drescher, it’s more than a fresh look: It’s a chance to make her customers have some “me” time and to feel pampered.

“I feel like I can really give that to my clients,” she said.

Like many things, The Best Little Hair House started as a daydream.

“I swear almost everyone in Albert Lea had a little idea of what would be cute in this house,” Drescher said.

Drescher would walk by it on her summer walking route and picture it as a salon.

“I thought of it as a little hair place because that’s what I do for a living,” she said.

She found out who the property owner was through her next-door neighbor, and it ended up being the same real estate agent who helped Drescher

1410 Olsen Drive | Albert Lea, MN 56007

Commercial | Industrial Design Build | Agriculture | Datacomm Residential | Thermal Imaging Value Engineering | Home Automation

www.albertleaelectric.com

TURNING YOU ON SINCE 1919

The Best Little Hair House on Fountain Street has had several past lives, and now the one-room building hosts a salon.

By the numbers 165

Square footage of The Best Little Hair House

25-30 Hours Courtney Drescher works a week at The Best Little Hair House so she can set time aside for her girls

1928 Year Jefferson Oil Co. opened a gas station at 726 Fountain St., now repurposed as The Best Little Hair House close on her house.

Jefferson Oil Co. opened a gas station at 726 Fountain St. in 1928, and that property continued as a service station until 1994. In the early 2000s, the property

served as the office for Family Treasures, which organized and held sales.

But in October 2017, it took on yet another life when she purchased the building and the cement floors were paneled over, power, water and heat had been added, and the walls were painted a dusty rose.

“I guess I would say I pictured it just like this, but I didn’t know it until I’d seen it,” Drescher said.

Although Drescher anticipated opening in October, she needed to work with the city to rezone before her hair salon could open.

Drescher said the city was helpful in working through the process with her.

“I did it,” she said. “I made my dream come true.”

Drescher’s salon is set up in a single salon suite style she said is becoming more See HAIR, Page B10

Professional IT Business Solutions Pantheon Computers works to provide clients with the right tools and people to support their Technology. From a growing business to a multi-site enterprise, as your Managed IT Partner we are with you every step of the way.

• Network Security • Server administration • Help desk and call center • Support • Cloud services • Back up and recovery • IT Managed services

1206 W. Front St., Suite #5 | Albert Lea, MN 56007 | www.pantheoncomputers.com | 507.552.2212

Spill it here.

Send your Letter to the Editor to:

The Best Little Hair House is at the corner of West Fountain Street and Vine Avenue.

SARAH KOCHER/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

Albert Lea Tribune 808 W. Front St Albert Lea, MN 56007 or e-mail to: letters@albertleatribune.com To subscribe, call 507-379-3422

PAGE B8 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PROGRESS 2018 | COMMUNITY | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2018

‘Realize there are women veterans among us’ By the numbers

WOMEN’S VETERANS GROUP HELPS OUT REGULARLY WITH PROJECTS IN THE COMMUNITY

By Colleen Harrison

colleen.harrison@albertleatribune.com

What started over 20 years ago as two women meeting for lunch has morphed into an organized group centered around camaraderie and strength.

The Women Veterans of Freeborn County started in 1996, when two female veterans started meeting regularly for lunch. That tradition grew and expanded into what it is today — a group that meets once a month as well as attends an annual state event for Minnesota Military Women.

The group’s first commander, Deanna Luedtke, has been a part of the group since 2011 or 2012, and has been its commander for about two years.

Luedtke served in the United States Army for about 23 years — nine of them full time and the rest spent with the National Guard. She had decided to enlist, as her full-time job as an LPN wasn’t enough to

support her two children, who Luedtke was raising on her own. She also considered herself to be very patriotic and wanted to serve her community and her country, and knew the enlistment bonus and the financial help with schooling would benefit her and her family.

Serving in the military as a single mom was “tough at times, of course,” Luedtke said, but she made it work.

Her son, 17 years old at the time, was actually in boot camp the same time she was — albeit in different states — while her daughter stayed with relatives while Luedtke went through boot camp.

Going through boot camp as a 34-year-old, Luedtke said she “mopped up more tears in boot camp in two weeks than in two years of nursing.”

Even though she saw younger recruits struggling with the discipline, Luedtke said she made some great friends during

1996

Year Women Veterans of Freeborn County was formed

2 Years Deanna Luedtke has been the first commander of the group

23 Years Luedtke served in the Army and National Guard

Deanna Luedtke is the first commander of the Women Veterans of Freeborn County.

COLLEEN HARRISON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

her time in the service.

When Luedtke served in the early ’90s, she said only about 11 percent of those serving were women.

Part of Women Veterans of Freeborn County’s goal is to raise awareness to women who serve, Luedtke said.

“It’s mostly to get the

community to realize there are women veterans among us,” she said.

The group discusses their time serving, articles about veterans and ways it can help out in the community during the monthly meetings. The group donates to the local food pantry

regularly, has made prayer shawls for those in need and has written out Christmas cards and gotten gifts together for those serving overseas in partnership with Beyond the Yellow Ribbon. The group also takes part in the Third of July Parade and attends

Veterans Day services and flag burning retirement ceremonies.

Luedtke said she would like to see women veterans get more involved with honoring veterans at funerals and other events.

“I’d like to see some of us women walking up front,” Luedtke said of the veterans groups that walk at the beginning of the Third of July Parade. As it stands now, the women ride in

See VETERANS, Page B10

BUSINESS SERVICE

DIRECTORY IS YOUR HEALTH COVERAGE STILL A GOOD FIT? I’m an independent agent who can work with you to make sure you’ve got the right plan for the life you’re living today. Please contact me to setup a free, noobligation, personalized consultation.

Albert Lea Cloverleaf Lions don’t bite!!

They are friendly guys!!!

You should be one!!!

Great Projects • Great Contacts

Call: 507.369.4804

Meet 6 p.m. 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month

Jan Jerdee | Ron Peterson 1313 Southview Lane Albert Lea, MN 507-373-2804

TTY 711

Authorized independent agent/agency for Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® of Minnesota and Blue Plus®, nonprofit independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Commercial | Residential | Industrial | Agricultural.

3127 S County Road 45 Owatonna, MN 55060 NOWG HIRIN

Jan Jerdee Insurance

507-446-8415

Ryan@fourseasonselectric.com Call or stop in today!

Have you checked out Etcetera?

Trendy boutique items • Clothing • Purses • Scarves • Accessories

PREVIOUSLY OWNED

• Clothing • Baby Gear TANNING • 10, 12, 15, 20m Beds • Toys/Misc • Custom Airbrush • Red Light Therapy Tanning & Clothing • Hydration Station

ETC Etcetera Boutique

507-377-TANS (8267) • Skyline Plaza • 1663 W. Main St • Albert Lea

WE ARE LOCATED AT 916 S. Broadway Ave. Albert Lea, MN 56007

507.320.5921

CURT@CSCOMPUTERS.TECH

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2018 | COMMUNITY | PROGRESS 2018 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PAGE A9

Big Toe excavaTing & Towing

BUSINESS

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Specialize in Septic Systems & Demolition Any Type of Excavating and Foundation Work

Bob Ackland 625 W. Main Albert Lea 507-383-4700

Never too young to dream big.

Never too old to chase your dream.

For a career, business or pleasure – Your professional flight training starts with us.

Austin Aeroflight 710 21st. St. NE, Austin, MN

507.433.1813

www.austinaeroflight.com

RIGHTWAY ROOFING

“Do it the Rightway the First time” Commercial | Residentail Bob Hanson (507) 373-0409 Cell (507) 391-2362

“For All Of Your Canvas And Vinyl Needs” • Boat Covers • Truck Tarplins • Tent Rentals • Custom Awnings • Canopies ALL TYPES OF COVERS • REPAIRS OF ALL KINDS

www.erniescanvasproducts.com On County Rd. 46, 3/4 Mile East of I35, Ext. 11 Off of I35

20902 782nd Ave., Albert Lea

507.373.8996

OVER 35 YEAR EXPERIE S NCE 430 Bridge Ave., Albert Lea Member NUCA 507-377-1616 or 507-377-0276 Toll Free 1-877-647-8666 • www.unitedecu.com

MN ID# 20037743

ERNIE’S CANVAS PRODUCTS

3.29% APR • 60 months • $7,500 Minumum Advance

Albert Lea

Veterinary

CLINIC

Call Dr. Daniel Smith We offer: Dentistry, in house lab, digital X-ray, therapy laser, laser surgery, convenient location, medicine, behavorial consultation and puppy classes.

Hear Dr. Dan’s “Pet Talk” Friday Mornings at 8:35am on KATE Radio-1450AM

Family owned and operated for over 38 years!

Albert Lea Veterinary Clinic 401 St. Thomas Ave Albert Lea, MN 56007

507-373-8161

OPEN TUESDAYSATURDAY SUNDAY’S SEASONAL

New construction • Speciality cabinets Commercial construction • Molding & trim Remodeling & additions

Guiness and Felix

507.473.2117 Northbridge Mall

2510 Bridge Ave. Albert Lea, MN 56007

www.gypsyk.com

507.325.2509

11615 585 Ave. | Lyle, MN 55953 www.hansoncsc.com | Like us on

CHECK OUT OUR DAILY SALES!

Like us on Facebook | Find us at Northbridge Mall

ADAPT TO TOMORROW, TODAY.

Wangen

excavating & Septic Tank Pumping

FUTURE-PROOF YOURSELF WITH MYPATH. • Discover your career path • Learn new skills • Match your traits to jobs

HANNA’S HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

Servicing the community since 1988

Northbridge Mall

2564 Bridge Ave | Albert Lea | (507) 377-7410

www.manpower.com/mypath

ess usin In b years!

9 for 2

PO Box 55 • Albert Lea

373-8435

Excellent, outstanding service!

40 Years in business Complete baCkhoe, bobCat, dozer, septiC tank pumping & parking lot sweeping, hauling & snow removal

Albert Lea

507-377-3577

PAGE B10 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PROGRESS 2018 | COMMUNITY | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2018

Providing construction services to Albert Lea for over 50 years.

The Best Little Hair House owner Courtney Drescher said she appreciates the one-onone atmosphere the size of her building creates between hairdresser and client. SARAH KOCHER/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

HAIR Continued from Page B7

Check out our newly updated website to learn more about Joseph.

RECENT PROJECTS • Mrs Gerry’s Addition • St. John’s on Fountain Lake • Mayo Clinic Albert Lea • Cedar Valley Services • Wedgewood Cove • AmTech

common. When her customers come in, Drescher said the space is able to create a more intimate setting with few interruptions.

“It’s kind of nice just to have one-on-one quality time,” she said.

Before opening The Best Little Hair House, Drescher worked at Expressions in the open salon style.

Although having a more singular setting has the potential to cut down on distractions, it has been a challenge adjusting away from the group setting, she said.

“The team support in a large salon is awesome,” and it’s fun, Drescher said.

There were other people to help with laundry, answering the phone and booking appointments. But the move has given her flexibility to focus on her No. 1 priority: being a mom to her daughters.

“I’m ambitious in the way that I want to be successful ... but really, I just want to, like, enjoy my children while they’re young, and I’ll worry more about growing when they don’t want to hang out with Mom anymore,” she said.

VETERANS Continued from Page B8

JoIn our teaM! Most generous employee campaign award winner for donations to united Way

Luedtke’s El Camino further back in the parade.

While Women Veterans of Freeborn County has been in contact with about 50 female veterans around the county, Luedtke said only about 11 are regular attendees at the monthly meetings — a number she would like to see increase.

She has started to reach out to female veterans in neighboring counties as a means to that end. Of those active with the group, ages

Courtney Drescher said that along with chemical treating and cutting hair, she also offers event styling, makeup services and gel manicures at The Best Little Hair House.

“I feel like I get to chit-chat with friends all day, you know, and make them look good.”

— Courtney Drescher Drescher said many of her clients made the transition with her. One of those clients is Claire Bestul, who has had her hair cut by Drescher for four years.

“I don’t even live in Albert Lea anymore, but I come back because I like how she does it, and she knows my hair,” Bestul said.

Drescher has seen Bestul through a pixie cut (Drescher’s idea after Bestul requested a major change),

the grow-back phases and a few colorings, which Bestul said is one of Drescher’s notable skills.

“You just feel like you’re Courtney’s friend as soon as you start talking to her,” Bestul said.

For Drescher, that’s one of her favorite parts of the job.

“I feel like I get to chitchat with friends all day, you know, and make them look good,” she said.

range from mid-50s to 94 years old.

Something that has grown within the group over the years has been the recording of its history. Luedtke said it was almost distressing when she first joined, as no one had really been keeping meeting minutes, so trying to find out the group’s origins took more time than it should have.

That has changed, as minutes are kept each month and published.

While the group’s members pay dues — $1 a week — Luedtke said that money goes toward flowers for

funerals, paying for yarn used in prayer shawls and other group expenses. There are no social requirements, no minimum appearances expected from anyone in order to be a member.

Luedtke said the group members have taught each other and encouraged the best in each other. She encouraged any female veterans to get in touch with the group, which meets the first Wednesday of each month at the Albert Lea American Legion.

“It’s just a nice, healthy get-together every month,” she said.

Outfielder Jamell Newson easily takes third base after a throwing error allowed him to steal second base during a game last summer for the Albert Lea Lakers. TYLER JULSON/ ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE.

LAKERS Continued from Page B5

2410 YH Hanson avenue albert lea, Mn 56007 (507) 379-9269

families to take in the players for the two months they are here over the summer.

Calderon said he joined the booster club because of the positive experience he had as a host family last year. He said the group of players he had staying with him were great guys and he had a lot of fun being involved.

“I just think, by getting this booster club started and giving it a stable foundation, we can take off with this,” Calderon said. “It can really be a positive thing for Albert Lea, not only for

baseball, but other sports as well. If we can do something positive, people are going to hear about it and come in.”

Another big draw factor for the Lakers this season is the current roster. Last season, the team finished with an 11-19 record and in last place of the Pioneer League.

However, under the new leadership of head coach Michael Keeran, this year’s squad has potential to be great. Filled with awardwinners at nearly every position, a few local players and even players with the potential of being drafted into the major leagues, the 2018 Lakers are going to be a force to be reckoned with.

Anyone who is interested in being a host family or getting involved with the program in another way is encouraged to contact Calderon at 507-402-3709 or one of the other booster club members, including Rachel Schmidt or Scott MacRae, who can be reached at albertlealakersbooster@hotmail.com.

“I’m very excited for the season to start,” Calderon said. “I wish it started tomorrow. I hope everything pans out for us, and all of these guys come here ready to play. Coach (Keeran) is a well-disciplined guy. He’s on top of his game and I think he’s going to send this group in the right direction.”

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2018 | COMMUNITY | PROGRESS 2018 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PAGE B11

YOUR KIND OF

PLACE Featuring over 950 slots and video poker machines.

Plus, live blackjack, craps, roulette, poker room & more!

DeBoer said the Humane Society is always looking for volunteers who can make a steady time commitment. COLLEEN HARRISON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

ANIMALS Continued from Page B1

as she has, DeBoer has noticed some patterns.

The cat population at the Humane Society is usually pretty high, while the dog population tends to fluctuate. Winters are a bit slower, compared to the springtime when the shelter is busier and there tends to be more kittens and puppies up for adoption. While the Humane Society does get some unique animals through its doors — such as rabbits or pigs — DeBoer said the Humane Society typically shelters and cares for those kinds of animals until she can find a more focused rescue

“The community’s been very supportive. I think it’s been a good thing for the community to have.”

— Humane Society of Freeborn County Director Christa DeBoer group or sanctuary for those animals, in order to make sure they’re getting the best and most knowledgeable care.

While the Humane Society has grown considerably since its days as a foster group, the organization does

still have fosters it works with. DeBoer said, though, that fosters tend to be used for animals that are pregnant, incredibly young or have special needs. The best chances of getting an animal adopted are by having it in the shelter facilities for prospective adopters to meet, so DeBoer said she doesn’t tend to leave animals ready for adoption with foster families for too long.

The shelter runs on the efforts of teamwork, and that’s what it takes to keep it running, funded and to find animals their “forever homes.”

“The community’s been very supportive,” DeBoer said. “I think it’s been a good thing for the community to have.”

Dine at our award winning restaurants. Elegant dining at Woodfire Grille or casual dining at The Kitchen Buffet.

Humane Society volunteer Kim Bate spends some time in the cat room at the shelter.

Dance and listen live as national and regional acts perform at the Big Wheel Bar every weekend.

The Humane Society is completely funded by grants and donations.

PrOUDlY MaKiNG YOU COMFOrtablE SiNCE 1968!

• SUPERIOR PRODUCT QUALITY • WE SERVICE ALL BRANDS • SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

Rest your head at one of our hotels. Accommodations include the Country Inn & Suites and Holiday Inn Express.

BUY ONE, GET ONE

FREE BUFFET! VA L I D N O W - J U N E 3 0 , 2 0 1 8 Present coupon to the B Connected Club. Valid during regular restaurant hours.

Offer non-transferable. One-time use only. Offer valid through June 30, 2018.

Not valid with any other offer. One-time use only.

Bryant is a proud sponsor of the Minnesota Wild

WATER SOFTENERS · WATER HEATERS PLUMBING REPAIRS AND INSTALLATION COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL SERVICES 220 ElizabEth avE • albErt lEa, MN 56007 507-373-2828

YOUR KIND OF PLACE

LOCATED ON I-35 AT THE IA/MN BORDER EXIT 214.

YOUR KIND OF PLACE

Must be 21 or older. If you or someone you know needs gambling treatment, call 1-800-BETS OFF.

777 Diamond Jo Lane, Northwood, IA | DiamondJoWorth.com

PAGE B12 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PROGRESS 2018 | COMMUNITY | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2018

Learn about great career opportunities with Lou-Rich and Almco.

Visit our websites for current openings.