Impact 2019

2019

IMPACT BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

South Broadway sees start of

RENEWAL Revitalization continues

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September 27, 2019

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Downtown investments continuing in Albert Lea Revitalization is underway on South Broadway Area flooring company offers myriad of options New Salvation Army thrift store manager sets goals Investing in renewable energy in the region Golden Bubble reopens after major renovations Governor’s Fishing Opener brings major impacts to area It’s sugar, spice and everything nice for baker What to know about new labor laws in Minnesota

On the cover: Carter Nelson purchased the apartments at 133 W. William St. and is renovating them.

Q&A with Retail Strategies about bringing in business

© 2019 Albert Lea Tribune Media

PAGE 2 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

LOCAL, OUT OF TOWN ENTREPRENEURS CONTINUE

INVESTMENTS IN DOWNTOWN

Carter Nelson, 19, bought the building at 133 W. William St. in downtown Albert Lea and is renovating it floor by floor to rent out as apartments. COLLEEN HARRISON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

Downtown seeing additional renovations, upgrades on many buildings

By Sarah Stultz

sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com

Jumping on the upward trend seen in recent years, business owners and developers are continuing to invest in downtown Albert Lea. Though the reasons are varied, more buildings are being renovated, including some that have been in disrepair for many years, and more businesses are moving downtown.

One building seeing major renovations is the apartment building at 133

W. William St. Rising real estate agent and investor Carter Nelson, 19, who is from the Waconia and Norwood-Young-America area, purchased the building at the end of May, has been renovating it and opened up the first floor for tenants at the beginning of September. He hopes to open up the other floors one at a time each month through the end of the year.

Nelson said the building had gotten its poor reputation and condition after years without tenant screening, drug activity and other illegal activity.

He said he hopes to turn around that image and wants people to know him as a good building owner with clean, classy apartments.

He said he had saved up enough money to purchase a building and became aware that the building was for sale in Albert Lea through a real estate mentor after the former person purchasing the building failed on a contract for deed. He also purchased a building on South Washington Avenue that has housed a Hispanic church in recent years.

An entrepreneur who started his own

laundry business at age 11 and who also has had a 3-D printing company and a detailing business, Nelson said he emptied the William Street building and hired contractors to start work on the first floor right away.

The building, which was constructed in 1920, houses 26 apartment units.

Exterminators were called and will continue to come every two weeks because of problems under the previous owner.

See INVEST, Page 6

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | IMPACT | PAGE 3

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PAGE 4 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

H I

A NEW BEGINNING

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M e re a a te

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Work on South Broadway began with the renovation of Domino’s and the Slumberland Furniture buildings in recent years and has spread. SARAH STULTZ/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

Renovations are picking up on major southern thoroughfare in Albert Lea

By Sarah Stultz

sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com

After several years without much new life on South Broadway in Albert Lea, the thoroughfare is beginning to see an uptick in activity.

The work started with the relocation of Domino’s and Slumberland Furniture south of Front Street and has trickled down the street in recent months.

Thirsty Fox Pub & Grill opened in August, followed by the opening of Bleacher’s sports bar and grill.

At the end of August, a group of local attorneys announced they had purchased the former Elks Lodge with plans to renovate the building into space for the Peterson, Kolker, Haedt & Benda law firm and a real estate development and financing firm owned by former attorney Richard N. Davies and family.

At the time of their announcement, the lawyers said they were drawn to the location because it had room to grow, accessibility for clients and the capability to have their office on the same floor.

“We are excited to relocate in this part of town to join the momentum that is growing on South Broadway,” attorney Dan Kolker said.

Assistant Albert Lea City Manager Jerry Gabrielatos said city leaders are

thrilled with the new businesses opening along South Broadway. He said they also expect to see a business office and a small apartment at 927 S. Broadway, as well as the rebuilding of an auto service and tire center at 1118 S. Broadway.

The owner of the expected auto service and tire center is Armando Vargas of Stewartville who said he purchased the former Comeback Auto property in June. He tore down the former building,

th a o o th a e e a p

p ti w a fi a m

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G Armando Vargas recently purchased the former Comeback This building, on the east side of South Broadway is Auto property on South Broadway with plans to construct Thirsty Fox Pub & Grill opened in August at 1105 S. Broadan auto service and tire shop. SARAH STULTZ/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE way Ave. COLLEEN HARRISON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE being renovated. SARAH STULTZ/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | IMPACT | PAGE 5 which had come under disrepair and has applied for a building permit with plans to construct a new building where he can do auto repair and sell tires.

Vargas said he has been working on cars since he was 13 or 14 and worked at a tire shop in Mexico. Since then, he started tearing down cars and building them up again.

The name of his business, Varsan Auto, is made by combining he and his wife’s names.

“A lot of people have passions about different things, and I have a passion about cars,” he said.

He has been working out of his garage at his home in Stewartville and heard about the opportunity for the property.

He said he had met the former Comeback Auto owner about 20 years ago and liked the area.

“I saw the opportunity to buy it from him, and I said, ‘I might as well buy it,’” Vargas said.

Vargas said he plans for the shop to be a family shop at the start, and depending on how it grows, he could add more employees.

Though he lives in Stewartville now, he said if everything goes well, he could move to Albert Lea. The city offers a matching grant program for up to $10,000 for business owners on South Broadway between the historic district and Todd Avenue to make facade improvements that preserve the character of the property and improve the curbside appeal.

The funding has been in place since January 2017 and will be available through the end of 2021. It was approved as an extension of the initial Broadway Ridge Historic District Grant for the downtown historic district.

It covers projects such as replacing

Bleachers Sports Bar & Grill opened earlier this month in the old Knights of Columbus building on South Broadway. COLLEEN HARRISON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE windows and doors, masonry repair, awnings, lighting, signage, painting, landscaping improvements and an architect’s plan and estimate.

Business owners interested in applying for the grant should contact the City Manager’s Office at City Hall, 221 E. Clark St.

A historical photo shows South Broadway near the intersection with Fourth Street.

At the far left, the sign indicates gas was 29.9 cents per gallon. PHOTO COURTESY FREEBORN COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM

Ten years since it was last in operation, the former Elks Lodge building was purchased at the end of August by a group of local attorneys. SARAH STULTZ/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

PAGE 6 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

INVEST Continued from Page 2

Contractors are texturizing and painting walls, and new flooring and light fixtures are being installed. In addition, some of the units are getting new toilets, vanities and cabinets. The electrical, plumbing and the steam boiler systems have also been updated, and all tenants will be getting new stainless steel appliances next summer.

“I think these are pretty units now,” Nelson said.

Of the tenants who moved into the first floor in September, he said three were from Albert Lea and two are moving to

town from outside of the city.

Nelson, himself, grew up in Duluth and lived a time in North Dakota. His father is a plumber and he learned early on the entrepreneurial spirit.

Joining the downtown

Beau and Jodi Hartman in May purchased the building at 137 S. Broadway, which formerly housed The Marketing Plant and Mortarr.

Jodi Hartman said they had been looking for a place for her husband’s law firm, Hartman Law Office, and liked the opportunity to be downtown near other businesses and enjoyed the atmosphere of the building.

Pictured is a kitchen in one of the apartment units near completion.

Pictured is a kitchen in one of the apartment units near completion.

COLLEEN HARRISON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

Nelson said he hopes to have all of the apartments renovated by the end of the year.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | IMPACT | PAGE 7 It was too big for just his solo practice, however, she said.

The owners of Mortarr told them what they had previously used the building for before the growth of their business and offered to allow them to purchase the rights to that concept as well.

Now, the building houses not only Hartman Law Office, but also The Outlet, too, which is a co-working space, where people can rent desks or offices for onetime or regular use.

“It’s too big for us, so let’s share it,” she said. “We were pretty thrilled to buy both — buy the building and the concept of the co-working space.”

Jodi Hartman, who is the manager of The Outlet, said there are four private offices in the upper level of the building, three of which are in use, and eight other desks available for use. Some of the desks are in cubicles, and some are open. There are also a few high tables that can be used.

She said they hope to support people who work at home who may need a productive place to work out of the home every once in a while.

“I really enjoy doing it,” Jodi Hartman said. “It’s been a dream to work with my husband.”

The Hartmans have five children See INVEST, Page 8

Jodi and Beau Hartman purchased the building at 137 S. Broadway for Hartman’s law office and to operate The Outlet, a coworking space that also offers rentals for events. SARAH STULTZ/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

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The Outlet offers private offices available for rent as well as offices in a co-working space.

INVEST Continued from Page 7

and have lived in Albert Lea for three years. Prior to that, they lived in Wells for two years and in Virginia Beach, Virginia. They have family in the area, so they decided to settle in the area after her husband finished law school, she said.

In addition to the co-working

space, Jodi Hartman said the first floor of the building is available for rent for events.

“Those have been really fun,” she said. “It’s a nice venue.”

There is a conference room that seats 10 comfortably and a kitchenette available as well.

She said she was looking forward to being a part of the Dine United fundraiser for the United Way at the end of September.

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PAGE 10 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

‘WE’RE ALWAYS MAKING SOMETHING

LOOK BETTER THAN IT DID’

BLK Flooring Co. offers a myriad of different services, including different varieties of flooring, backsplashes, showers, and wall and floor tiles, among others. The company did the flooring in Karsjens’ home, including the carpeting and the luxury vinyl plank flooring pictured. COLLEEN HARRISON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

Flooring company offers myriad of residential, commercial flooring options

By Colleen Harrison

colleen.harrison@albertleatribune.com

What started as going along with his father to work turned into a passion and a career for the owner of BLK Flooring Co. Brian Karsjens, originally from Clarks Grove, started working with his dad, Kent Karsjens, when he was younger.

His dad did flooring through his business, Karsjens Installations. Brian Karsjens worked for him over summers before working for him full time for about six

years following high school. Karsjens then tried out other jobs to see what fit.

Ultimately, he came back to the flooring industry around 2011, starting BLK Flooring Co. in 2012.

“Why try to do these other things when I know what I’m good at,” Karsjens said he realized.

BLK Flooring offers a myriad of flooring services — for both commercial and residential settings — in carpeting, sheet vinyl, vinyl composite tile, luxury vinyl tile, ceramic tile and hardwood options,

among others. The business also does shower and wall tiling as well as back splashes.

In addition to being a one-stop shop for selecting and having options installed, BLK Flooring also installs for other companies. The business subcontracts as an installation house, installing for such area businesses as Albert Lea’s Broadway Home Design, Northwood’s Northland Custom Interiors and Austin’s Slowinski Flooring.

BLK Flooring has also done work in

Austin and Iowa schools.

The amount of residential and commercial work is split pretty evenly, as is the amount of contracted installation jobs and direct jobs, but all of them fluctuate, Karsjens said.

While the business is physical and can take its toll over time, the physicality is also one of Karsjens’ favorite parts of the job, he said.

Karsjens, 35, said the best part of what he does is that he loves what he does.

“I enjoy laying floors,” he said.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | IMPACT | PAGE 11

Pictured is the work done in the shower of Brian and Holly Karsjens’ own home

by BLK Flooring Co. COLLEEN HARRISON/ ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE “There’s almost a daily sense of gratification.

“We’re always making something look better than it did.”

What started as Karsjens carrying flooring samples and working out of the back of a truck has evolved over BLK Flooring’s seven years in business. Karsjens has added two vans to his fleet and has expanded what he’s able to bring to each site. He has added employee Dave Luna to his team as well.

Luna is a fast learner and brings a lot to the business, Karsjens said, and will help to eventually double the business’s productivity.

Karsjens’ father, now semi-retired, also helps work with BLK Flooring as a subcontractor part time. Karsjens also hopes to add an apprentice as the business continues to grow.

Karsjens is building a showroom out of part of the Albert Lea home he and wife, Holly Karsjens, share. Some customers like the feel of going out shopping for their flooring options, Holly Karsjens said, while others want to see the samples in their own home or location they’re having worked on.

In addition to sales and installation services, BLK Flooring contracts through Albert Lea’s Rink Systems Inc. to lay rubber flooring that surrounds ice rinks and covers ice arena locker rooms throughout the country. Brian Karsjens said BLK Flooring takes a couple jobs a year through Rink Systems, traveling See BLK, Page 12

Pictured is the vinyl composite tile with grout work in the hallway of the Karsjens’ home, done by BLK Flooring Co. COLLEEN HARRISON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

Brian Karsjens, right, owns and operates BLK Flooring Co. Employee Dave Luna has worked with Karsjens for about two years.

PAGE 12 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

BLK Flooring contracts through Albert Lea’s Rink Systems to install the rubber flooring that surrounds ice rinks and goes inside locker rooms throughout the Midwest. PROVIDED

BLK Continued from Page 11

mainly throughout the Midwest but having gone as far as Colorado. Still, Karsjens said he keeps his focus on staying in the area as much as possible for local jobs.

Part of the business’s success has been the contacts Karsjens has built, as he said he had commercial jobs almost right away after starting BLK in 2012 thanks to his previous years in the industry.

Having grown up in the area and having worked with his dad, Karsjens said he has repeat customers now through BLK Flooring who he did work for as a teenager. There is a high demand in the area, and Karsjens said he enjoys and appreciates being able to have a local business and being able to put money back into the business, and ultimately the community.

Karsjens said he also appreciates the relationships BLK Flooring has with other local businesses, and the work he’s gotten through contracting with them.

BLK Flooring can be reached through its Facebook page, by emailing info@blkflooringco.com or calling 507-369-4792.

Though BLK Flooring travels to install rubber flooring, owner Brian Karsjens said his primary focus is staying in the area for local jobs.

FRIday, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | IMPaCT | Page 13

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PAGE 14 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

A FOCUS ON GOALS FOR SALVATION ARMY

THRIFT STORE MANAGER

Carla Reichel started as the Albert Lea Salvation Army thrift store manager July 1. COLLEEN HARRISON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

New leader brings skill sets from previous jobs to help store flourish

By Colleen Harrison

colleen.harrison@albertleatribune.com

The role the Salvation Army plays in her life has come full circle for one area woman.

Carla Reichl started as the manager for the Albert Lea Salvation Army thrift store July 1. The new job is exciting for Reichl, as she said it’s her chance to give back.

“The Salvation Army really saved me and my children a number of years

ago,” she said. “They really are ‘doing the most good.’”

Reichl said the thrift store, at 416 Bridge Ave. in Albert Lea, plays an integral role in the workings of the Salvation Army, as all proceeds from the store — after paying for the store’s overhead expenses — go right back into the organization to be put toward helping people.

Specifically, money raised from the store goes back into Freeborn County, Reichl said, largely toward social services — such as helping those on energy

assistance or who have received eviction notices, for example.

“It’s where it stays, which is critical,” she said.

As the thrift store manager, Reichl oversees day-to-day operations: paperwork, banking, organization, receiving and anything else that comes up.

She is putting a good deal of focus on organization, not just behind the scenes but in how items for sale are displayed, Reichl said. For example, the books area now has a children’s section that’s lower

to the ground where children can see the books geared toward their demographic. Speciality clothing items have been moved to a front display window in a designated boutique area to be more eyecatching to passing traffic, and a sporting goods section is new to the store, according to Reichl.

She also hopes to grow the number of volunteers helping at the store. The store is always in need of volunteers to See MANAGER, Page 16

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | IMPACT | PAGE 15

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MANAGER Continued from Page 14

help with receiving and organizing within the store, as Reichl said the store has a limit of employees it can hire. More volunteers means more donations processed and out on the floor for sale, she said.

Another focus of Reichl’s is not only reducing theft, but reducing the illegal dumping that goes on around the store’s receiving dock. The store can only receive items during its receiving hours, which are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Anything left after hours — even if well-intentioned — hurts the store, she said, as the store has to pay to get rid of the items or has to give up space in its dumpster for the items that can be thrown away. Even items left that might have been accepted as donations during receiving hours are ruined by being left out overnight, either from weather damage or from someone else going through them. The store has upped its surveillance and security, so Reichl said it will move forward with reporting and hopefully prosecuting those who leave items after hours, as doing so is illegal dumping, can be considered trespassing and violates city ordinances, she said.

In addition, there are a number of items the store can’t accept that people still try to donate, Reichl said. Due to sanitary and safety reasons, items not selling or the store not having the resources to make sure the items are in working order before selling them, the store can not accept beds, bed frames, mattresses or sofa beds; infant car seats, carriers, strollers, cribs, baby furniture or swings; wire or plastic hangers; ironing boards; tires, wheels, used doors, windows and light fixtures; computers, monitors, televisions or VHS tapes. The store will only accept Christmas trees and decor seasonally during November and December. Reichl also noted that she has to remind others not to donate items in unsafe condition — such as items with frayed electrical wiring; broken, unclean or stained items; or items covered in hair, bugs or anything emitting a foul odor.

Reichl said she is working to compile a list to hand out and post by the receiving area to help those wanting to donate.

“We appreciate every donation,” she said, but having employees or volunteers put extra time into unnecessary cleaning of items takes that much more time away from processing other donations or running the store.

Previously a volunteer coordinator at St. John’s Lutheran Community for 13 years, Reichl said a good number of skill sets from that position transfer over to the job she has now, specifically

The Albert Lea store now has a boutique section by the front store windows for more unique clothing items, which Reichel said she hopes brings in more shopping traffic. COLLEEN HARRISON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE teamwork, organization and a desire to help others. She now manages eight employees at the store.

“We’ve got a great team here,” she said. “I’m really so fortunate to have this job.”

Reichl hopes to limit some of the shopper negativity as well. She said she has heard complaints from time to time of a customer thinking something is priced too high. Reichl said items are not priced randomly, and due diligence is done to find out what an item is worth. No item is ever priced at more than 50% of its listed worth, she said, and it’s important for customers to remember that money made at the store goes back to helping others.

There are no refunds and no returns.

“This isn’t a garage sale,” she said.

“We don’t haggle.”

Another item on Reichl’s ever-growing to-do list is to find a way to replace the store’s roof, which she said leaks every time it rains. She said she is working with the company that put the roof on originally to work on “some kind of a bandaid” solution short-term, but that ideally the store needs a whole new rubber roof.

The store, which is open to customers from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, now has menu pricing for its items to help make things more efficient, Reichl

Organization and display optimization are tools Reichel plans to implement to help move inventory through the Albert Lea store to raise more money for those in need.

For example, in the books section, children’s books are on the lower shelves so children can see them. said. The menu pricing is color coded by category, and certain colors will be on sale by week. Inventory is on a five-week rotation, Reichl said, as she doesn’t want items taking up floor space that aren’t in demand.

Of all the goals Reichl has set for the

Albert Lea store, the most important to her is being able to consistently raise money for those in need. She said she hopes the store can break $1,500 a day consistently.

“That’s that many more people we can help,” she said.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | IMPACT | PAGE 17

2501 Crossroads Blvd. | Albert Lea, MN

(507) 373-4443

CONTROL OF QUALITY FROM START TO FINISH

When we complete a project, we leave behind a relationship and building able to stand the test of time.

Skip the Middleman and Buy Direct!

Root River Hardwoods Kiln Dried Lumber Stores have everything you need to create the warm and inviting home you have always dreamed of.

(Red Oak, Walnut, Cherry, Etc.) Also: Trim, Paneling, Flooring, Stair-Parts, Doors & Plywood

404 Airport Rd. | Albert Lea, MN

(507) 377-8781

www.rootriverhardwoods.com | Fax (507) 377-8774

PAGE 18 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

IMPACT Down THRoUGH THE YEARS

162 Years... 161 Years...

161 Years...

154 Years...

HALL/SToCkDALe WeSTerN STAr LoDge SVeNSeN FArMS “THe MASoNS” FAMiLieS Founded by in 1865 by Making good men better.

Descending in Freeborn County Since 1858

Freeborn county minneSota Since 1857

George Washington Hall James Jefferson Hall William Henry Hall Stanley Johnson Hall Terry Joseph Hall Monique Theresa (Hall) Bowman Taylor MacKay Hall-Masiello

152 Years...

147 N Broadway • Albert Lea, MN

engbret & Berthe Svensen

Since 1858

Succeeded by Christan & emma Jensen elmer & Anna Jenson richard & Nancy Jenson

143 Years...

144 Years...

Farmers mutual Insurance co.

Manchester, MN Phone: 826-3425

723 Marshall Street • Albert Lea, MN 507-373-2366 www.albertleamonument.com

127 Years...

Sandy Walstrom, Mgr.

www.edwardsironworkers.com

122 Years... 120 Years... 116 Years... 116 Years... 116 Years...

808 W. Front St., Albert Lea, MN

MeMoriALS WiTH iNNoVATioN AND DiSTiNCTioN 1006 S. Broadway, Albert Lea, MN

507-373-4030 In business since 1892

in business since 1876

507-373-1411 Albert Lea Newspapers

www.albertleatribune.com

Since 1897

MeMBer FDiC

We’re the "A" Team

“Your locally owned Community Bank”

www.americana insurance.com

507-297-5461 emmons, MN

377-2000 Building for the future since 1899

Since 1903

Manchester Hartland 507-373-7253 Telephone Co. www.hillsgardens.com

826-3212

www.mhtele.com Community Service Since 1903

2512 W. Main Albert Lea

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | IMPACT | PAGE 19

DOWN tHROUGH tHE YEARS

114 109Years...

Years… 113 Years... 112 Years... 112 Years... 109 Years... 108 Years... 107 Years...

Member FDIC

Sons of Norway www.securitybankmn.com Normanna Lodge 52 Box 875 Albert Lea, Minnesota Serving the Community

Since 1905 www.sonsofnorway albertlea.com

ALBERt LEA • 373-1481 EMMONS • 297-5461 ALDEN • 874-3363

IN FrEEborN CouNty SINCE 1906

107 Years...

All of

serving you!

Lutheran Church 115 North Washington Albert Lea, MN 507-373-2184

Of Albert Lea

377-6868 Since 1907

1430 Frank Avenue • Albert Lea 507-373-2264 Since 1912

Brad & Vickie Edwin Owners/Managers 131 S. Newton Albert Lea, MN 56007

507-373-2325 cbalcollects.com In business since 1913

100 Years... 100 Years... 99 Years...

ALDEN LEGION

Since 1919 License #B-01304-001

MEMBER FDIC Since 1910

209 So. WaShington 507-373-3062 In business since 1911.

MEMBER FDIC

HARTLAND, MN 845-2233 FREEBORN, MN 863-2371 ALBERT LEA, MN 373-1945 Since 1912

Leutholds Men's & Ladies' Fine Apparel

Northbridge • Albert LeaMN Northbridge MallMall • Albert Lea,

Paula & Bill Hertling

• Collections • Credit Reporting

POST 264 GLENVILLE, MN

Glenville, MN 56036 (507) 448-3981

StRONG AGENCY INC.

106 Years... 105 Years... 102 Years... 100 Years... 100 Years...

Credit Bureau of Albert Lea

AMERICAN LEGION

Citizens state Bank

AMERICAN LEGION 142 N. Broadway Albert Lea

Post #404 151 N. Broadway Alden, MN tuesday Bingo Every Friday: $5 Burger

Charitable Gambling

Basket & FREE Pool & Darts Every 2nd Sat. — Steak Fry

373-7993

License No. 00983-02

License No. A-00213

96 Years...

874-3679

93 Years...

AUtO VALUE ALBERt LEA

211 So. Newton • 373-6491 www.albertLeaLaw.com Douglas R. Peterson • Matthew L. Benda Daniel L. kolker • stephanie a. Haedt eythan G. Frandle SINCE 1923

301 W Clark St • 373-6424

Welcome to Worship Albert leA FAmily y 2021 West main Albert lea, mN 56007 507-373-8228 www.ymcaal.org

99 Years...

In Business Since 1917

97 Years...

Let us help.

www.ulland.com

albert Lea 373-1960 also available a wide variety of aggregate & landscaping stone for pickup or delivery.

97 Years...

Not sure what to do next?

“Always providing quality service to the construction industry.” asphalt Paving • site Grading Road & Driveway Construction

Sundays, 8:00am Traditional 9:15am Sunday School & Adult Education 9:15am Chapel Worship 10:30am Praise & Worship Thursday, 6:30p.m. www.flcal.org

“4-H is about purple ribbon kids, not purple ribbon animals and projects.” - Eldon Senske 507-377-5660 | since 1922

92 Years...

1651 oLSEN DrIvE ALbErt LEA

373-3981

Formerly Motor Supply Co. Since 1926

FDIC

109 Park Ave. Hollandale, MN 507-889-4311

220 East William Albert Lea, MN 507-373-5500

www.bonnerupfuneralservice.com

www.albertleaelectric.com Original business started in 1919

96 Years...

Albert leA NooN KiwANis www.kiwanis.org

"Serving

the children

of the world"

90 Years...

ShANNoN StEENSmA

BERGDALE HARLEY-DAVIDSON

507-377-1686

Original Business started in 1929 – Under New Ownership Since May, 1985

WEALth mANAgEmENt ADvISor ® ® 2401 Bridge Ave. CLU, ChFC, AEP , CFP Albert Lea, MN 507-373-8600 206 N. broADWAy AvE.

www.producestatebank.com

Mick Delger Cal Johnson

507-373-2461

92 Years...

Member

1410 Olsen Dr. Phone 373-6650

Albert leA/ellendAle new richlAnd

Represented since 1927

Peterson, Kolker, Haedt & Benda, Ltd. Attorneys at Law

373-3142

905 Plaza Phone 373-5236

www.bergdalehd.com

PAGE 20 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

89 Years...

DOWN THROugH THE yEaRs 84 Years...

89 87 Years Years

82 Years...

Conger Mfg., LLC John Doppelhammer bob Weiser MaNuFaCTuRINg MaCHINE sHOP

265-3100 Conger, MN since 1930

82 Years...

2501 E. Main Albert Lea

People Helping People

265-3340

serving you at 2 locationsConger & Downtown albert lea

Since 1930

Jeremy & Darcy Johnson Since 1935

accentracu.org • 800-533-0448 Federally Insured by NCUA

82 Years...

81

Years

gOlDMaN, sTuRTZ & HalVORsEN

since 1937

80 Years...

We Can Cross This Bridge Together 1415 N Highway 13 Albert Lea, MN 507-373-4330 www.bayviewfuneral.com

137 N. broadway albert lea, MN (507) 373-1409

77 Years...

73 Years...

Ed d y’s

glass & door

877-679-9663 www.alamcowood.com

75 Years...

ConStruCtion LLC General ContraCtinG

DenniS StenSeth 1632 Massee st. albert lea SinCe 1942

- Glass repair & installation - Commercial storefront repair & installation - Commercial & residential garage doors - 3M authorized safety film dealer & installer - Fully functional brake metal shop 147 West K Street • Forest City, IA

641-585-4241

chad@eddysglass.com

75 Years...

373-5315

507-402-1381

Repair & Installation

Gambling Lic. #000-60-001 Bingo Weekly

81 Years... 80 Years...

719 Marshall albert lea, MN

1126 S. Broadway Albert Lea

owner

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Celebrating 82 years of people helping people.

since 1938

HEMENWay IRON WORks aND sTORagE Hayward, MN 507-383-2483 507-373-0465

Structural Steel, Metals, Railings, Ornamental Iron & Gazebos

Starting at $30/month per unit

Original business started in 1939

73 Years...

Albert leA Steel, Inc.

StenSeth

Locally Owned & Operated

EaglEs Club

Eddie's Bar and Lounge

ALLAN L. HALVORSEN ATTORNEY AT LAW

1633 W. Main albert lea 373-2338

www.fmcs.coop

Since 1944

72 Years... an

company

507 W. Front st. & 902 East Main albert lea, MN 56007

377-2102 since 1947 www.almco.com

72 Years...

ALBERT LEA BUS COMPANY

1407 St. John Ave. ALbert LeA 507-373-1467 In business since 1947

71 Years...

MORRIsON WEll Residential Irrigation sealing Old

Freeborn, Mn 863-2455 SinCe 1948

an air liquide company Welding Materials & industrial supplies

2417 Myers rd. • albert lea 507-373-2411 plumbing

HEATing

70

YEARS 373-1301

S All tr In A

70 Years... albert lea Firefighters l1041

Dep

1

since May 1, 1948

1

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | IMPACT | PAGE 21

DoWn tHrougH tHe yearS

70 Years... 69 Years...

ProviDing trucking ServiceS

Voted Best Golf Course 2018

101 Richway Dr. Albert Lea, MN 507-373-1061 www.greenlea.com

66 Years..

Becker Hi-Way Frate 2401 Becker Drive albert Lea Phone 373-8513

Since 1950

65 Years...

69 Years...

SHOFF C hiropraCtiC

Promoting Health and Wellness Since 1950

65 Years...

Broadway Care assisted living PlUs, llC

507-373-2909

Albert Lea Austin Mason City www.stadheimjewelers.com

"Known For Fine Diamonds" Since 1953

61 Years...

Hammer Dieser & mangskau,

512 S. Broadway ave (individualized care, Home-like atmosphere)

512 E. 7th St. Albert Lea, MN 507-373-4526

Since 1954 Linda Waalkens, rn annabelle Frazier, owners

AAFresh Lookfor for FreshNew New Look the Next 60 Years the Next 61 Years

P.L.L.P.

135 South Broadway Albert Lea, MN. 373-2451 Since 1958

60 Years...

Same great service to our members. www.tradesandlabor.com 610 W Broadway Ave • Albert Lea

(507) 377-1863

60 Years...

101 S. Broadway P.O. Box 313 NASBY RADIATOR Albert Lea, MN 56007 1325 SE Broadway Albert Lea 507-373-1185

373-5665

www.thealbertleaartcenter.org or visit our Facebook page

69 Years...

B&B Cafe

321 Sibley, albert Lea clint & Holly Miller owner/operators

373-1921 original business

started october, 1950

65 Years...

Read the PM Report each weekday.

67 Years...

Glenville & Hayward

310 E. Clark 383-2697

Since 1951

jlhpassistedliving @gmail.com

448-3914

1606 E. Main St. 507.373.6446

1501 Betha Larson Lane Albert Lea, MN

60 Years...

hello@securityinsuranceagency.com

Rochester, MN • Albert Lea, MN • 507.289.3555

clarks grove -Waseca veterinary clinic L.L.P. Thomas Lang, D.V.M. Dennis Nelson, D.V.M. Michael Bjorklund, D.V.M. Jennifer Bauer, D.V.M. Stacy Bethke, D.V.M. P.O. Box 30 • 28088 770th Ave. Clarks Grove, MN 56016 (507) 256-7237 Fax: (507) 256-7611

Wednesday Baskets 5:30-7:00pM neW MeMBers WeLCoMe! February 2020 will be our 67th Anniversary

63 Years...

64 Years

500 Larson Ave. N. Lake Mills, IA

Proudly manufacturing in the USA!

66 Years...

Just Like Moose Lodge #1703 Knutson Home Place FaMiLy Center Assisted 373-2106 oil Co. Living 1623 W. Main st.

America’s #1 Selling Storm Door

Thomas Metzdorff, D.V.M. Scott Lang, D.V.M. Carey Prigge, D.V.M Kipling Jones-Lang, D.V.M. 1400 State Street South Waseca, MN 56093 (507) 835-1700 Fax: (507) 835-1980

Small & Large Animal Services • Dog & Cat Boarding

57 Years...

What happened last night?

68 Years...

60 Years...

securityinsuranceagency.com

www.McCourtesy.com

Visit us today!

Bridge avenue Mcdonald’s: 2808 Bridge Avenue Main street Mcdonald’s: 609 East Main Street trails Mcdonald’s: 840 Happy Trails Lane

Proudly Serving Albert Lea Since 2009

Independent Living Assisted Living Short Term Rehab Skilled Nursing/Memory Care 901 Luther Place • Albert Lea, MN Phone (507) 373-8226 • Fax (507) 379-9506 www.stjohnsofalbertlea.org In Business Since 1962

PAGE 22 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

DOWn tHROuGH tHe YeaRS 57 Years...

57 Years...

Fully Insured • Prompt Service

alvc91@gmail.com www.albertleavet.com

373-7350

126 W Clark • albert lea Now delivering at lunch!

52 Years...

507-373-4434

We underestand how much you love your pets!

56 Years...

Glenville PlumbinG & HeatinG 507-448-2902 491 Center Avenue Glenville, MN

Reader's Choice for pizza 16 years running!

Since 1963

52 Years...

54 Years...

V ogt d

Dennis & Brad Haugen, Owners "Complete, Competent Construction Work" In business since 1962

54 Years...

iStriButing

albeRt lea COmmunitY tHeateR

Another Exciting Season!

2110 YH Hanson ave. albert lea, mn

For ticket information, call 507-377-4371 www.actonbroadway.com Since 1965

507-373-0327

Since Feb. 1, 1965

51 Years...

51 Years...

eZ rental & party SerVice, llc 209 S. St. peter aVenue alBert lea, Mn 373-8026

John Butler harriet heMenway, ownerS “In BusIness sInce 1967”

51 Years...

Minnesota Freezer Warehouse Co.

ACCeptiNg AgeS 3-5 SCHoLARSHipS AvAiLAbLe

County Rd. 46 E., Albert Lea, MN

507-373-8161

Pizza

57 Years...

FREEBORN CONSTRUCTION, Inc.

401 St. Thomas Ave. Albert Lea, MN

56 Years...

57 Years...

Kampground 84259 Co. Rd. 46 Hayward, mn Serving albert lea/ austin area since 1967

2424 Myers Road

304 Central Ave. N. Hollandale, MN 507-889-2088

Call for a competitive quote

• Anti-fatigue matting • Matting for Commercial & Industrial Applications • Entry matting for residential

373-2357

820 e. thirteenth St. albert lea, minnesota 373-1477 Service Since 1962

53 Years...

702 HigHwAy 69 SoutH • ALbeRt LeA

507-373-6712

unitedpreschool.com Originally started in 1962

53 Years...

Architects & Civil Engineers 2046 Sorensen Road Albert Lea 507-373-0689 Since 1966

51 Years...

2310/2320 e. Main St., alBert lea 373-1438 In Business Since 1966

51 Years...

SouthSide BarBer Shop

Gary thompson 220 east 7th Street albert lea, mn

www.cafourek.com

tues & thurs • 8-4 Wed & Fri • 8-12

373-1101

In Business Since 1968

50 Years...

50 Years...

50 Years...

SPECIALIZING IN SEPTIC SYSTEMS • Conservation Construction • Land Drainage • Wildlife Ponds • Road Boring • Backhoeing • Consulting

220 elizabeth, albert lea 507-373-2828 genos@deskmedia.com In business since May 1968

PHILLIP OR MARK MORREIM

Whatever it takes.

71610 263rd St • Albert Lea Office (507) 826-3449 Phil Cell (507) 330-1889 Mark Cell (507) 383-6550

~DESIGN~ ~INSTALLATION~ ~SEEDING~

373-7979

Serving the community since 1969 www.alchildrenscenter.org

2006 east main albert lea, mn • 373-6475 Now Serving Margaritas Steak & Chicken Fajitas Serving People Since 1969

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | IMPACT | PAGE 23

PAGE 24 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

42 Years...

Bisek

Gardens Sweet Corn

DOWN THrOugH THe YeArS

42 Years...

Craig's Taxidermy sTudio

Located Next to Farmers State Bank in Freeborn

425 W. 11th St. Albert Lea 507-373-4566

507-863-2202

Fish • Birds • Gameheads • Rugs Craig Christenson Owner since 1977

41 Years...

DOug'S PAiNTiNg & SANDBLASTiNg

Free eSTiMATeS

40 Years...

373-0731

PROUD TO CELEBRATE OUR 40TH ANNIVERSARY! Commercial • Industrial Farm • Home 519 Adams, Albert Lea Since 1979

38 Years...

Com-Tec Mobile radio 101 1st Ave SW glenville, MN

448-3717 Since 1981

40 Years...

CALL FOr A QuOTe TODAY! 603 S. 1st Ave., Albert Lea

373-3435

www.HomeSolutionsMidwest.com

38 Years...

Expires: 11/31/19 • Since 1981

sdrichards20@gmail.com

140 W. Clark St. Albert Lea, MN www.exprealty.com

41 Years...

204 S. Washington, Albert Lea, MN

TOLL FREE: 1-888-373-8963

cbhomeconnection.com

40 Years...

Budget Signs

106 E. Main St. Lake Mills, IA

507-256-4712

641-592-5060

104 Central Ave. N. Geneva, MN 56035

40 Years...

Since 1978

Committed to the quality of life & services for people with disabilities since 1979.

38 Years...

1147 S. Broadway

FREE - any 1/3 Thickburger with purchase of the same.

507-383-7033

Auto Artists

Jeff Thompson Store Director

2708 North Bridge Ave • 507-377-2257 www.hyvee.com • Since 1978

Realtor®

507-383-1659

Doug evans, Owner 2190 S. Lincoln • Albert Lea, MN 507-377-1508

New Richland, MN 507-465-3789 www.pooleysscrapiron.com HOURS 8am - 4:30pm - M-F

39 Years...

Albert Lea Elevator

1301 W 9th Albert Lea, MN 507-373-3133 www.albertleaelevator.com

norsemen.com

Family Owned & Operated Since 1979

39 Years... attorney at law

373-4680

DeWeY Kruger MuSiC

Piano & Organ Sales & Service

641-324-1300 1-800-933-5830 dewey@ deweykruger music.com

HIGHEST ALUMINUM PRICE 715 Central Ave., Northwood, IA www.deweykrugermusic.com GREAT PRICES ON SCRAP Since 1981 IRON & ALL METALS

38 Years...

exCavaTing, LLC

& sepTiC Tank pumping

507-377-3577 Since 1978

40 Years...

Complete collision repair services for any insurance company.

373-0952 1515 Blake Ave. Albert Lea Since 1979

Since 1980

Dinah's Style, Inc.

Jamie a.

Kyllo

Since Nov. 1979

Wangen

39 Years...

202 West Clark St. Albert Lea

38 Years...

41 Years...

Sue Richards, Emelie Paulson

41 Years...

Proudly serving the albert lea community for 41 years!

41 Years...

41 Years...

41 Years...

18 private suites offering hair care, eyelash extensions, manicures, sugaring, permanent cosmetics, microblading, intuitive healing & BOTOX Stop & visit The Boutique

405 East William • Albert Lea, MN 507-373-3822

37 Years...

KeN'S ServiCe • Auto Repair • Tires, Brakes & Exhaust • Engine & Transmission Installation 226 e. Clark St. • Albert Lea, MN

507-377-2099

kensservicealbertlea@gmail.com

Since Feb. 1981

507.377.1163 20520 810th Ave. | Hayward, MN Mon.-Sat. 9-5 | Fri. 9-9 calicohutchquiltsshop@gmail.com www.calicohutchquiltshop.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | IMPACT | PAGE 25

37 Years...

Senior Tower 905 Maplehill Drive Albert Lea, MN 507-373-6622 www.lifestyleinc.net

Providing affordable housing for 62+ or disabled persons since 1981.

DoWN throUGh thE YEArS

37 Years...

Albert Lea’s Oldest and Only Locally Owned

Thompson Sanitation Service 256-4370

PO Box 154 Clarks Grove, MN 56016 Since Dec. 1, 1982

35 Years...

hoLLAND AUCtIoN & rEAL EStAtE

36 Years...

Short Stop

36 Years...

Serving the area since 1983

A one-stop convenience store highway 65 South

Glenville • 448-3547 24 hr pay-at-pump

1425 St. John Ave. Albert Lea, MN 507-373-2185 tristatetaxandaccounting.com

Craig and Marcia rayman Since 1983

35 Years...

Van Wilgen Farm Drainage

28218 870th Ave. Hollandale, MN

507-889-8071

35 Years...

35 Years...

r&r MINI StorAGE

Tracy Holland

R&R

507-684-2955

2409 Myers road Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-377-8073 96 total Units Larry & Barb rognes Since 1984

5801 SW 128th Street Ellendale, MN Since Jan. 19, 1984 www.hollandauction.com

35 Years...

34 Years...

34 Years...

702 13th Street • 377-2526 www.cargill.com/careers

373-3331

910 S. Broadway Albert Lea, MN Since May 2, 1985

www.dominos.com

Serving In Albert Lea Since 1983

34 Years...

34 Years...

CALLAHAN'S

1811 E. Main Albert Lea 507-373-2638 Serving Albert Lea Since 1985

34 Years...

HEATING & COOLING

21956 733rd Ave. Albert Lea, MN 507-377-1578

34 Years... 33 Years...

E OTOR & M EARING B SERVICE

Let uS protect your dreamS

Cliff Wuerflein 123 N. Broadway 373-0388 Laurie Boyer - Owner

377-2290 1907 E. Main St. Albert Lea Since 1985

33 Years...

LECTRIC

BAldoR Motors and drives On Call 24 Hours

CALL 377-0032 1401 West 9th Street

Albert Lea, Minnesota

Sales & Service of Over-The-Road Trailers & Refrigeration Units

507-373-4443

In business since 1986

507-373-4678 606 S. Broadway - Albert Lea Owner Michelle Thompson Serving the area since 12-30-85

PAGE 26 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

33 Years...

DOWN THROUGH THE YEARS 33 Years...

377-3185

i-90 & Bridge ave. shopping hours: M-F 10-9, sat 10-6; sun 12-5 Some business & holiday hours vary.

Like us on

31 Years...

SOUTHERN MN LANDSCAPING OF ALBERT LEA

Landscaping, Design, Supplies & Installation Andy & Cherie Seuser, Owners

507-373-4113

1801 E. Main, Albert Lea Since 1988

30 Years...

Pro Trucking 507-377-8838 1-800-274-8858

31 Years...

24 hour emergency service

Emergency phone: 507-373-5166 Business Phone: 507-373-8435 Box 55 • Albert Lea Since 1988

Nice People, Nice Store

373-2318

“THE QUALITY SHINES THROUGH”

residential & commercial

507-WE cLEan 507-932-5326 since 1988

30 Years...

Peterson Chiropractic Office

Dr. John Peterson 1454 West Main St. Albert Lea

826-3666

In Business Since November 1989

27 Years...

www.expresspros.com/ albertleamn/

507-373-2826

1410 West Main Albert Lea, MN In Albert Lea

Since April 1, 1992

Craig Hoium

crhoium@yahoo.com

Serving the area since 1988

Since Feb. 1989

ErniE’s Canvas ProduCts, inC.

507-373-8996

SINCE SEPTEMBER 17, 1991

Zogg Dermatology is now Epiphany Dermatology!

Boat covers, awnings, trailer tarps, grill covers, windshield covers, air conditioning covers Brian G. Zogg, MD

(507) 373-2270 WWW.EPIPHANYDERMATOLOGY.COM

27 Years...

2718 Ekko Ave Albert Lea, MN 56007

26 Years...

373-1000

Your Everyday Real Estate Needs

Rightway Roofing Commercial, Residential & Repairs

311 W. MAIN ALBERT LEA Since 1992

Bob Hanson

373-0409 Since 1993

30 Years...

R&R TRUCK REPAIR

WE covEr anything undEr thE sun!

20902 782nd Ave. Albert Lea, MN Since 1992

26 Years...

Trish Stanley 625 West Park Ave. Albert Lea, MN 56007 507.402.5913 Cell trishstanley@me.com salon625.net

HILLCREST

Cemetery Association

Full Service Cemetery

Full & cremation burial vaults, bronze on granite memorial markers, artificial flowers, live wreaths & perpetual care

A Resting Place of Natural Beauty & Perpetual Care

507-373-3560

17544 Hwy 65 S. Albert Lea, MN hillcrestcemetery@live.com Since Nov. 1987

30 Years...

REINERTSON’S EMBROIDERY

230 S. Washington 507-261-3959 Larry Rognes, Owner 2401 Myers Road Albert Lea, MN

377-8848

27 Years...

507-473-3048

201 S. Washington Albert Lea, MN ronholtanrealty.com

Northbridge Mall Albert Lea, MN 377-0462

507-373-0120

Booking for the 2020 spring season now! a Full service staffing company

30 Years...

32 Years...

Jan Jerdee 1313 Southview Lane Albert Lea Since 1986

116 So. Washington Albert Lea Since 1986

31 Years...

33 Years...

373-2804

29 ½ Years... tractor Manuals Parts & decals

227 s. Broadway

373-2514

lothing are enter

Heating & Air Conditioning

Visit our 77917 209th St, Albert Lea World Headquarters at 200 Main Street Since March 1989 www.theproadvantagemn.com Manchester, MN 56007

27 Years...

C

33 Years...

In Business Since March 1989

27 Years...

Embroidery, Jackets, Hats, Business Logos, Sports, Schools, Sweatshirts, School Logos

www.reinertsons embroidery.com

& Truck Wash 2301 Myers Road, Albert Lea 507-377-8287

Providing local trucking in the Albert Lea area In business since 1992

25 Years...

Convenient Insurance Service PROPERTY AND LIABILITY UMBRELLA KEY EMPLOYEE LIFE FUNDING BUY/SELL AGREEMENTS IRA'S

Call Today

STACEY L. JOHNSON

PO Box 328 Owatonna, MN 55060 (507) 455-5299 • (800) 533-0472 Lic#: 20416372 sljohnson@fedins.com

The FEDERATED Insurance Companies Home Office: 121 E. Park Sq. Owatonna, MN 55060 (507) 455-5200 • www.federatedinsurance.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | IMPACT | PAGE 27

25 Years...

DOWN THROUGH THE YEARS 24 Years...

Country Care Boarding Kennel & in Home Care

"We'll give your pet the loving care it needs, while you're on the vacation you need."

Barb & Roger Hoeve

Commercial Casework & Cabinetry Lake Mills, IA

23 Years...

Pro Manufacturing Inc. 507-377-0091 1-800-274-8858

77917 209th St., Albert Lea

21 ½ Years...

“SUPER STORE TO YOUR DOOR” FREE ESTIMATES • FREE INSTALLATION

507-373-8535

Toll Free 877-373-8535 DESIGN CENTER 310 1ST AvE S. ALBERT LEA, MN

www.theproadvantagemn.com

Since March 1996

20 Years...

Since Sept. 1, 1997

Biorefining — glenville, llC

15300 780th Ave. • Albert Lea, MN 507-373-8895 • www.poet.com Since March 1999

19 Years...

Shell Food Mart

373-5179

116 Bridge Ave. Albert Lea, Since May 2000

18 Years...

826-3510

74745 255th St. Clarks Grove barbhoeve@gmail.com Since July 1995

21 Years...

Gifts, Dart Supplies, Pool Supplies, Over the Hill Novelty Items

703 Marshall St 377-8591

LLC

www.masterplumbingal.com

Residential Commercial Industrial (507) 373-7454 Since 1995 Lic# PM-059506

Your trusted leaders in staffing solutions

507-377-7410 800-371-1262 www.us.manpower.com Since March 13, 1995

21 Years...

21 Years...

JOIN US SUNDAY 9:00 am & 10:30 am

507-383-1383

140 W. Clark St. Albert Lea, MN www.exprealty.com

20 Years...

CHEERS LIQUOR

379-2364 160 Bridge Ave. Albert Lea

18 Years...

LAuRIE SISTEk 341 S BROADWAY AvE • ALBERT LEA, MN

507-552-1263

LAuRIE@BOOkkEEpINGCENTS.COM

20 Years...

FREE DELIvERY

20 Years...

507-377-3276 3402 Hoeger Lane • Albert Lea, MN CROSSROADSCHURCHMN.COM

19 Years...

20 Years...

Dawn Swalve, Realtor®

Connecting our communities with reliable solutions at the speed of light.

JAGUAR FIBER INTERNET TV + VOICE RESIDENTIAL & BUSINESS

101 S Newton Ave Albert Lea, MN 56007 CALL US TODAY: 507-214-1000

18 Years...

Greg Moen, Realtor®

507-383-1866

RE/MAX PROPERTIES 412 E. William • Albert Lea, MN Office: 507-377-2752 www.remax.com

18 Years...

Albert Lea, MN 1-800-4-Choice 810 Happy Trails Lane Albert Lea, MN (507) 377-1100

17 Years...

507-383-1300 dawn.realtor@me.com 204 S. Washington, Albert Lea, MN

TOLL FREE: 1-888-373-8963

cbhomeconnection.com

Call today to discuss your real estate needs!

Greg Moen ............... 507-383-1866

Office Supplies Office Furniture 373-8316

Your local office supply dealer

23 Years...

The Plumbing Professionals

Jay Waltman

WEB-ROOM/ SCOTT’S OFFICE FaMily Fun pRODuCTS CEntER Computer Services Computer Retailer Web Design DVD Production

24 Years...

24 Years...

Dave Klatt 106 S. Broadway Exquisite Food & Fine Wines

377 -2425

118 S Broadway Ave. Albert Lea, MN

Providing Insurance and Financial Services

373-2377

Lisa Evans ................ 507-461-3790 Steve Honsey ............ 507-383-6168 507-377-2752 Lucas Schuster ........ 507-210-4028

www.remax.com

RE/MAX PROPERTIES • 412 E William St • Albert Lea, MN

Office Hours Monday - Friday 9:00-4:30

PAGE 28 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

DOWN THROUGH THE YEARS

17 Years... 17 Years...

Massage Connections Wellness Center & Spa

16 ½ Years...

15 Years...

• Full service mechanic shop • Body & paint • Custom painting

Linda Ferguson 369-0019 Mary Schallock Jeanette, Alyse & Kelsey Kaye Tufte Angie Lair Certified Massage 2209 E. Main St • 377-2845 Therapists

Mike Jensen 1401 SE Broadway Albert Lea, MN 507-373-4164

BODY-MIND-SPIRIT

Over 60 Years of Experience

15 Years...

BROKER

15 Years...

15 Years...

REALTOR

PROPERTY MANAGER

15 Years...

BUY

Daily lunch &

dinner specials

!

Delicious flat iron steaks, original pasta dishes, seafood, healthy salads, robust sandwiches and unique burgers with a kid friendly menu and a full bar.

COME VISIT US TODAY!

224 W. Main • Lake Mills • 641-592-3303 627 Main St. • Osage • 641-832-3300

Mon.-Thurs. 11am-10pm • Fri.-Sat. 11am-11pm Closed Sundays & Holidays

15 Years...

15 Years...

SELL

RENT

15 Years...

Steve Honsey, Realtor® 507-383-6168

RE/MAX PROPERTIES 412 E. William • Albert Lea, MN Office: 507-377-2752 www.remax.com

15 Years...

MANAGE

Broker: Robert Hoffman Broker: Robert Hoffman Broker: Robert Hoffman Broker: Robert Hoffman Broker: Robert Hoffman Broker: Robert Hoffman Broker: Robert Hoffman

507.402.4692

507.402.4692

507.402.4692

507.402.4692

507.402.4692

507.402.4692

507.402.4692

Licensed in MN & IA MN #40230933 IA #F06060000

Licensed in MN & IA MN #40230933 IA #F06060000

Licensed in MN & IA MN #40230933 IA #F06060000

Licensed in MN & IA MN #40230933 IA #F06060000

Licensed in MN & IA MN #40230933 IA #F06060000

Licensed in MN & IA MN #40230933 IA #F06060000

Licensed in MN & IA MN #40230933 IA #F06060000

15 Years...

HIRING NOW!

15 Years...

LIVE THE D AY D R EA M 505 W. Front St, Albert Lea, MN www.innovance.com

Specializing in single-level custom homes.

Since 2004

www.livingencore.com

Parent company of Lou-Rich & Almco

15 Years...

TOTAL QUALITY CONSTRUCTION

15 Years...

15 Years...

ALBERT LEA, MN

For All Your Building Needs

204 S. Washington Ave. Albert Lea, MN 507-373-8963

Get the Shot, cbhomeconnection.com is independently & Operated Not theOwned Flu! 507-402-1084 Each office Lic#20465819 • Insured

Located in Marketplace Foods

507-373-2557

14 Years...

New Home Construction Roofing • Siding • Garages Additions • Decks & More

14 Years...

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | IMPACT | PAGE 29

DOWN THROUGH THE YEARS

14 Years...

14 Years...

14 Years... 13 ½ Years... 13 Years...

Service is our part

ETC

Etcetera ALBERT Boutique LEA TAXI

13 Years...

Tanning & Clothing

377-6007

507-320-7220

2340 Crossroads Blvd • Albert Lea

www.YourProPowerWash.com

13 Years...

13 Years...

2410 Y.H. Hanson Ave. Albert Lea

13 Years...

1610 E. Main St Albert Lea

12 Years...

On Bridge Ave. Now locally owned & operated.

pamschmidtrealtor@gmail.com 204 S. Washington, Albert Lea, MN TOLL FREE: 1-888-373-8963

cbhomeconnection.com

11 Years...

$7 Large One Topping Pizza Limit 3 Expires 11/15/19

507-373-2757 951 W. Plaza St. Albert Lea, MN

Travis & Heather Blake 507-463-1000

Find us on

Located Inside Brick Furniture

225 S. Broadway Albert Lea, MN

507-373-2514

10 Years...

10 Years...

Southern Minnesota’s finest 18-hole championship golf course For tee-time reservations, call the pro shop at 507-373-2007

M-Sat 11am-10pm Sun 10am-8pm 100 Hwy. 13 • New Richland

Mon.-Fri. 10-9 pm Sat. 10-5pm, Sun. 1-5 Located in Skyline Plaza • 1663 W. Main St.

“One of a kind shopping in Downtown Albert Lea!”

®

507-318-0004

• 10 minute bed • 12 minute bed • 15 minute bed • 20 minute bed • Red light therapy • Hydration station • Custom airbrush tanning

507.377.TANS (8267)

Pam Schmidt, Realtor

TANNING... look good - feel great!

507-383-3341 LOCALLY OWNED

12 Years...

Breakfast Served All Day Homemade Soup

120 S. Washington Albert Lea

373-5469

M-F 4:30am-1pm Sat. 4:30am-11am Owners: Nancy Newman & John Gladue

11 ½ Years...

JOIN US 2ND SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM ULTIMATE BLOODY MARY'S | ULTIMATE SCREWDRIVERS

808 W. Front St Albert Lea, MN

An experience you won't forget

507-379-9858

10 Years...

9 Years...

LeVerne Carlson

Fitness Collective Center Spirits

The Wedgewood Restaurant & The Cove Bar & Grill Banquet facility seating up to 450 people for weddings, meetings and parties

424 Bridge Ave. Suite 3 Albert Lea, MN 2200 W 9th St, Albert Lea, MN • 507-373-2007

www.wedgewoodcove.com

Here to Stay.

W E WA N T T O B E Y O U R LIFELONG DENTISTS.

Dr. Rachel Nolander-Poppel, D.D.S. Dr. Tricia Nelson, D.D.S.

Mon-Thurs 5am-11pm Fri & Sat 5am-3am

8 7 S!

YEAR

507-377-1570

Fitness Center Office Hours - School Days; 7:30am-3:00pm.

Located in the Alden-Conger School Main Office Fitness Center Coordinator Jenny Hovendick jhovendick@ac242.us 507-874-3240

Home Brew

1507 Blake Ave.

507-379-BEER

507-373-5968

2717 Ekko Ave • Albert Lea, MN 56007

www.AFD.dental

PAGE 30 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | IMPACT | PAGE 31 Built in 2008, the Barton Wind Farm is in Kensett. Dairyland began purchasing 80 megawatts of renewable energy from this farm in 2017, which is enough to power more than 19,000 homes. Each turbine produces 2 megawatts.

INVESTING IN

RENEWABLE

ENERGY

By Sarah Stultz

sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com

Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services and its energy supplier Dairyland Power Cooperative hosted a tour to various renewable energy sites in the area in August.

Included in the tour were stops at the Lake Mills Waste Management facility, which produces electricity through methane gas found in garbage; the Barton Wind Farm in Kensett; and the Goose Lake solar wind array in Albert Lea. Dairyland Power purchases power from these sites.

The tour also stopped at a pollinator plot in Twin Lakes owned by the cooperative.

Currently, Dairyland’s renewable energy capacity generates over 300 megawatts.

See ENERGY, Page 32

Built by Chicago-based company SoCore, an Engie company, the Goose Lake solar array is across the street from LKQ on 785th Avenue in Albert Lea and is one of 18 solar sites Dairyland purchases energy from. The 1.5 megawatt system is on approximately 13 acres and generates enough power for approximately 250 homes. It has 5,508 solar panels that track the sun as it moves throughout the day. The site doubles as a pollinator garden, which includes native vegetation. SARAH STULTZ/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

PAGE 32 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

ENERGY Continued from Page 31

Costs to purchase energy from various sources Methane digester: 10 cents a kilowatt hour Nuclear: 6 cents a kilowatt hour Coal: 5 cents a kilowatt hour Landfill gas: 5 cents a kilowatt hour Natural gas: 4 cents a kilowatt hour Hydro: 3-3.5 cents a kilowatt hour Solar: 3.5 cents a kilowatt hour Wind: under 2 cents a kilowatt hour — Information from Kenric Scheevel, senior government relations representative with Dairyland Power Cooperative

Jesse Lee, gas plant manager at the Lake Mills Waste Management gas-to-energy facility, speaks with people on the tour Aug. 22. Dairyland purchases energy from this and one other gas-to-energy facility, powering nearly 12,000 homes. Through the facility, trash is put in a landfill, and as the trash decomposes, it produces methane gas. The facility harnesses the gas to power the generators, which create electricity. It is one of 130 gas-to-energy plants Waste Management has in the United States. SARAH STULTZ/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

Each wind turbine is 262 feet tall to the tip of the hub structure where the blades are attached and can produce 2,000 kilowatts of energy an hour.

The wind turbines have ladders that stretch to the top of the turbines, along with a lift that carries a technician.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | IMPACT | PAGE 33

your home deserves a higher standard of comfort.

Call today for fast, professional service at reasonable rates

HANNA’S HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING SMART Transit is owned and operated by and is sponsored by

213 McArthur Dr. PO SMART Box 55 •Transit Albert Hospital Lea • 373-8435 Shuttle

72 YEARS OF BUSINESS

Service in-between Austin and Albert Lea Monday through Friday All trips depart from/arrive at Mayo Clinic Health Systems main entrance: SMART Transit is 404 owned and Street In Austin: 1000 1st Drive NW | In Albert Lea: W. Fountain

operated byper trip $3 per person,

Children 5and and is under ride for free sponsored bywith a paid adult Tickets may be purchased on the bus with the driver (exact change or check payable to Cedar Valley Services only) or at our dispatch office in Austin at 2803 W. Oakland Avenue.

Reservations requested, but not required.

SMART Transit Hospital Shuttle

SMART Transit is owned and operated by and is sponsored by

Service in-between Austin and Albert Lea Monday through Friday Call us at 1-855-SMART-B1 All trips depart from/arrive at Mayo Clinic Health Systems mainwith entrance: SMART Transit Hospital Shuttle questions or to reserve your trip.

In Austin: 1000 1st Drive NW through | In Albert 404 W. Fountain Street Service in-between Austin and Albert Lea Monday Friday Lea: Schedule All trips depart from/arrive at Mayo Clinic Health Departure Systems main Time entrance: In Austin: 1000 1st Drive NW | In Albert Lea: 404 W. Fountain Street from Arrive Albert

Departure Time from Arrive Lea Albert Lea Austin Monday / Wednesday / Friday Children 5 and under ride for free with a 8:45 paidam adult 9:15 am 9:30 am 10:00 am Children 5 and under ride Tickets may be purchased on the bus with the driver 10:00 am*(exact 11:15 am* 3:15* pm 4:00* pm for free with a paid adult. change or check payable to Cedar Valley Services only) or at 4:45 pm 4:15 pm 5:00 pm 5:30 pm Tickets office may be purchased our dispatch in Austin at 2803 W. Oakland Avenue. Tuesdays & Thursdays 8:15 am 8:45 am 9:00 am 9:30 am requested, but not required. onReservations the bus with the driver 9:45 am 10:15 am 10:30 am 11:00 am (exact change or check Call us at 1-855-SMART-B111:15 with am 11:45 am No trip during noon hour payable to Cedar questions or to Valley reserve yourNotrip. trip during noon hour 1:15 pm 1:45 pm Services only) or at our 2:00 pm 2:30 pm 2:45 pm 3:15 pm Schedule 3:30 pm 4:00 pm 4:15 pm 4:45 pm dispatch office in Austin at Departure Time DepartureApproximate Time = 30 Approximate travel travel time time = 30 minutes. minutes. Arrival Arrival times times are are approximate. approximate.

2803 W. Oakland Avenue. from Arrive Albert from*Departure trip Arrive includes additional time for a second pick up location. *Departure trip includes additional time for a second pick up location.

Austin Lea Albert Lea Austin

$3 per person, Austin $3 pertrip person, per trip per

Reservations Monday / Wednesday / Fridayrequested, but not required.

Call us at 1-855-SMART-B1 questions or to reserve your trip.

8:45 am 9:15 am 9:30 am with10:00 am 10:00 am* 11:15 am* 3:15* pm 4:00* pm This4:45service is5:00 not transportation.

4:15 pm pm pm for emergency 5:30 pm www.SmartBusMn.org | 1-855-762-7821 www.SmartBusMn.org | 1-855-762-7821 Tuesdays & Thursdays 8:15 am 8:45 am 9:00 am 9:30 am 9:45 am 10:15 am 10:30 am 11:00 am 11:15 am 11:45 am No trip during noon hour

This service is not for emergency transportation.

CAROLINAS IN THE FALL OCTOBER 19-28 $1,679 • Biltmore Estate House • Biltmore Gardens • Biltmore Winery & Tasting • Biltmore Farm Village • Chimney Rock Park • Smokey Mountains • Blue Ridge Mountains • Alabama Theatre show ONE • 4 nights with Ocean-Front rooms in Myrtle Beach, SC • 1 free day In Myrtle Beach • Carriage tour of Charleston, SC • Tour of Hopsewee Plantation ––––

BRANSON NOVEMBER 6-10 $789 • Yakov Smirnoff • Presley’s Country Jubilee • Dogwood Canyon Nature

Park tour • The Haygoods • Texas Tenors • Dolly Parton’s Stampede ––––

BRANSON NOVEMBER 13-17 $789

• The Duttons • Miracle of Christmas • The Bretts • The Blackwoods • Showboat Branson Belle • Daniel O’Donnell ––––

BRANSON NOVEMBER 20-24 $789

• Clay Cooper • Daniel O’Donnell • Oak Ridge Boys • Pierce arrow • Doug Gabriel • Miracle of Christmas

CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD DECEMBER 4-8 $789 We only have to travel to Omaha, NE to see how Christmas is around the world!

• Omaha Symphony Christmas Celebration • The Christmas Carol Musical • Madrigal Christmas Feast • Lauritzen Botanical Gardens • Christmas in the Ukraine • Christmas at Union Station • Gingerbread Display • and much more!!

––––

TENNESSE CHRISTMAS DECEMBER 10-16 $1,319

Call today for a detailed brochure or a current mailer.

507-529-8687 / 1-866-277-8687 Toll Free / Rochester, MN All prices above based on double occupancy

All of our tours depart from: Albert Lea, Austin, Rochester, Dexter, St Charles, Winona, and La Crosse, WI

PAGE 34 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

BRINGING A HISTORIC VENUE

BACK ON ITS FEET

s

The Golden Bubble had a grand reopening party Aug. 10, which over 700 people attended. TYLER JULSON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

Golden Bubble is reopened for business after major renovations completed

By Tyler Julson

tyler.julson@albertleatribune.com

As a child, Jeff Erickson can remember running around the Golden Bubble when it was owned by his grandparents from 1963 to 1976. Now, Erickson has taken over as owner of the building and renovated it back to pristine condition.

Erickson and his family had a grand reopening of the Golden Bubble on Aug. 10, and he said the event went as well

as it could have.

“The grand opening was a huge success,” Erickson said. “There were a lot of people here. A lot of people just came in to look, and that’s exactly what we wanted. We just wanted people to get in the door and look. I haven’t heard one bad word yet. Everything went off without a hitch. We had no problems that night.”

South of Wells on Highway 22, the Golden Bubble has a storied history in the community. Opening in 1955 as a

steakhouse, it was owned by Dick and Hazel Pefiffer and Harry Larson. Erickson’s grandparents Harry and Marg Krueger took ownership in 1962 and on Dec. 4 opened the ballroom portion to the public.

After a two-year ownership by Ron Palucha in 1976, the Golden Bubble was handed off to Kenny and Gloria Thompson in 1978. A devastating fire in 1980 took nearly everything except the steel support beams.

The Thompsons promptly rebuilt and reopened the building, where it operated until 2005. After a brief stint as an antique shop from 2005 to 2007, the doors to the Golden Bubble were closed.

It sat empty for over 10 years, slowly succumbing to nature growing around it. That was until Erickson and his wife decided to buy it in early January 2018.

“It just sat empty for the longest time,” See VENUE, Page 36

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | IMPACT | PAGE 35

Custom Metal Work

BD

HILLCREST

CEMETERY ASSOCIATION We are a full service cemetery.

This includes: burial vaults, grave markers, flowers/wreaths & perpetual care

B&D Metal Works, Inc.

17544 Hwy. 65 S. | Albert Lea 507-373-3560 www.hillcrestcemetaryassociation.com

15897 St. Hwy. 22 • PO Box 206 Wells, MN 56097 (507) 553-6388 • Fax (507) 553-6387

Monday: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm • Tuesday: 11:00 am - 4:30 pm • Wednesday: 11:00 am - 4:30 pm Thursday: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm • Friday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm • Saturday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

1725 E MAIN STREET | ALBERT LEA 507-668-4070 | MAINSTREETAUTOMN.COM

Albert Lea Public Warehouse • • • • • • • •

We are very happy to be part of the vibrant Albert Lea Community.

300,000 sq.ft. storage Rent space by sq. ft. or pallet Clean, dry, & secure 14 loading docks available Forklift operator on duty Sprinkler System Pest Control Food Grade

Contract Manufacturing of Snacks and Cereals.

Job Opportunities Available

Apply in Person 1215 Hershey Street

507-373-5580

www.albertleapublicwarehouse.com • Myers Road • Albert Lea, MN

FtRimEaEtes

Es

Call us for:

YOUR ELECTRIC SPECIALIST!

CommerCial - residential - industrial farm Wiring - generator installations design/Build serviCes neW ConstruCtion 310 2nd Ave SW, Albert Lea, MN serviCe maintenanCe www.thompsonelectricofalbertlea.com

PAGE 36 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

VENUE Continued from Page 34

Erickson said. “So I finally thought, ‘Why not?, Let’s go find out what’s going on with this.’ I went to the commissioner of this district, Tom Warmka, and he was all for it. The sheriff and I came here and opened up the doors and the only parts I wanted to save were the metal building and the dance floor. After that, I’d replace it all. Faribault County was really cooperative. I got to buy it from them, and here we are.”

It took around 18 months to complete all of the renovations to the property. Everything except the frame of the building, the frame of the stage and the dance floor were replaced.

Erickson said he and his family took care of all the demolition work, and all but one of the companies he used in the construction process were local.

The hardest part about the whole process was trying to manage his time between his day job and trying to start a business.

“I still work full time,” Erickson said.

“Working here nights and weekends, I haven’t done anything other than work for about a year and a half here. The other thing was learning the business side. I’ve worked construction my whole life and never on the management side of things. I never would have guessed when starting a project this size that the financing would take well over a year to finalize.”

After sitting empty for over 10 years, the Golden Bubble has reopned to the public under the ownership of Jeff Erickson. TYLER JULSON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

The venue can seat up to 550 people with tables lining the sides and the option of adding tables to the dance floor.

Erickson and his family handled all of the construction work themselves and hired local companies to handle all of the construction jobs aside from one.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | IMPACT | PAGE 37

The dance floor, stage frame and frame from the building were the only aspects of the property Erickson kept intact when remodeling. TYLER JULSON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

“We’re coming up on three generations of couples who are going to have their wedding reception. I think it’s a good thing for the community, and it means a lot that the community has been so supportive of us. It’s been huge.”

— Golden Bubble owner Jeff Erickson While Erickson has envisioned the Golden Bubble to mainly host wedding receptions, he said he has already been getting calls from local businesses about having gatherings there. There are also some concerts on the upcoming schedule with a polka, waltz and old-time country dance scheduled for Sept. 29 and a ’50s and ’60s rock night Oct. 12.

Through all the time consuming and hard work, Erickson is proud to bring the historic venue back to its feet.

“We’re coming up on three generations of couples who are going to have their wedding reception,” Erickson said. “I think it’s a good thing for the community, and it means a lot that the community has been so supportive of us. It’s been huge.”

Erickson added on this entry way which showcases some of the artifacts from past decades in glass cases.

PAGE 38 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

Impacts of the Governor’s Fishing Opener AUDIENCE REACH

646,909,278

5,320,281

33,694,636 Online and print audience reach

Broadcast audience reach on TV and radio

Social media audience reach

MENTIONS

352 online

430 on the radio

713

More than 200

On-site media interviews arranged

More than 100

Media personnel present

on TV

1,005

28

in print

on Twitter

162

on Instagram

80

on Facebook

MEDIA TURNOUT

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | IMPACT | PAGE 39

You’ll fall for our deals!

SHOP DOWNTOWN

Come check us out today!

ALBERT LEA

Mary Go Round Shoppe

Stop & Check Out All The Fall/Winter Clothing Arriving Daily!

A Resale Boutique Of Quality Consignments 106 West Clark Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-373-7911

2019 Best Home Health Care

Caring Hands Enhancing the quality of lives at home.

Call for a free Consultation

507-369-5701 204 S. Washington Ave., Suite 100 Albert Lea, MN 56007 www.embracehomecarellc.com

Unique women’s clothing and home decor.

Hours: Tues, Wed & Fri 10 am-4 pm

Fall into the Latest Styles for Less.

Thursday 10 am-7 pm Sat 10 am-1 pm

—

Albert Lea Art Center Gallery Exhibits, Lecture Series,

Gallery Exhibits, Lecture Series, Classes Offered, Gift Shop, Classes Offered, GiftEvents Shop, Art Supplies, Special Art Supplies, Special Events Contact the Art Center for Details!

Contact the Art Center for Details!

101 S. Broadway | Albert Lea, MN | 507-373-5665 www.thealbertleaartcenter.org

101 S. Broadway, Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-373-5665 web: www.thealbertleaartcenter.org facebook: Albert Lea Art Center

Hours: 10 am—4 pm, Tues, Wed & Fri 10 am–7 pm, Thurs 10 am—1 pm, Sat

• Fresh and Frozen Meats • Many Homemade Sausages • Custom Processing • Venison Processing • Meat & Cheese Trays monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

albert lea: 507-377-1556 • conger: 507-265-3340

Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri 10 - 5 Thurs 10 - 7 • Sat 10 - 3 144 S Broadway, Albert Lea, MN 507-473-2111

Celebrating 32 Years Addie’s Floral & Gifts Larry

Arline

Georgia

Jeanne

Kathy

Kay

Florals, Plants, Home Decor, And much more!

216 South Broadway • Downtown Albert Lea M-F 9:30am - 5:30pm, Sat 9:30am - 3pm

507-377-2081

Fisher’s FineJewelers

202 S. Broadway • Albert Lea • 507-373-3925

es od & fine wt in Exquisite foest ects refl tha nt me ish abl

A first class dining French & Italian the influence of classic ifornia trends.

Cal t ren cuisine, and cur ection of over 100 We offer a diverse sel estic wines. dom & ed ort imp also available. vice Full cocktail ser

Quality Meats All Locally Raised

146 William St. E doWntoWn albErt lEa and 100 William avE. congEr

—

Create, Educate, Promote & Showcase the arts

Conger Meat Market Two Locations to Choose From

123 North Broadway Albert Lea, MN 507-373-0388

Free Delivery Breakfast All Day Monday-Friday 4:30am-1pm Saturday 4:30am-11am

120 S. Washington • 373-5469

204 S. Washington • Albert Lea, MN

507-373-8963

www.cbhomeconnection.com

We feature USDA Prime beef & fresh seafood Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 5:30 RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED Regularly changing menu, see our website at www.cresendodining.com

507-377-2425 118 S. Broadway Ave., Albert Lea

Page 40 | IMPaCT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

inform.involve.inspire.

Albert Lea Tribune | 808 W. Front St. | Albert Lea, MN 56007 | 507.371-1411

Glenville

Plumbing 507-448-3717

448-2902

Glenville, MN

AVAILABLE

• Pull type • 3 pt. Cat. III or IV

info@ld-ag.com • 408 Broadway St. • Hartland, MN • 507-845-2100

COM-TEC Land Mobile Radio Service

ARO Accounting Allyson Olson 32718 State Hwy. 13 • Hartland

(507) 845-2763

Full Bookkeeping, Payroll & Income Tax Preparation 25+ years of experience Professional yet personal Allyson@aroaccounting.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | IMPACT | PAGE 41

Main Street program will unite good work already happening in the city The city and Chamber of Commerce are jointly pursuing membership in the Main Street program. The program is a tried-and-true, timetested framework for keeping Main Street vibrant.

We are already doing so many things right, but there are two key reasons that I am a supporter of this.

First, admission into the program provides access to a network of people and resources for staff to utilize.

Second, and more importantly, adoption of the program requires the community to come together to devise transformation strategies that are developed through community engagement. And as long as I’ve been on the council and as a mayor, I have seen that when people get involved, good stuff happens.

The four points of Main Street are economic vitality, design, organization and promotion — four methods to grow our downtown, four committees developing and enacting ways to move our community forward. The Albert Lea Economic Development Agency, naturally, has taken a lead on economic vitality.

ALEDA has the capital and financial

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tools to offer to new and existing businesses. Their successes within the downtown include work with Mortarr, The Outlet and Allure Salon. But there is still more work to do. I know that a vibrant retail scene is something that adds to quality of life and recognize that we need more places to shop. This committee could play an integral role in filling the gap that was left open by Shopko and Herberger’s closing.

We thought it best to make our existing Heritage Preservation Commission home to our Design Committee for two reasons. The HPC, by municipal code, governs the design elements of the downtown, so it is a logical home. But more than that, the people who serve on the HPC

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have such passion for the city. This was exhibited in the work they did to bring together the 2017 Statewide Historic Preservation Conference.

While we value being home to one of the largest intact historic districts in the state, I think we all enjoy stumbling upon things that surprise and delight. That said, if you were to think of downtown as a canvas, how would you paint it? Are there ways that we can leverage our creative communities to make our downtown both familiar and different?

Downtown is the hub of our community, so in many ways, the work of the promotion committee is already being done by the volunteers and staff of our summer events like Wind Down Wednesday and Thursdays on Fountain. Those events showcase Fountain Lake and a downtown corridor that is revitalized. But, are there other things that you’d like to see us try that keep downtown a destination for residents and attract tourists?

According to the Main Street website, “Organization involves creating a strong foundation for a sustainable revitalization effort, including cultivating partnerships, community

involvement and resources for the district.” As a community, we continually demonstrate that we get things done: the fishing opener, the splash pad, dog park and preservation conference. Albert Lea has displayed that volunteerism is a value we hold dear. The organization committee is another avenue to do that, and I believe the chamber can serve as the center of the wheel that connects all our spokes.

I want our community to keep moving forward and believe that the Main Street program can be the umbrella that unites the good work we’re already doing. However, more than that, because Main Street is where we all come together, this will work most successfully if we all play a part. The city and chamber will soon provide updates for more news about this.

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PAGE 42 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

SUGAR,

SPICE

AND NICE

EVERYTHING

By Colleen Harrison

colleen.harrison@albertleatribune.com

The monster cookies from Fat Jill’s, pictured, contain oatmeal, peanut butter, chocolate chips and M&MS. Ehrhardt said she orders flour and sugar by 25-pound bags, and powdered sugar by 50-pound bags.

Fat Jill’s opened in 2013, and will be announcing a new location soon.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | IMPACT | PAGE 43

While peanut butter cup cupcakes are her biggest sellers, Ehrhardt said one of her favorite recipes right now is one for snickerdoodle cookies she found in a church cookbook.

“I’ve always liked to bake,” Jill Ehrhardt said. Ehrhardt owns Fat Jill’s, a bakery out of Northwood.

While there are regular items for sale through Fat Jill’s, the business will also do its best to fill customer requests. Ehrhardt said she came up with a pop tart cupcake recipe for a graduation party this summer. See more photos on Page 44.

PAGE 44 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

Ehrhardt said she got a love of baking from both her grandmothers and her mother. Her mother now helps her with the business from time to time. COLLEEN HARRISON/ ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

In addition to cupcakes, Fat Jill’s also offers cookies, muffins, brownie bites and Christmas specials, along with other treats and custom orders.

Orders can be placed through the Fat Jill’s Facebook page or by calling 641-390-0064.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | IMPACT | PAGE 45

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Find everything you love about the lakes up north right here Explore Minnesota Tourism reported travel and tourism had a strong summer, according to a recent survey to the lodging industry.

Results from the annual post-summer survey continue a positive trend of tourism business in Minnesota.

Summer travel season in Minnesota accounts for 37% of annual expenditures that contribute to a $15.3 billion a year and attracts more than 73 million travelers annually. The industry also employs 270,000 workers in the state, roughly 11% of Minnesota’s private sector workforce.

We are fortunate that Albert Lea has over 600 rooms and five campgrounds attracting visitors and tourists to our community, and lodging revenue continues to be solid in 2019.

Albert Lea was honored to host the 2019 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener in May and recently received the executive media summary results provided by Explore Minnesota Tourism. The event generated a whopping $1,226,550 estimated ad value equivalency with more than 100 media personnel attending and more than 200 on-site media interviews.

Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan praised the community during the weekend, “Albert Lea rolled out the buffalo-plaid carpet for us and we are so grateful. The community has been so welcoming, the volunteers, it’s been better than we could have ever imagined. Albert Lea has set the bar for every fishing opener for us moving forward.”

This event could not have been so successful without the commitment of the best volunteers a community could ask for. There were 18 committees that put countless hours of time into this event. Over 600 volunteers overall throughout the event weekend — how grateful we are!

There are many activities and events to enjoy throughout the year that inspire and continue to add to the quality of life in our community. Annual events — Eddie Cochran Weekend, Third of July Parade and

Guest Column

By Susie Petersen

fireworks, Rock ’n’ Roll the Lakes bike event, Wind Down Wednesdays, Thursdays on Fountain, Freeborn County Fair, Big Island Bar-B-Que, Wander the Water Half Marathon, Fall Fest, Big Island Rendezvous, Halloween Spooktactular, Holiday Bazaar and the Big Freeze — are organized by volunteers, organizations and partnerships that have collaborated to make each a tremendous success. Thank you!

Voted one of southern Minnesota’s top attractions, Myre-Big Island State Park is amazing for camping, biking and canoeing. Last year it had 136,000 visitors. We are so fortunate to have an award-winning winery — Three Oak Vineyard and Winery that attracts visitors and locals for live music for enjoyment. Visitors love to visit Freeborn County Historical Library, Museum and Village, the alpaca farm and Pelican Breeze II, Marion Ross theater and the arts community.

Our vibrant downtown historical district and all the new businesses on South Broadway, coffee shops, restaurants — how thankful we are to them for investing in our community!

Lake/Land/Life — www.explorealbertlea.com — you can find everything you love about the lakes up north right here. We are the southern Minnesota version of up north and whatever you love about the water, land or life, you’ll find it here.

It takes a community, and how blessed we are to live in Albert Lea! Susie Petersen is the executive director of the Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | IMPACT | PAGE 47

The Good Samaritan Society applauds Minnesota’s health ranking for seniors in report The Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea location has been providing post-acute rehabilitation, skilled nursing, outpatient therapy and hospice care for seniors since 1953. It’s a privilege to provide these services in a state that values senior care, as indicated in the 2019 Seniors Health Report ranking Minnesota as the fourth healthiest state, and No. 1 in total health outcomes.

America’s Health Rankings’ Senior Report, funded by UnitedHealth Foundation, provides a unique snapshot of the nation’s senior health. The report drives much-needed action to improve the health of communities across our nation. This year’s report also sheds light on national and state level gender disparities related to mental health and unhealthy behaviors as well as provides a 15-year comparison of changes in the demographics and health of young seniors (ages 65 to 75).

In Minnesota, we continue to have challenges in providing care to those who are most vulnerable in our communities. Inadequate levels of reimbursement exist — particularly from public sources — to properly compensate senior providers for quality care.

Managed care and a coming major overhaul of the payments systems will challenge all senior providers to make changes, improve their quality outcomes or be in danger of extinction.

Medicare and Medicaid is the primary source for funding of senior care services, and our Congress continues to seek budget cuts which endanger our senior residents’ access to quality care.

Workforce recruitment and retention is one of the most pressing challenges confronting senior care providers today. The health care system has experienced a shortage of trained caregivers for critical roles for some time; nurses and nurse aides are among the fastest growing occupations, but supply is not keeping pace.

The federal government estimates nearly 27 million people will need some kind of long-term care by 2050, magnifying the workforce shortage that already exists.

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Guest Column

By Katie Davis

Congress is making progress with proposed legislation such as the Geriatric Workforce Improvement Act that would authorize the Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program for another five years. The program provides grants to geriatric centers to educate and train doctors, nurses, social workers and other health care professionals in the care and treatment of the elderly.

This year’s America’s Health Rankings Senior Report finds encouraging progress in the availability and use of services that help older adults remain in their homes and communities.

Food insecurity: Decreased 14% since 2017 from 15.8 to 13.6% of adults aged 60-plus. SNAP reach: Increased 13% since 2015 from 71.8 to 80.9 adults aged 60-plus participating per 100 adults 60-plus living in poverty. Home health care workers: Increased 44% since 2013 from 93.8 to 135.5 workers per 1,000 adults aged 75-plus. Hospice care: Increased 48% since 2013 from 36.7 to 54.4% of Medicare decedents aged 65-plus.

The report also finds seniors still face challenges — especially with mental health, unhealthy behaviors and not visiting a doctor when needed due to cost. Depression: Increased 19% since 2018 from 13.4 to 16.0% of adults aged 65-plus. Excessive drinking: Increased 12% since 2016 from 6.6 to 7.4% of adults aged 65-plus.

Avoided care due to cost 5.2% of adults aged 65-plus reported not seeing a doctor due to cost sometime in the past year.

Katie Davis is the campus administrator at Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea.

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PAGE 48 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

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The restoration of Fountain Lake is a community project Although the dredge excavating the sediments from Edgewater Bay is on its second season of dredging, the massive vessel still fills residents with awe. Depending on its location, people can be seen pointing and taking pictures of the dredge, and rightly so.

“The Fountain Lake Restoration is a community project — a project that many people have waited a long time for,” explains Shell Rock River Watershed District Administrator Andy Henschel.

Since 2003, the Shell Rock River Watershed District and its partners have been proactive in their efforts to improve water quality in Fountain Lake by implementing upstream projects including managing rough fish populations, installing fish barriers, lake reclamations, streambank restorations and agricultural best management practices. While these measures have helped, excessive internal phosphorus loading, overabundant algae and low water clarity still remained.

To combat these water quality issues, the district has found success with hydraulic dredging. Similar to a giant vacuum cleaner, the 12-inch swinging ladder cutterhead dredge stirs up sediment and sucks it into a pipe via pumps, thus removing the active layer of concentrated phosphorus and exposing sediment with a lower potential for internal loading. The dredged material from Edgewater Bay is then pumped through a 14-inch pipe over four miles to a confined disposal facility, a dewatering site.

The Fountain Lake restoration is a multi-phased project. The first phase, removing over 617,000 cubic yards of material from Edgewater Bay, will be complete in just a few weeks. The district has been preparing for the second phase for many months. In January, the Shell Rock River Watershed

Guest Column

By Leah Stadheim

District Board of Managers approved another contract with J.F. Brennan Co. Inc., the dredging and marine construction company responsible for the first phase of dredging. The phase two contract includes dredging approximately 604,000 cubic yards of material with the potential for an increase to 704,000 cubic yards from the Main Bay and Dane’s Bay. This phase will take two dredging seasons as well, or until 2021. Similarly, the dredged material will be pumped via a pipeline to CDF cells two and three, currently under construction and located adjacent to the existing CDF site.

Additional dredging, including Bancroft Bay and Albert Lea Lake, rely on the success of the Fountain Lake restoration project, but the district remains proactive. Staff continues to strategize for future funding and permitting. Once dredging is complete, the district will focus on habitat features and maintaining catchments from tributaries entering into Fountain Lake including Wedge Creek, Dane’s Bay and Shoff Creek.

The Fountain Lake restoration project will not only improve water quality and clarity, enhance fish habitat and protect waterfowl, but it will leave an outdoor legacy for future generations.

Leah Stadheim is the education/ outreach coordinator and administrative assistant for the Shell Rock River Watershed District.

The dredge sits on part of Edgewater Bay during the dredging process. COLLEEN HARRISON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | IMPACT | PAGE 49

HEADS UP, EMPLOYERS: 3 THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND ABOUT NEW LABOR LEGISLATION

By Sarah Kocher

sarah.kocher@albertleatribune.com

Legislation from the most recent Minnesota legislative session required employers to follow more guidelines regarding wage theft but also offered additional investments in job training and workers’ compensation information technology services.

Here are a few things to keep in mind moving forward.

Wage theft

The biggest splash came from legislation surrounding wage theft protection.

All of the changes were in effect as of Aug. 1 and include new wage and hour requirements, protections and sanctions, according to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.

The law made wage theft — a definition that includes failure to pay an employee all wages, salaries, gratuities, earnings or commissions at the employee’s rate of pay or making it appear as though the employee was paid more than was actually paid — a felony and punishes employers who retaliate against employees who report wage theft, according to a Minnesota House of Representatives press release.

Punishments for wage theft include prison time, a fine or both. The penalties increase depending on the value of wages stolen and range from as little as less than one year in prison and/or a fine of no more than $3,000, and as much as 20 years in prison and/or a fine of no more than $100,000.

Employers are also penalized for any retaliation against an employee who has filed or intends to file a claim of wage theft. An employer who does so is subject not only to legal remedies but also liable for a civil penalty ranging

from $700 to $3,000 for each violation, according to the Department of Labor and Industry.

Employers hindering or delaying the Department of Labor and Industry commissioner in their work are also guilty of a misdemeanor.

Under changes to the law, the commissioner can also enter and inspect workplaces, apply for inspection orders in district court if that entry has been denied and privately interview employees for an investigation.

If an employer is found to have failed paying wages and commissions as required by law, the employer can be ordered to pay those wages owed, pay damages to the employee or pay a civil penalty for repeat or intentional violations, among others.

If an employer repeatedly fails to submit records as ordered or maintain records according to the law, they may be penalized up to $5,000 for each violation.

Additionally, if an employer’s records are not enough needed to determine back wages due, the commissioner can set the wage for back pay based on what evidence is available.

A part of the changes also includes asking employers to increase the records they keep and the information they share with employees regarding their work and pay. Employers are required to keep these records as well as others already in place for three years. Records must be accessible for the employer to meet a commissioner’s demand within four days.

Employers must: • Give starting employees written notice of their employment status and contract terms • Provide additional information on each pay period’s earning statements, including rate of pay, allowances claimed

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for meals and lodging, and the employer’s telephone and office address • Keep additional records about each employee’s hours worked each day and workweek • Keep a list of personnel policies, including descriptions of each policy and when they were provided to each employee • Provide a copy of written changes to notices to each employee

Youth skills training

The Department of Labor and Industry received funding to increase the number of grants available to support partnerships intended to address the state’s skilled worker shortage, according to the department. Funding can also be used to support employment-based training programs for students.

Youth skills training programs are developed locally and ask employers, schools and other community stakeholders to address the shortage, information provided by the department said.

According to James Honerman, communications director for the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, a group in Albert Lea has applied for youth skills training grant funding in the past.

Workers’ compensation claims

Employers, insurance companies, medical providers, injured workers and attorneys are intended to be given quicker access to workers’ compensation claims. A new information technology system for workers’ compensation is to be finished and would streamline the process by which work injuries are reported, treated and compensated, according to the Department of Labor and Industry.

Other changes

Plumbing contractors are required to display their names and license numbers on the vehicles they use while working, a press release from the Minnesota House of Representatives stated.

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PAGE 50 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

Q&A WITH RETAIL STRATEGIES LLC.

By Sarah Stultz

sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com

The city of Albert Lea and Albert Lea Economic Development Agency contracted with Retail Strategies LLC. to recruit and retain more retail opportunities in Albert Lea. Below, Beth Miller, portfolio director with Retail Strategies, answers some questions about what the company has been working on for the city.

Q:

Highlight your efforts in reaching out to retail businesses to come to Albert Lea. What types of businesses have you reached out to? Did the city provide you with types of businesses the community would like to see?

A: At the beginning of our partnership with Albert Lea, we completed a full market analysis and put together a retail recruitment plan to guide us in our active recruitment. During that phase of our partnership, we took a look at many factors, including a gap analysis, a peer market analysis, as well as what categories of retailers are growing and opening new stores in the region.

Combining all of this information helps us come up with our focus categories; however, these aren’t the only categories we recruit in. According to the data, our industry knowledge and what we’ve been told the community wants, these are the categories that would make the most sense. The four focus categories identified are restaurants, apparel, general merchandise and home furnishings.

Q: What has been

the response of these businesses (both positive and negative)?

A: We have received a lot of feed-

back from retailers while representing Albert Lea. We can’t share the specifics since that information is confidential, but we can say we have a handful of interested retailers and restaurants at this time.

We are working diligently with those to identify the best site and supporting in any way we can to help them open a new location within Albert Lea. We haven’t received much negative feedback. However, sometimes retailers, for example, have an interest but don’t have an active franchisee in the region. Knowing that this could change, we continue to stay in touch with those retailers on a regular basis.

you Q: Have had any

all of that information that we use regularly in our outreach. We work to tell the story of Albert Lea in a way that appeals to each specific retailer.

Q:

What are your plans for the coming months to reach out to more businesses?

A: In the coming months, we will continue the conversations we are already having with retailers in helping them find the right spot in the market. We will also continue our outreach to other retailers, as well as reconnect with the ones who might have passed on the market before. Our team is attending conferences all across the country representing Albert Lea. Beth In October, our team will attend Miller the ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers) Deal Making Conference in Chicago, which is always a very beneficial show for this region.

discussions with Aldi, specifically?

We’re hearing a lot in the community right now of people wanting Aldi to come and some confusion about whether it is coming or not.

A: Aldi is a group that our team has a relationship with and we are in regular contact with them. All specific retailer conversations remain confidential until an actual deal is finalized. We do believe they would be a perfect fit for Albert Lea.

Q: Is there certain

criteria that many of these businesses have when considering whether to come to Albert Lea such as population, etc.?

A: The majority of retailers do have certain criteria they need to meet when considering opening a new location (median household incomes, population within a certain radius, etc.), however every retailers’ criteria is different. We have a large internal database tracking

Retail Strategies is working on behalf of the city and Albert Lea Economic Development Agency to bring retail opportunities to the city. TRIBUNE FILE PHOTO ICSC allows us to sit face to face with retailers and continue to progress with deals that are in the works while also starting new conversations.

FREEBORN COUNTY

M I N N E S O T A

Providing quality public service in an efficient, fiscally sustainable Providing qualitypublic public service service in fiscally sustainable Providing quality in an anefficient, efficient, fiscally sustainable manner with integrity andefficient, transparency.

Providing quality public service in an fiscally sustainable manner with integrity and transparency. manner with integrity and transparency.

County Administration --------------------------------------------------------------------------------377-5116 manner with integrity and transparency.

County Administration --------------------------------------------------------------------------------377-5116 County Administration Assessor ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------County --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 377-5176 377-5116 County ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------377-5176 County Assessor Attorney-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------County Assessor ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 377-5192 377-5176 County Attorney-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------377-5192 County ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 377-5192 377-5121 County Auditor Attorney-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------County Auditor ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------County Inspector -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 377-5121 379-2962 County Ditch Auditor ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------377-5121 County Ditch Inspector -------------------------------------------------------------------------------County (Vitals-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Statistics) ---------------------------------------------------------------- 379-2962 377-5130 County Recorder Ditch Inspector 379-2962 County Recorder (Vitals Statistics) ---------------------------------------------------------------377-5130 County -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------County Sheriff Recorder (Vitals Statistics) ---------------------------------------------------------------- 377-5205 377-5130 County Sheriff -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------377-5205 County Treasurer ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------377-5117 County Treasurer Sheriff -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------377-5205 County ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------377-5117 Court Administration ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------377-5163 County Treasurer ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------377-5117 Court Administration ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 377-5137 377-5163 Court / Probation---------------------------------------------------------------------------Court Services Administration ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 377-5137 377-5163 Court Services / Probation---------------------------------------------------------------------------Environmental Services-------------------------------------------------------------------------------377-5186 Court Services Services-------------------------------------------------------------------------------/ Probation---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 377-5137 Environmental 377-5186 *Burn Permit / Building Permit / Feedlot Permits -----------------------------------------377-5186 Environmental Services-------------------------------------------------------------------------------377-5186 *Burn Permit / Building Permit / Feedlot Permits -----------------------------------------377-5186 Highway Department-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------377-5188 *Burn Permit / Building Permit / Feedlot Permits ------------------------------------------ 377-5186 Highway Department-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------377-5188 Human Services -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------377-5400 HighwayServices Department-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------377-5188 Human 377-5400 *Victim’s Crisis-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Center ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 377-5460 Human Services -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------377-5400 *Victim’s Crisis Center -----------------------------------------------------------------------------377-5460 *24 Hour Crisis Hotline -----------------------------------------------------------------------------373-2223 *Victim’s Crisis Hotline Center -----------------------------------------------------------------------------377-5460 *24 Hour Crisis -----------------------------------------------------------------------------373-2223 Maintenance / Building Manager ------------------------------------------------------------------377-5114 *24 Hour Crisis Hotline -----------------------------------------------------------------------------373-2223 Maintenance Building Manager ------------------------------------------------------------------- 377-5114 Public Health//---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------377-5100 Maintenance Building Manager ------------------------------------------------------------------- 377-5114 Public Health ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------377-5100 University of MN Extension Services (4-H) ----------------------------------------------------377-5660 Public Health ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------377-5100 University of MN Extension Services (4-H) ----------------------------------------------------Vehicle & Driver’s License Center (tabs, transfers, license renewals) ---------------- 377-5660 377-5126 University of MN Extension Services (4-H) ----------------------------------------------------Vehicle & Driver’s License Center (tabs, transfers, license renewals) ---------------- 377-5660 377-5126 *State Driving Exams: Thursday & Friday ONLY-------------------------------------------377-5125 Vehicle Driver’s License Center (tabs, transfers, license renewals) ---------------- 377-5126 *State & Driving Exams: Thursday & Friday ONLY-------------------------------------------377-5125 Veterans Services Office------------------------------------------------------------------------------377-5184 *State Driving Exams: Thursday & Friday ONLY-------------------------------------------- 377-5125 Veterans Services Office------------------------------------------------------------------------------377-5184 County Fair Office --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------373-6965 Veterans Services Office------------------------------------------------------------------------------377-5184 County Fair Office --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------373-6965 Freeborn County Museum & Historical Village -----------------------------------------------373-8003 County Fair OfficeMuseum --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Freeborn County & Historical Village ------------------------------------------------ 373-6965 373-8003 Freeborn County Museum & Historical Village ------------------------------------------------ 373-8003 POLICE * FIRE * MEDICAL * SHERIFF * STATE PATROL EMERGENCY: 911 POLICE * FIRE * MEDICAL * SHERIFF * STATE PATROL EMERGENCY: 911 POLICE * FIRE * MEDICAL * SHERIFF * STATE PATROL EMERGENCY: 911 www.co.freeborn.mn.us www.co.freeborn.mn.us www.co.freeborn.mn.us Freeborn County Government Center Freeborn County Government Center 411 Broadway S. 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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | IMPACT | PAGE 51

Economic development agency aims to develop a joint community vision What is the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency? Since moving to Albert Lea and taking over the executive director role, I have received that question multiple times. The answer in my view is simple: ALEDA exists to help bring new business in, grow and retain existing businesses and provide local entrepreneurs with the tools to realize their dreams in our great city.

In the time that I have been here, our organization has helped with loans and start-up assistance for businesses such as the Thirsty Fox, Peppered Cow, The Outlet and Mortarr.

Each one of these businesses brings a different dynamic to Albert Lea, and each week ALEDA hears from more businesses and entrepreneurs interested in locating or starting a business here. When I have gone out and met with businesses in the community, I have heard many times over that businesses here are looking to expand.

In a time when globalization, urbanization and the reality of an aging workforce greatly impacts rural America, there is optimism for Albert Lea. However, optimism alone will not deal with the issues every city in rural America faces. Now, more than ever, we need to be able to attract people to our community to help fill the labor needs of our local companies and to create new businesses to keep our community diverse and thriving. To do that, we need to have an exciting, engaging, welcoming community with good housing opportunities, child care and attractive amenities, among other quality of life benefits.

The question then becomes how does Albert Lea adapt to the realities of today and create a community that not only lasts but thrives moving forward?

The answer again to me is relatively simple, through strategic long-term planning. The process will

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Guest Column

By Phillip Johnson

involve as many community members and stakeholders as possible in order to develop Albert Lea’s vision for the future. ALEDA, along with the city, county, Convention and Visitors Bureau and Chamber of Commerce, will come together this fall to develop this plan. This strategic plan will take place over a 12-week period from Oct. 1 to Dec. 17.

Ady Advantage is the firm that was chosen to facilitate this 12-week process. Ady Advantage brings a wealth of knowledge and experience having worked with over 450 economic development organizations across the Midwest. ALEDA, along with the city and the county, will share the costs to utilize Ady Advantage’s services, with the goal of creating a five-year joint community

coming weeks as we work together on this new plan. Opportunities for local businesses and public input will be announced, and we look forward to your valuable participation.

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions about ALEDA or our work, please feel free to reach out to me at 507-373-3930 or phillipjohnson@growalbertlea.com.

Phillip Johnson is executive director of the Albert Lea Economic Development agency.

“Providing financial service for 60 years ”

610 S Broadway Ave. Albert Lea, MN

377-1863

www.tradesandlabor.com We are a not-for-profit organization that is locally owned by our members. If you are ready for lower loan rates, fewer fees and higher dividends, stop in and see us.

Open the door to your

Dream Home

Your Local Electric Cooperative

2501 East Main Street Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-373-6421 800-734-6321 www.fmcs.coop

• New Home Construction • General Contracting • Remodeling & Additions • Siding & Windows • Roofing & Decks

to the editor.

sarah.stultz @albertleatribune.com

vision for Albert Lea and Freeborn County. The joint community vision will establish the key economic goals for the next five years, giving a detailed plan for quarters one through four for each year. The plan will also outline the roles and responsibilities of the different stakeholders for each goal.

We are in a unique situation in which there are many new leaders at the table, and strategic planning will give those leaders a roadmap to follow into the future. Please join us in the

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2210 East Main St. • Albert Lea, MN (507) 373-2461 308 7th Avenue • Ellendale, MN (507) 684-2881 217 West Division St. • New Richland, MN (507) 465-8015

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PAGE 52 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

Accentra Credit Union ............................................. 15

Dave’s Auto Service .................................................46

Mary Go Round Shoppe ..........................................39

Addie’s Floral & Gifts...............................................39

Doug’s Painting and Sandblasting .......................... 35

Mayo Clinic Health System/Albert Lea ............ Cover

Albert Lea Art Center...............................................39

Eastside Liquor .......................................................... 9

Midwest Repairables, Inc ........................................ 47

Albert Lea Bus Comanpy .........................................33

Embrace Home Care ...............................................39

Mohs Contracting .....................................................17

Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau ..... Cover

Farmers Mutual Insurance ..................................... 41

Morreim Drainage, Inc. ........................................... 41

Albert Lea Economic Development Agency (ALEDA) ............................................ Cover

Farmers State Bank ................................................... 3

Nancy’s Café .............................................................39

Fisher’s Fine Jewelers .............................................39

New To You Consignment.......................................39

Freeborn Construction ...................................... Cover

Northland Buildings ................................................48

Freeborn County Government Center ....................50

Oak Park Place ........................................................... 9

Freeborn Mower Cooperative Services................... 51

Peterson, Kolker, Haedt & Benda, Ltd. ..................49

Geno’s Plumbing Heating A/C .................................17

Poet Biorefining .........................................................8

Glenville Plumbing & Heating LLC ........................40

Produce State Bank ................................................... 7

Hanna’s Heating & Air Conditioning......................33

Produce State Bank/Hollandale ............................. 41

Hanson Tire ...................................................... Cover

RDO Home Inspections LLC ............................ Cover

Hillcrest Cemetery Association ............................... 35

Riverland Community College ................................ 13

Home Federal Bank ................................................... 9

Rofshus Precision Machine, Inc..............................49

Albert Lea Hockey Association ......................... Cover Albert Lea Public Warehouse .................................. 35 Albert Lea School District 241................................. 35 Albert Lea Seed Garden Center................................. 3 Albert Lea Select Foods ........................................... 15 Albert Lea Steel, Inc. Service Center.......................48 Albert Lea Veterinary Clinic ....................................48 Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce ................................................. Cover ARO Accounting ......................................................40 Attig Construction ................................................... 15 B&D Metal Works, Inc. ........................................... 35 Bayview Freeborn Funeral Home ............................. 7 Between Friends Boutique ......................................39 Big Dreams Organics ...............................................48 Bonnerup Funeral Service....................................... 51 Bricelyn Insurance Agency ...................................... 41 CCI Granite ..............................................................48 Christianson Plumbing & Heating ..........................48 Church Offset Printing/North American Label ....... 3 Coldwell Banker Home Connection........................39 Com-Tec ...................................................................40 Conger Inn Victory Catering ...................................46 Conger Meat Market................................................39 Crescendo Exquist Food and Fine Wine ................39 Crossroads Trailer ....................................................17

Home Solutions Midwest .................................. Cover Injection Technology Diesel Service .......................46 ITC Midwest............................................................. 13 J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. .....................................8 Jag Tours ..................................................................33 Jan Jerdee Insurance ..............................................48 L & D Ag Service ......................................................40 Lake Mills Community School ................................46 Larson Contracting Inc...................................... Cover Larson Manufacturing Company ............................46 Lembke Construction Inc. ....................................... 51 LeVerne Carlson Fitness Center .............................46 Lou-Rich/Innovance/ALMCO .................................. 9 M & S Outdoor Equipment ..................................... 15 Main Street Auto Sales ............................................ 35 Manchester-Hartland Telephone Company...........46

Root River Hardwoods .............................................17 Security Bank ..................................................... Cover SMART Transit ........................................................33 St. John’s Lutheran Community ............................... 1 The Color Wheel ......................................................39 The Willows Restaurant & Lounge ......................... 47 Thompson Electric................................................... 35 Thompson Oil Company ......................................... 41 Thompson Sanitation, Inc. ...................................... 51 Thorne Crest Senior Living Community .......... Cover Torey’s Restaurant & Bar ........................................ 47 Trades & Labor Federal Credit Union .................... 51 Ulland Brothers ......................................................... 3 Van Wilgen Farm Drainage..................................... 41 Ventura Foods, LLC........................................... Cover Worth Lumber Company ........................................46 Zumbro River Brand, Inc. ....................................... 35

We

promote develop better community.

a positive business environment

and

& help to build and grow a

We are over 450 members and growing!

As a member of the Chamber of Commerce you have: • Access to free advertising (Chamber Newsletter, E-Biz, and Facebook) • Many opportunities to network and promote your business • Opportunities to collaborate by participating in groups/committees such as the Agriculture Committee, Ambassadors, Business & Education Collaboration, Main Street, Governmental Affairs, Green Initiative and Worksite Wellness

Annual Meeting

Albert Lea-Freeborn County Leadership

Ambassadors

Ambassador Golf Outing

Freeborn County Farm Family of the Year

132 North Broadway | Albert Lea, MN 56007

507.373.3938 | www.albertlea.org

Providing Business

Banking Solutions with the

financial strength

you deserve!

Home Solutions Midwest is proudly celebrating 40 years of making homes new again!

We’ve have become the most trusted home exterior remodeling company in Southern Minnesota and Northern Iowa. Our professionals are the most highly trained in the industry, and our goal is to provide you with the best in customer service.

Let us help in creating your own personal oasis! Contact us today to schedule your free in-home consultation.

(507)373-3435 follow us on Facebook

www.homesolutionsmidwest.com

Security’s Commercial Lending Team Tim Reed, Tim Lenhart, Paul Troe, Justin Oman Our knowledgeable commercial lending team is here to assist you with all your business needs. As a local employee owned community bank, we have a mission and a commitment in serving the financial needs of the businesses and residents of Freeborn County, with high quality full service banking in a friendly personal manner. Best of all, decisions are made right here locally.

Voted Albert Lea Tribune’s Readers Choice “Best Bank”

Voted 2010 “Medium Business of the year”

PROUD TO BE YOUR COMMUNITY BANK 112 Years of Growing Strong

Lic: BC001552

437 Bridge Avenue 201 Main Street 195 N. Broadway Albert Lea Emmons Alden 373-1481 297-5461 874-3363 Member FDIC www.securitybankmn.com

Thanks to the following Sponsors for our 2019 Golf Outing & Dinner.

Sponsors - Albert Lea Hockey Open - 2019 112 on Broadway 3 Oaks Winery 321 Engraving Accentra Credit Union Ad Art Inc. Albert Lea Electric Albert Lea Elevator Albert Lea Tax Service Albert Lea Tribune Alerus All-American Arena Products Allen’s Tow-N-Travel Alpha Orthodontics American Family - Cliff Wuerflein Americana Insurance AmericInn Lodge & Suites Arena Warehouse Austin Bruins Hockey Auto Value Bayview / Freeborn Funeral Home Becks Seeds - Knutson Farms Best Western - Plus Hotel Big Gain Inc. Blake’s Auto Body Broadway Automotive Broskoff Structures Buckley’s Bar & Grill Cargill Carpenter Cheers Liquor Church Offset Printing Citizens State Bank Clothing Care Collective Spirit Collins Auto Repair Colstrup Sod Comfort Inn Commodity Marketing Community Education Compeer Financial Complete Auto Services Conger Liquor Conger Meat Cooperative Resposnse Center Country Inn & Suites Credit Bureau of Albert Lea CrossFit InnerDrive Crossroads Trailer Dave Syverson Ford Dinah’s Style - Brenda Prescher Don Savelkoul Law Office

Dras Cases Inc. Eaton Sport & Spine Eddie’s Bar Erberts & Gerbert’s Etcetera Tanning & Clothing Fair Board Farmer’s State Bank Fisher’s Fine Jewelers Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery Four Season’s Coffee Frames R Us Freeborn County Co-Op Oil Freeborn County Shopper Geneva Bar & Grill Geno’s Plumbing & Heating Grasslake Engraving Green Lea Golf Course Green Mill Hanson Tire Hi Yield Hill, Larson, Walth & Benda P.A. Hog Slat Inc. Holiday Inn Express Home Federal Home Solutions Midwest Hy-Vee Innovance Intellicents Inc. Interstate Junction Motorcycles ISC Financial Advisors Jake’s Pizza Jamie A Kyllo Law Firm Jensen Excavating & Trucking Jerome & Catherine Buss Jim & Dudes Jones, Haugh & Smith Inc KATE Radio Keri Hacker & Sarah Stay Lair Farms Lance Tufte Larson MFG Lembke Construction Lewis Charles Cycles Litho Printing & Graphics Locher Bros.

Louie Larson Mankato State Coaching Staff Mann Motors Market Place Foods Martin’s Cycling & Fitness Master Plumbing

MCB Midwest Outdoor Specialty Mike & Vicki Larson MN Pro Paintball MN Vikings ( Candy Gulbranson ) Motor Inn Mrs Jerry’s Kitchen Munson Body Shop North American Label Co. Northstar Powersports Nutrien Ag Solutions Oakview Golf Course Perkins Peterson, Kolker, Haedt & Benda LTD Plaza Landscaping Pomps Tire Service Produce State Bank Qdoba Red Door Construction Rink Systems Ron Holton Realty Sandy Narverud Sarah Ball - Studio 22 Schipp’s Pro Power Wash Security Bank Security Insurance Select Foods Shear Edge Salon Southern Lock & Glass Stadheim Jewelers State Farm Insurance - Dave Klatt Steve Tubbs Pottery Streaters Taco King The Barber Shop - Mark Melpsy Thompson Sanitation Tiger City Sports Travis & Lisa Quam Trish Stanley 625 Salon Troy Prescher Ulland Brothers United Employees Credit Union US Bank Val Kuvle VFW Viracon Waldorf College Walmart Wedgewood Cove Golf Club

Albert Lea Hockey Association and the Boys and Girls High School Hockey Booster Clubs

EXPERT CARE CLOSE TO HOME.

From checkups to surgery, emergencies to care during pregnancy, the services you and your family need most often are available close to home – right in Albert Lea. Learn more about the expert care provided in Alber t Lea at mayoclinichealthsystem.org.

To schedule an appointment, call 507-668-1181.

Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea mayoclinichealthsystem.org/albertlea