Progress 2013 Neighbors

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NEIGHBORS A new school is cool at United South Central

This rendering represents a proposed look for the new United South Central building.

The colors and other aspects are subject to change.

By Kelli Lageson

SGN/Wendel

28,825,000 Cost in dollars of the new school facility to be built.

600

2,000,000

Average number of students enrolled in the district in the last few years.

Dollars in savings the district secured after getting an interest rate of 2.84 percent on bonds.

Taxpayers had been told to expect about a 3.5 percent interest rate on the 20-year loan.

PROGRESS

4

3 155,000 1 Square feet planned for the new school. The district is working with Minneapolis-based architect firm SGN/Wendel for the design of the building.

66.26

0

10

Acres for the new facility and grounds in Wells. The school district worked with three families to purchase the acres south of Wells on the western side of Highway 22. The land is a good fit for the project because it’s within the city of Wells and already has a sanitary sewer and water line.

Parking spaces on school grounds at the existing building. The school utilizes street parking for all staff, visitors and students.

The new grounds will have a main parking lot with 300 stalls and a smaller parking lot with 70 stalls near the athletic fields.

Stalls in the proposed bus garage at the new site. The district’s existing garage can’t fit the taller, newer school buses. It houses vans and maintenance equipment now. Superintendent Jerry Jensen said the district may still use the garage for some vehicles.

100,000

Dollars pledged to United South Central from Bevcomm, an Internet and telecommunications provider.

The funds are to be used for technology upgrades for students.

1932

57.26

Percentage of yes votes received on Aug. 14, 2012, the date of a referendum on whether to sell bonds to pay for a new USC school in Wells.

The total yes votes were 1,687 and no votes were 1,259.

Year when the school was built in Wells. The original building is still being used, though additions were added in 1933 and 1961. Because of the age of the various parts of the current facility there were many issues. Air quality doesn’t meet state standards, and plumbing issues are becoming more of a concern each year. There were also less-pertinent issues like lack of parking and the small size of classrooms, among others, that the school board said it would like to see changed in a new building.

The new school site will have one football field, one track, one baseball diamond and one softball diamond.

There will likely be two extra practice fields for football or soccer. The district has plans for six tennis courts, but they’re hoping to get eight if the budget allows.

4

School districts in Minnesota with older buildings than United South Central.

1,200

Capacity of large gym at the new building. The existing building’s gym can seat 850 people. The new auditorium will seat 600 people, whereas the previous auditorium seat 535 people.

9/2013

Tentative month for classes to be held at the new school building.

A PUBLICATION OF THE ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE • FEBRUARY 2013

Construction management firms were interviewed by the school board in September.

The board chose KrausAnderson, a company based in the Twin Cities, though the team assigned to the project will come from its Rochester office.

Page 2 • Albert Lea Tribune • Sunday, February 24, 2013 • PROGRESS 2013

Wells welcomes

Subway worker Susan Kauffmann, left, and manager Curtis Lind, right, prepare a salad and a pizza for customers during the noon hour. The Subway in Wells opened Dec. 3.

Heather Rule/Albert Lea Tribune

Gary and Julie Bach eat their Subway sandwiches in the new restaurant in Wells. The Bachs live just north of Minnesota Lake and have visited the Wells Subway a few times.

Sandwich chain comes to town

By Heather Rule

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The latest ad slogan for the sandwich chain Subway is: “Gotta Have It, Taste.” Now, the people of Wells can say they “have it,” too.

A Subway restaurant opened Dec. 3 in Wells at the intersection of Second Avenue Northwest and Minnesota Highway 22. So far, so good for the business.

They’re also much busier in the evenings than expected, said manager Curtis Lind.

“It’s good. It’s really good,” Lind said. “It still feels new around town, which is great.”

Randy Wartner, who lives in Marshall, is the owner of the restaurant, and he’s been trying to bring a Subway to Wells for eight years, Lind said. Word broke last spring that Wells residents would get to “eat fresh” locally.

Folks kept asking when the restaurant was going to open and even stopped by during the construction process, according to Lind. A gas station was on the site before Subway. Customers kept saying during the first week how glad they were that Subway was finally open, Lind said.

“People were so excited,” Lind said. “There’s a huge buzz.”

Subway is across the street from Casey’s General Store and Dairy Queen. It also joins Jake’s Pizza and

Wildcats Bar & Grill for food options in town.

Some are worried about how the competition of Subway will affect the other restaurants, Lind said, but he thinks a little competition is good.

There’s also the variety factor.

“There isn’t a whole lot in town,” Lind said. “We don’t serve ice cream or fresh pizza.”

The sandwich shop seemed to be a popular spot for a lunchtime crowd on a Thursday in January. Julie Bach and her husband, Gary, of Minnesota Lake, were in town to get their pickup repaired, so they decided to get a bite to eat before the trip home. They’ve been to the Subway three times since it opened and have had good service.

“We like this option,” Julie Bach said. “It’s a nice, healthy option. And it’s fast and they have lots of seating in here, too.”

The seating capacity is 81, according to Lind.

Julie Bach heard about Subway coming to town when she was at the grocery store.

“I was surprised that that big of a name, chain restaurant was coming to Wells,” Julie Bach said.

Michael Nasinec stopped in for his lunch break to grab a footlong Italian BMT meal. He lives in Minnesota Lake but works at Herman Manufacturing in Wells.

Subway manager Curtis Lind prepares an Italian BMT for customer Michael Nasinec. With just a 30-minute lunch break, Nasinec enjoys having the quick meal option.

Customers eat their submarine sandwiches at the new Subway in Wells. The dining area can seat up to 81 people.

Some customers had He’s been in for lunch about a half-dozen times never been to a Subway before, Lind said, but since the store opened, they said the food was he said. You could say good after their first he’s fan of the new resvisit. taurant option in town.

Lind said a grand “Oh, absolutely, yes,” opening is planned for Nasinec said. “Yeah, it’s February, but the details great.” aren’t finalized yet. The He heard about the Subway in Wells is open Subway opening mostly from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. through word of mouth. daily and employs 15 It’s a convenient choice people. Thursdays are for him, since he only free-cookie days, where has 30 minutes for you can get a free cookie lunch, he said.

“It’s quick in-and-out,” with the purchase of a meal.

Nasinec said.

Neighbors by the numbers Albert Lea

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2010 census: 18,016 Median age: 44 Households: 7,774 Housing units: 8,410 Square miles: 14.68 City Hall address: 515 Clark St. City Hall phone: 377-4300 Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific), Union Pacific Highways: Interstate 90, Interstate 35, U.S. Highway 65, U.S. Highway 69, Minnesota Highway 13 Schools: Riverland Community College, Albert Lea High School, Southwest Middle School, Hawthorne Elementary School, Halverson Elementary School, Lakeview Elementary School, Sibley Elementary School, St. Theodore Catholic School, Brookside Education Center, The Children’s Center, United Preschool

Alden

2010 census: 661 Median age: 39.9 Households: 268 Housing units: 292 Square miles: 1.0 City Hall address: 174 N. Broadway St. City Hall phone: 874-3620 Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific) Highways: Interstate 90, Minnesota Highway 109 Schools: Alden-Conger Elementary and Secondary Schools

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17 1st Ave. SW, Wells, MN 507-553-3181 Toll Free: 800-288-1222

2010 census: 365 Median age: 47.9 Households: 168 Housing units: 197 Square miles: 0.3 City Hall address: 309 N. Main St. City Hall phone: 653-4369 Railroads: both are Union Pacific Highways: Minnesota Highway 253 Schools: none; is in United South

Central School District

Clarks Grove

2010 census: 706 Median age: 38.1 Households: 295 Housing units: 312 Square miles: 0.4 City Hall address: 101 N. Independence Ave. City Hall phone: 256-4106 Railroads: Union Pacific Highways: Interstate 35, Minnesota Highway 251 Schools: none; is in Albert Lea School District

Conger

2010 census: 146 Median age: 32.7 Households: 62 Housing units: 69 Square miles: 0.1 City hall address: 51 School St. City hall phone: 265-3435.

Railroads: none Highways: none Schools: none; is in Alden-Conger School District

Ellendale

2010 census: 691 Median age: 39.6 Households: 296 Housing units: 317 Square miles: 0.9 City Hall address: 505 Second St. City Hall phone: 684-2681 Railroads: Union Pacific Highways: Interstate 35, Minnesota Highway 30 Schools: NRHEG Elementary School

Emmons

2010 census: 391 Median age: 43.4 Households: 174 Housing units: 190

Square miles: 0.8 City hall address: 219 Main St. City hall phone: 297-5707 Railroads: none Highways: U.S. Highway 69 Schools: none; is in GlenvilleEmmons School District

Freeborn

2010 census: 297 Median age: 38.9 Households: 120 Housing units: 130 Square miles: 0.2 City hall address: 402 Park St. City hall phone: 863-2204 Railroads: none Highways: none Schools: none; is in United South Central School District

Geneva

2010 census: 555 Median age: 38.3 Households: 220 Housing units: 228 Square miles: 0.4 City Hall address: 403 Fourth St. City Hall phone: 256-4192 Railroads: none Highways: Interstate 35 Schools: none; is in NRHEG School District

Glenville

2010 census: 643 Median age: 44.2 Households: 278 Housing units: 290 Square miles: 2.2 City Hall address: 221 W. Main St. City Hall phone: 448-3916 Railroads: Union Pacific and Cedar River Highways: U.S. Highway 65 Schools: Glenville-Emmons High School, Glenville-Emmons Elementary School

4P. 4

PROGRESS 2013 • Sunday, February 24, 2013 • Albert Lea Tribune • Page 3

Brandi Hagen

New Richland resident Jimmy Clem stands in front of stained glass pieces he has made over the last two years. Clem’s sister taught him the art and he has been addicted to making it since.

Texas man just can’t stop staining glass Ellendale bank keeps ahead of technology First National Bank’s Ellendale branch is at 119 W. Fifth Ave.

Brandi Hagen

By Brandi Hagen

Growing up in what he called a “creative family,” 52-year-old Jimmy Clem of New Richland learned to put his hands to work when he was just 5 years old.

His mother taught him to sew, and by age 12 he was rebuilding the sewing machines.

A Texas native, Clem moved to New Richland about two years ago and started making and selling stained glass out of a shop owned by his friend, Trish Buyuk.

Clem learned the art from an older sister, Karen, who lived in Minnesota for a couple of years before the winter season drove her to move back to Texas. Due to a medical condition, Karen was unable to continue making stained glass herself and left her equipment in Minnesota for Clem to use.

Thinking back to his first piece, Clem estimated it was made up of only four or five pieces.

“It wasn’t like anything I’d ever accomplished,” Clem said. “It was just an exhilarating thing.”

Creating stained glass pieces became an addiction to Clem who picked up the art as something to calmly entertain his time as he was recovering from a heart attack and triple bypass surgery.

“I dabbled in it a couple times throughout the years, but it stuck at that point,” Clem said.

Clem estimated he spent 17 to 18 hours a day working with glass.

“I literally couldn’t stop,” Clem said. “It was truly an addiction.”

Over the last year, Clem estimated he has made more than 200 ornaments in addition to larger work including windows for homes.

Each piece of art Clem makes gets a title whether the owner of the piece knows it or not, and if asked to recall the pieces he’s given away or sold, Clem said he can.

“They’re like little kids to me,” he said. “When I give them away I never forget the work I put in.”

The work that goes into making even a small ornament can add up quickly.

To make a piece of stained glass, Clem first chooses individual pieces of colored glass, then cuts, grinds and solders them into his vision.

Most often, Clem travels to a store in Sleepy Eye to find the perfect piece of glass. When he goes, he looks for a specific color and texture to fit his needs — a task that isn’t as easy as it sounds. Clem said no two pieces of glass are the same exact color and to an untrained eye, colors may look the same.

He estimated colored glass is priced anywhere between $10 a square foot up to hundreds of dollars per square foot.

“You can spend as much as you want, you

By Brandi Hagen

A Santa ornament made by Jimmy Clem hangs in the window of Trish’s Gift Gallery in New Richland.

In order to make a piece of stained glass, it takes many different colors and textures of glass to get the right look as seen here in the different flowers.

can spend as little as you want,” Clem said. “I’ve found beauty in both kinds of pieces. Sometimes rough beauty is even better than refined beauty.”

Clem said he has had days where he spends six or seven hours at the store in Sleepy Eye looking for the right pieces of glass.

“The glass talks to me,” Clem said. “Out of the thousands and thousands of pieces of glass that are in there, something in there will grab my eye and from there it just simply builds.”

Clem said there are times when he goes places and people see his work or photos of his work they start to talk to him about the technical side of the piece.

“They talk to me in jargon that is way over my head,” Clem said. “I’m just a simple person.

I’m not professionally trained so a lot of the stuff I do is just simply flying by the seat of my pants and the advice of other people.”

Clem said ever since people in the area started seeing his work hanging in the shop window on Broadway he hasn’t been able to keep it in stock.

“It tickles me,” Clem said. “When I drive around town and I see a piece hanging, it hits me very very warm. I know

I’ve done what I can to get them what they want.”

There is one piece, though, that Clem keeps for himself.

The piece titled “Life After People” is made up of vines, a broken trellis and overgrown flowers and leaves. The work hangs in Clem’s bedroom. It was a piece Clem had done three months into his new hobby and couldn’t get rid of it.

“I don’t know why that piece does it for me; it’s not by far the hardest piece I’ve done, but it’s like it’s supposed to be with me,” he said.

Besides selling his work, Clem also makes sure to donate pieces to raffles for benefits and to food shelves.

“You have to give back,” Clem said. “It’s those people that have basically given you everything.”

After almost two years, Clem still works on pieces six days a week, but has learned when he needs to take time and walk away from it for a while.

And as long as the community keeps appreciating what he does, Clem said he doesn’t have plans to ever stop, but he said there are plans to sell his pieces out of his home instead of out of his friend’s shop.

lets people take pictures of a check and send it in to the bank. Sankovitz said not only is it a security risk that needs to be looked at, but the program puts technology ahead of rules so First National Bank waits for those issues to be “ironed out.”

Another advantage to not using a product as soon as it’s first released is that other vendors have a chance to develop, too. When that happens, they have to compete and the cost goes down.

“That’s what helps the community banks and smaller banks purchase products,” Sankovitz said. “Years ago that might have taken several years. Now it could be three or four months to have competitors in the market.”

New technology isn’t

cheap, but First National Bank is more concerned about providing to its customers.

“Technology does cost money like anything you buy,” Sankovitz said. “It’s the cost of doing business.”

Sankovitz said a typical process for installing new products takes about three to six months from the time of vendor review to the time of releasing it to the customers.

Something the bank’s boards discuss when reviewing vendors and new products is how many of its customers will take advantage of the product.

“I’m always amazed at how many people sign up,” Sankovitz said. “Even the older generation will adapt — people, I guess, that I didn’t anticipate.”

A family-owned business that started in Waseca in 1874 and added locations in Ellendale and Hope, too, is making sure to keep up with its bigger competitors by staying up to date with new technologies.

According to Megan Lynch, the marketing director at First National Bank, the bank’s goal is to stay relevant to its customers and that means being able to provide the products and services that are important to them. Often, that means staying updated on technology.

“Technology is something we’ve always pushed,” said Tom Sankovitz, chief financial officer and one of the bank owners.

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Page 4 • Albert Lea Tribune • Sunday, February 24, 2013 • PROGRESS 2013

Christian school kicks off campaign for renovation

By Kelli Lageson

Kelli Lageson

Hollandale Christian School third-graders, from left, Marlea Emberson, Gabrielle Ladlie and Kendra Smeby wash their hands before lunch. Principal Lisa Vos said she’d like to keep the basin sinks that are located outside the bathrooms because it’s convenient for children to walk by and wash their hands before lunch.

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The Christian school in Hollandale is getting some needed upgrades thanks to fundraisers and donations from alumni.

Hollandale Christian School Principal Lisa Vos said the school has only been in the building on Central Avenue since 1981, she guessed that it had been built in the 1960s. Because of that, she said the school needs some indoor upgrades.

“It’s time,” Vos said. “It’s starting to show some wear and tear.”

In the last 10 years the building has gotten a new heating system, all new outer doors and new windows. Vos said supportive alumni have helped school administration keep the building upgraded and efficient.

“I’m very pleased about the amount we’ve been able to raise,” Vos said.

There are two more large projects for the building. Vos said the school is in the process of replacing classroom flooring, and they have two of the seven classrooms done already. There’s also office rooms to upgrade.

It cost around $4,000 to redo the tiling in each classroom; each classroom is just over 800 square feet. That covers the cost of removing the tile, which is expensive when asbestos removal costs are added to the project. Vos said some tiles are buckling, and some have small pieces missing.

Vos said the school chose to again tile the classrooms because they’re easier to clean and can withstand more wear and tear of desks and chairs. Students also eat snacks in the rooms and complete messy art projects, so tile was a better choice than carpet for the school. Vos said the hallway flooring and gym floor are still in good shape and have been holding up well.

The other large project the school is fundraising for is to be able to upgrade its bathrooms.

Right now there is one girls’ bathroom with three stalls and one boys’ bathroom with three stalls and four urinals. The bathrooms do have one special feature that Vos hopes can stay — an outer basin sink that allows more than one child to wash their hands at once. Vos said each student is required to wash their hands before lunch, so classes stop at those sinks before heading to the lunchroom.

“It’s a really nice feature,” Vos said.

There is also a small, unisex bathroom that staff use in the building. The bathroom upgrades would focus on the two main bathrooms that students use each day and that visitors also use when events are held. There isn’t a handicap stall in either main

Hollandale Christian School Principal Lisa Vos poses for a photo in the kindergarten room, one of the classrooms that still needs its floor redone.

bathroom, and Vos guessed that those would be added.

The school board is spearheading the effort to upgrade the bathroom facilities. They plan to get bids for either renovating or completely replacing the bathroom facilities.

“We want to make sure we’re meeting the needs of the kids,” Vos said.

At the spring auction, on March 22, the school hopes to have much more information for the public on the bathroom upgrade project.

Neighbors by the numbers Continued from Page 2

Hayward

2010 census: 250 Median age: 44.5 Households: 114 Housing units: 123 Square miles: 0.6 City hall address: 107 County Road 26 City hall phone: 373-1222 Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific) Highways: Interstate 90 Schools: none; is in Albert Lea School District

Hollandale

2010 census: 303 Median age: 38.3 Households: 128 Housing units: 146 Square miles: 0.4 City hall address: 110 Park Ave. W. City hall phone: 889-4001 Railroads: none Highways: Minnesota Highway 251 Schools: Hollandale Christian School; is in Albert Lea School District

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2010 census: 315 Median age: 36.8 Households: 140 Housing units: 148 Square miles: 0.3 City hall address: 407 Broadway St. City hall phone: 845-2469 Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific), Union Pacific Highways: Minnesota Highway 13 Schools: none; is in NRHEG School District

Kiester

2010 census: 501 Median age: 47.8 Households: 246 Housing units: 281 Square miles: 0.4

City hall address: 116 N. Main St. City hall phone: 294-3161 Railroads: Union Pacific Highways: Minnesota Highway 22 Schools: none; is in United South Central School District

Lake Mills

2010 census: 2,100 Median age: 45.3 Households: 944 Housing units: 1,055 Square miles: 2.6 City Hall address: 105 W. Main St., Lake Mills, IA 50450 City Hall phone: 641-592-3251 Railroads: Union Pacific Highways: U.S. Highway 69, County Highway 105 Schools: Lake Mills Community School

Manchester

2010 census: 57 Median age: 36.8 Households: 26 Housing units: 30 Square miles: 0.1 City hall address: 70830 255th St. City hall phone: 826-3483 Railroads: Union Pacific Highways: Minnesota Highway 13 Schools: none; is in Albert Lea School District

New Richland

2010 census: 1,203 Median age: 43.8 Households: 487 Housing units: 531 Square miles: 0.6 City Hall address: 203 N. Broadway Ave., PO Box 57, New Richland, 56072 City Hall phone: 465-3514 Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific) Highways: Minnesota Highway 13, Minnesota Highway 30 Schools: NRHEG Secondary School

Northwood

2010 census: 1,989 Median age: 44.2 Households: 885 Housing units: 1,004 Square miles: 3.8 City Hall address: 627 Central Ave. City Hall phone: 641-324-1075 Railroads: Union Pacific Highways: U.S. Highway 65, County Highway 105 Schools: Northwood-Kensett Elementary School, NorthwoodKensett Junior/Senior High School

Twin Lakes

2010 census: 151 Median age: 49.5 Households: 76 Housing units: 85 Square miles: 0.51 City Hall address: 101 W. Main St. City Hall phone: 852-2155 Railroads: none Highways: U.S. Highway 69 Schools: none; is in Albert Lea School District

Wells

2010 census: 2,343 Median age: 45.3 Households: 1,013 Housing units: 1,133 Square miles: 1.4 City hall address: 125 S. Broadway Ave. City hall phone: 553-6371 Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific) Highways: Minnesota Highway 22, Minnesota Highway 109 Schools: United South Central High School, United South Central Middle School, United South Central Elementary School, St. Casimir Catholic School, Covenant Life School

PROGRESS 2013 • Sunday, February 24, 2013 • Albert Lea Tribune • Page 5

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Lake Mills, Iowa

Teluwut. It’s a real surprise

By Sarah Stultz The restoration of a downtown building in Lake Mills has led to increased traffic from residents in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa.

Through the efforts of nonprofit Lake Mills Entertainment Inc. and Teluwut restaurant owners Troy Krahenbuhl and his sister, Becky Wagner, the building at 220-224 W. Main St. has become the buzz of this small town.

“You come in here, and you think you’re in a big city,” Krahenbuhl said. “It looks like something you would find in Minneapolis or Des Moines.”

Teluwut offers American-casual style food — a large menu with everything from salads, burgers and sandwiches to seafood, ribs and even steak.

The restaurant has been busy most nights since opening, with some days there even being a waiting line, Krahenbuhl said.

About half of his customers are from out of town.

“It’s been nuts,” he said.

The restaurant has also impacted the number of customers in other downtown businesses.

“We’re happy to have Troy and Becky here,” said Scott Helgeson, chairman of Lake Mills Entertainment Inc. “There have been some positive effects.”

The transformation Lake Mills Entertainment took possession of the building, which is a former First National Bank in one part and a jewelry store in the other, in 2009.

With prior experience renovating The Mills theater down the street, the nonprofit’s board members thought it would be a worthwhile project, Helgeson said. The organization owns five buildings on the street.

The first year after the purchase was spent mainly on cleanup, he said. After that came new floors, furnaces, walls and a roof, among other improvements.

Helgeson said the more than $400,000 project was made possible through grants from the city of Lake Mills and the Hanson Foundation.

Economic development officials recruited Teluwut, which has other locations in Osage and Cresco, Iowa, to come to town and rent the building.

Krahenbuhl said when he first walked into the space before the renovations were completed, the ceiling had fallen on the floor in some parts, and in other places he had to watch his step.

“Now I would say it’s one of the neatest looking restaurants in northern Iowa and southern Minnesota,” said Krahenbuhl.

He and his crew brought in a bar, kitchen, light fixtures,

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Light shines through corner windows and brightens the place.The Teluwut restaurant can seat as many as 120 people.

Old Lake Mills photos and jerseys hang on a wall at the Teluwut restaurant.

Helgeson said. wall decorations and furniture While there is still work to be to transform the space into a done on the exterior of the resrestaurant. They even utilized a taurant, he said he and the other former bank vault in the building board members with Lake Mills for seating.

Entertainment are pleased with The whole restaurant seats 120 the success thus far. people and employs roughly 40.

The restaurant is open from 11 The success comes as Lake Mills Entertainment is working to a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and from 11 a.m. to 11 complete a second screen at the p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. theater down the street.

It can be reached at 641-592“There was no one around 3303. here at 9, but now there is,”

Kiester Courier-Sentinel gets a new owner

By Tim Engstrom

for supporting my education at Lake Mills Community School!

Sarah Stultz

Teluwut owner Troy Krahenbuhl stands behind the bar of the restaurant, which opened in October in Lake Mills.

The Kiester CourierSentinel has a new owner and is going through changes.

Nicole Swanson bought the weekly newspaper for an undisclosed price and became the publisher on Sept. 1. She replaced Cindy Matson.

Now the paper with a vine-covered building in this Faribault County town is online and even has a Facebook page.

Swanson said the paper has increased its size to be consistently 10 pages and is focusing its coverage on the towns and people within the United South Central School District.

She said the paper traditionally has served Kiester and Bricelyn but is branching out to the communities of Wells, Freeborn, Easton, Frost and Walters. She said they have been covering activities in the USC School District and St. Casimir Catholic School.

Swanson worked locally for another newspaper for about three years before purchasing the Courier-Sentinel.

“I always liked the

Address: 405 W. Center St., Kiester Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Monday-Thursday Phone: 507-294-3400 Website: www.the couriersentinel.com newspaper industry. I like writing, creating and marketing,” she said.

The newspaper still publishes its obituaries on the front page.

But with the website, it has the ability to get the word out swifter about a coming funeral and can reach people outside the circulation area.

The website — www. thecouriersentinel.com — doesn’t share all the content of the printed version, but people can renew subscriptions.

The circulation of the newspaper is about 1,400. The staff still cuts and pastes its pages before sending them off to a printer in Blue Earth. Swanson said she has plans to upgrade to using computer software to design pages.

A big issue in Kiester has been the grocery store that closed June 30 to reopen. A group of citizens is looking into

Christianson Interiors

* Carpet * Vinyl * Tile * Window Treatments * Granite Counters * Hardwood *Laminate

Mark Christian

Cell: 507-383-4939 Showroom (641) 592-2090 113 North Mill Street, Lake Mills, Iowa 50450

Courtesy Kiester Courier-Sentinel

Nicole Swanson stands by the pasteboard she and her staff use to create the Kiester Courier-Sentinel each week.

setting up a communitybased nonprofit to run the store. They selected the name Kiester Market.

In Bricelyn a major issue has been looking

at sharing services with other cities.

The leading place to find the news for these communities is the weekly paper that serves them.

$1,000 Finder’s Fee

To anyone that helps bring in a new business to Lake Mills, Iowa.

The business must:

Establish a business in Lake Mills employing at least 10 people.

Call for information on Have an average starting wage housing and new business of at least $10 per hour. incentive programs Lake Mills Chamber Make a capital investment Development Corperation of at least $500,000 203 North First Ave.W. Lake Mills has available buildings Lake Mills, IA and workforce due to an industry E-mail: lmcdc@wctatel.net relocating jobs outside the U.S. A Great Place to Live and Work

Page 6 • Albert Lea Tribune • Sunday, February 24, 2013 • PROGRESS 2013

HAYWARD ON THE ROAD

This feature publishes 4 times throughout the year. If you would like your Hayward area business advertised here, please call Angie at 507-379-3429.

(507) 373-2477 • czechinnandretreat.com 19158 800th Ave, Hayward, MN

New bed and breakfast has old charm

Sarah Stultz

Celebrating 102 Years of Business!

Hayward Cooperative Hayward, MN 507-373-6439

Grain • Fertilizer • Chemicals • Tires

Stop by and check out our new building!

Becker Auto

Sales & Transport Mark & Joan

80944 County Rd. 46 • Hayward, MN 56043

507-373-3170 Cell: 507-676-0192 Find us at www.findcars.com

Custom Processing & Retail Meats todd & cheryl enderson

Owners

P.O. Box 308 Hayward, MN (507) 373-8966

KOA Kampground 84259 County Road 46 Hayward, MN 56043

507-373-5170

Next to the front door of the Czech Inn Bed & Breakfast & Retreat is a diagram of the United States where people can place a pin in the location they are from.

Czech Inn B&B offers rustic flavor with modern conveniences

By Sarah Stultz Joe and Katherine Pacovsky know the ins and outs of bed and breakfasts.

For years they’ve liked to stay at them when they’re traveling.

So when the couple decided to build their own bed and breakfast in rural Hayward, they drew on their experiences to make their inn.

In honor of Joe’s family heritage, the couple opened the Czech Inn Bed & Breakfast & Retreat in June after eight months of construction.

The Mission-style inn features five guest rooms with options for twin or king-sized beds and private bathrooms off of each room, along with common areas including a library, dining room, parlor, kitchen, and craft or meeting room for gatherings.

It also features antiques from Katherine’s own homes growing up, along with other antiques she’s found.

The couple described the inn as a mix of “new construction and old world charm.”

“It’s been very interesting,” Katherine said.

“I think the guests are all really surprised at how

By Kelli Lageson

e? r nam u o y t is Wha Shanks.

What are some challenges you’v e seen?

• Groom’s Suppers, Wedding Anniversaries, etc.

• Will do catering for any size group, from full sit down meals to sandwiches, salads and desserts made to go.

Call

507-265-3265

Conger Inn Catering & Party Shop Conger, Minnesota

Custom Drying, Grinding, Mixing Feed • Seed • Grain Farm Supplies

www.ncountrycoop.com Alden, MN • 874-3421

Conger Meat Market 100 William Ave, Conger • 265-3340 Northbridge Mall, Albert Lea • 377-1556

Fresh and Frozen Meats Many Homemade Sausages Custom Processing Venison Processing Beef Bundles

• Farm • Crop • Auto • Homeowners • Umbrellas • Liability • Small Business Insurance • Life Insurance

Donna Nelson and Brady Gooden, Agents 21290 680th Ave., Alden, MN 56009 office@donnanelsoninsurance.com 507.874.3419 Fax 507.874.3920

nice it is.”

So far, they’ve had guests from as far west as Oregon and Nevada and on the East Coast from New Hampshire and Florida. A map of the country hangs by the front door, where people can insert a small pin showing where they are from.

Katherine said most people stay over the weekend, though there has been one guest who stayed a month. With the nearby Calico Hutch in Hayward, they have also had groups of quilters come for retreats. It is also a place where family reunions or romantic getaways can be held.

“They come as guests and they leave as friends,” she said.

The inn was featured in the Tour of Homes last summer put on by the Albert Lea branch of the American Association of University Women. It has received tremendous support from the Albert LeaFreeborn County 4P. 8

Joe and Katherine Pacovsky are the owners of the Czech Inn Bed & Breakfast & Retreat in rural Hayward.The inn was built in 2011 and opened in June of 2012.

A table is set for guests at the Czech Inn Bed & Breakfast & Retreat.

Q&A with the Alden-Conger principal Brian

Make your wedding reception a truly exceptional event!

What: The Czech Inn Bed & Breakfast & Retreat Where: 19158 800th Ave., Hayward How: 373-2477

Being able to with the increa keep up cial demands sing finanof providing access to the many different forms of te for our studen chnology to prepare ou ts. We need r for the technol students that they are ogical world gr in and it is ve owing up ry difficult to keep up-to-dat rapidly changi e with the ogy that exists ng technol.

Wh at is you The tion favo r favor rite ite wit w

you star t?

When did 11.

July of 20

expe ht th el rien imp comed he studing I e stud ossible into th ents i xperien ce so com ents g for m e Alde n all gr ce eve far as a r n ade e ov oing e to prin s. y da g -Co er a nd gout of t o anywnger Sc I have y is the cipal? h h h ive me eir wa ere in ools fa been q interac u a hi y to t m gh f say he buil ily an ickly in e i nc “ d d rie v pe H ex i e ur . i Mr ng w it is What has been yo . Sh itho ? ts en ank u ud st of s nt re pa ith s” o t w wor king r n. to re t their child What is Parents care abou times finding your favo le at rite thing They may strugg ate that to me, but the ic t o un about m w m co n s of Alde ways to n . re a ca n ey T d th h ow e C I kn de onger? two com dication and c o m m u m n itment t it ies have Withou he t ficult, if their support for the school. it would not imp ossible, be dift a schoo o function as l.

What are your top three goals for the coming year?

My only goal is to continue to help our school be the best possible place for parents to bring their children to get a quality education.

This goal encompasses Alden-Conger’s new next to th Kelli La many, many differe school s principal Brian S hanks sta geson ign. ent things including nds improving test scores, What h as bee improving communican your with te experie tion with parents and acher s nce wo and sta helping our students feel The te r king ff? dents aching st safe at school. . their s They have aff cares ab Alden tudents, to made a comout our stu -Cong t er Sch heir profes mitment to s o i o on an l.

What are some of the su d to ccesses

you’ve had in your time so far?

The biggest “success” ing the safety of our stu we’ve had since I began is improvde phone system was instal nts while they are at school. A new in their room. This wa led so ALL teachers have a phone sa impossible for teachers huge safety issue as it was nearly to an emergency. We have communicate with anyone during variety of drills that are also become very thorough with the required of us.

How have you cultivated your relationships with students?

By letting them know care about them as ind I ividuals. I am very visibl e throughout the day an d talk to the students in a respectful manner. I als o enjoy attending various student events. I have been to many differen t sporting events, plays, concerts and graduati on parties. The students want to know that we care about them, and this is an easy way to show it.

ke to say li ’d u o y else al so far? ip c in Anything r p s ur time a gh in words about yo s enou I look

xpres here.

I can’t e I enjoy being ool. I look h h c c how mu to coming to s h my staff. I forward to working wit our students. forward ard to helping w look for hts! ig n Go K

PROGRESS 2013 • Sunday, February 24, 2013 • Albert Lea Tribune • Page 7

A walk to the point

By Tim Engstrom

There are places along the hike where choices must be made. Don’t fret, trails big and small leading away from the main route return.

There is more than meet’s the eye at Gateway Park in Emmons. Follow the trails on the south side of the park in any season and they lead through woods along State Line Lake to a point with a view of the lake on three sides. Hikers will encounter trees that bend over the trails, like this one.

Opportunities abound in a caring, positive environment at

Home of the Wolverines

District 2886

Glenville-Emmons Schools more information contact us at (507) 448-2889 OR www.geschools.com

NICK'S Used Cars

Trading Post Dependability Since 1950 Hikers who look up will find a maze of branches criss-crossing the view.

An abandoned nest remains hanging on small branches right along the main trail.

• 24 hour pay at the pump • E85 & Blender pumps now available Hwy. 65 South, Glenville

507-448-3547 Call today for a FREE estimate to upgrade from fuses to a breaker panel.

License Bonded • Insured BRAD MILLER 11016 755th Ave., Glenville, MN Cell: 507-391-0798 Fax: 448-0038 When hikers reach the point, they discover more land. State Line Lake is low, so they can walk on the revealed bottom of the lake for another 30 yards.

candles. While soy offers a great product for burning a low-heat flame, it requires a container, like a glass jar.

And the kind of soap that pioneers used to make allows making stripes or some colors, but the kind of soap that Soap Wizards sells, what Tony calls melt-andpour soap, allows for the creation of all kinds of designs.

Karen is the creative side for Soap Wizards, while Tony finds a way to make it happen. For instance, when he melts and pours the soap, he places a mold in the soap to make a shape, such as a teddy bear or a heart.

So Tony found a way to put an image inside the soap, and now they sell soap with images inside of dinosaurs, loons and sayings. Bible verses have sold well.

Knutson Oil Co./H&K Propane 448-3914

A new look at soap Makers of soap in Glenville have a new idea for their product: Put an image or saying in the middle of the soap.

And they say it has been a hit.

“Putting an image on the outside of the soap is easy,” said Tony Trow.

“Putting it inside the soap is something else.”

He and his wife, Karen Trow, own Soap Wizards and the Minne-Soy-Ta Nice Boutique. Soap Wizards sells soap and soap-making products, primarily over the Internet, while Minne-SoyTa Nice sells soy-based candles. The boutique also serves as a store where local craft-makers sells their goods.

They say soap offers more in the way of creative ideas than soy

507-448-3302

SHORT STOP

People are not the only creatures using the trail to the point of State Line Lake at Gateway Park.

Footprints reveal routes animals take.

By Tim Engstrom

Gordonsville, MN 56036

448-3474 fax

Where good service is our way of business 251 W. Main St. P.O. Box 125 Glenville, MN

Larry & Robert

Tim Engstrom, Stacey Bahr

Images inside the soap, such as this loon, stay with the bar as it gets used.

In 1997, Karen and their daughter wanted to start a soap-making business. They lived in Minnetonka. They looked into the traditional way of making soap, before discovering melt-and-pour soap.

However, they discovered it was tricky to do, but the soaps they made they managed to sell and sell quite a lot. Their soaps were in stores all over. They soon got into the business of not only selling soap but selling the products to make melt-and-pour soap and — considering what they had to figure out on their

own — helping customers figure out how to make the soap. They were one of the first homemade soap providers on the web.

Soon, they needed to expand and wanted to move closer to family in Albert Lea, but they couldn’t find a building big enough for their business needs. They were about to have one built. One day, in 2000, Tony drove through Glenville on the way to a cemetery for a burial ceremony and noticed a for-sale sign in the building at 120 E. Main St. He inquired. 4P. 9

Glenville Plumbing 1-507-448-2902 Glenville, MN

507-448-3717

COM-TEC Land Mobile Radio Service WES WEBB

Experience the Unique crafts from 29 local artists

Tim Engstrom

Rag rugs 40 years ago were in every household.

Now they can be hard to find.They have them at Minne-Soy-Ta Nice Boutique in Glenville made by a couple from Myrtle.

Pamper yourself with jewelry, purses, lotions, soaps, soy candles & much more!

Take Time Out and Stop by for a Good Time!

120 East Main St., Glenville, MN

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Downtown Glenville, MN

507-448-2752

Page 8 • Albert Lea Tribune • Sunday, February 24, 2013 • PROGRESS 2013

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Country Care Boarding Kennel “We’ll give your pet the loving care it needs while you’re on the vacation you need.”

Cats or dogs welcome, very comfortable cat quarters, large outdoor runs, controlled air, heated, very clean.

Call (507) 826-3510 Anytime Barb & Roger Hoeve (Owners)

Now offering in-home pet care (and other in-home services while you are away)

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Sprinkler Systems Core Aeration • Broadleaf Weed Control Liquid Fertilizing • Crabgrass Control

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CLARKS GROVE ON THE ROAD This feature publishes 4 times throughout the year. If you would like your Clarks Grove area business advertised here, please call Catherine at 507-379-3428.

Knowledgeable staff, quality help and a friendly smile!

Judy, Debbie & Bonnie Bill May, Owner & Exterior Paints Serving You With Quality •• Interior Plumbing & Electrical Supplies Hardware Since 1903 •• Farm Air Compressors • Clothing • Tools

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Geneva volunteers apply for federal grants

Kelli Lageson, Kathy Johnson

Geneva Fire Department Captains Alex Beenken and Jon Bartsch.

By Kelli Lageson The fire department in Geneva has again applied for a grant it hopes to receive to pay for new gear for its 24 firefighters.

Geneva Fire Chief Greg Bartsch said the department has applied for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency before, but they’re hopeful they’ll be named a recipient this year.

The fire department applied for a grant worth more than $90,000 to pay for 24 firefighter suits and eight airpacks. Airpacks are self-contained breathing apparatuses.

They’ve slowly been updating the suits when they can, but most are at least 15 years old.

“They say at eight years they’re outdated,” Bartsch said.

Bartsch said the department is lucky that they’ve had community support at fundraisers to help keep their other equipment updated. Their pumper truck is a relatively new 1999 Freightliner, and the tanker truck is a 2000 Freightliner.

The fire hall also houses a 1976 Dodge truck, given to the department by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and a 2005 Ford F-150.

“All our trucks are in good shape,” Bartsch said.

Bartsch said many people probably don’t know that the fire hall

more training on the second Monday.

Then there’s the countywide fire association meeting once a month that four or five from Geneva attend. And there are medical trainings on the fourth Monday.

And those are just the trainings — add to that all the calls the department responds to and it ends up being quite a time commitment. The department had a record 63 calls in 2012, and about half were medical calls. Then there are fires, grass fires, assistance to other departments and crashes on the interstate, to name just a few of the kinds of calls.

“We do it because we care,” Bartsch said.

His captains, Beenken and Bartsch, agreed that they enjoy helping others and serving the community. Both said they also appreciate the support they get from other fire departments in the county. All 16 of the county’s fire departments have mutual aid agreements, so Bartsch said no one ever worries about boundaries or stepping on each other’s toes.

“There’s a lot of people that’ll help you,” Beenken said. “It’s a happy atmosphere.”

Firefighters on the hunt for equipment upgrades also has an Ellendale ambulance.

Bartsch said the department has three EMTs who are trained by the Ellendale crew. There are also six EMRs, or emergency medical responders. Bartsch’s assistant chief is Dale Boverhuis, and two newly-elected captains are Alex Beenken and Jon Barstch. All the positions are volunteer.

Twice a month the firefighters meet at the Geneva Fire Hall.

They train on the first Monday, and do the business meeting and

Small shops are popping up in Clarks Grove

By Kelli Lageson In Clarks Grove, a town of just over 700 people, there is a growing business environment.

In addition to large businesses, some small shops have recently opened in the downtown area of Clarks Grove.

City Clerk Kathy Jensen said the spaces were empty after a furniture store and the Clarks Grove State Bank left.

After sitting empty for some time, a bookstore opened about a year ago, and a boutique opened its doors this summer.

Together James and Anna Allshouse own what used to be the downtown furniture store. Anna runs Diva Central, a boutique that sells clothing, shoes and more. James runs CaliBoyz Customs, a stereo store that’s next door to the boutique. Anna and her mother, Maria Siwiec, run the clothing store.

“We wanted to bring something to the community,” Anna said.

The bookstore that opened more than a year ago is called A Bit Bookish. It occupies the space that was a bank for more than 100 years. Partowner Kim Hammer said she saw the need for a place to buy and sell used books. Hammer wanted other products to draw in potential customers, so she’s worked with local artisans who can sell their product at her store.

“We have a one person helping another kind of relationship,” Hammer said.

Some of these products include home-made greeting cards and natural beauty products.

Other downtown businesses have been staples of the community, like Clarks Grove Hardware, which opened in the 1890s.

“It started out as a wood structure, then they built the brick one that’s there now,” Jensen said.

A Clarks Grove resident, Jensen said she likes that more businesses have been coming and staying in the town.

“I would love to see more,” Jensen said. “But it’s a sign of the times that it’s harder to start something and make a success out of it.”

Mayor Bruce Hanson agrees that it’s been a boon for the town to have new businesses, and he said the city is always looking for more enterprises. He’s also been glad to see that a handful of established businesses have expanded in the last five years.

“We’re always looking for any new businesses that are interested in coming here,” Hanson said. “We feel we’re lucky to be right on the freeway for good access.”

Hanson said the city wants to keep living up to its motto: “The nicest town, in the most progressive county, in

A Bit Bookish

Address: 107 Main St. E., Clarks Grove Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays; 6 to 8 p.m.Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and closed Sundays.

Diva Central

Address: 111 E. Main St. in Clarks Grove Hours: 2 to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

the finest state, in the greatest country in the world.”

Across the street from the new downtown developments is the large creamery building that boasts that it was the state’s first incorporated creamery.

Other businesses in

the town include the Pour House, Thompson Sanitation, Royal Sports/Royal Lawn, Clarks Grove veterinary clinic, Tom’s Taxidermy, Clarks Grove Golf Course, Munson’s Body Shop, the Gopher Stop, WFS, Sonshine Gardens and more.

Hayward inn sits on family farm property Continued from Page 6 Chamber of Commerce, she said.

The couple said in the future they only see the inn getting busier.

“It’s been fun,” Katherine said.

“We’ve met a lot of nice people.”

Joe said his grandfather bought the property that the inn sits on in 1939. His grandfather sold it to

his oldest son in 1954, who died in 1984. That’s when Joe and Katherine purchased the 120-acre property at an auction. Joe grew up on a nearby farm.

The Pocovskys said the land has mostly been rented out for crop farming until the couple decided to build the inn in 2011.

While Katherine is a retired nurse and runs the inn, Joe is still working as a municipal utility manager for the city of Marshfield, Wis. He helps out at the inn on the weekends.

The couple also has six cattle, and in the future Joe plans to have as many as 30.

The Pacovskys have three daughters and nine The Czech Inn Bed & Breakfast is at 19158 grandchildren.

800th Ave. in Hayward.

One of the bathrooms at the Czech Inn Bed & Breakfast & Retreat.

Wind energy bolsters Manchester, Hartland townships

It also benefits Freeborn County

By Sarah Stultz Two years after the installation of the Bent Tree Wind Farm, Manchester and Hartland townships are beginning to see the financial perks of the first full year of operation on the farm.

For every kilowatt hour of wind energy produced, the state collects 12 cents in an energy production tax and then sends a portion back to Freeborn County.

Eighty percent of that portion goes to the county, while 20 percent goes to local townships or cities affected.

How much did they get?

According to the Freeborn County Assessor’s Office, Hartland Township received about $47,000 in 2012, based on energy produced in 2011. Manchester Township received about $58,000, and Freeborn County re-

ceived about $419,000.

For Manchester, this is about two-thirds of what the township board levies property owners.

Manchester Township Clerk Neal Gjersvik said the amount the county and townships will receive during the next 25 years will vary depending on the amount of energy produced and whether the state Legislature changes the funding formula for how much counties and townships should receive.

But in the meantime, the townships are taking

PROGRESS 2013 • Sunday, February 24, 2013 • Albert Lea Tribune • Page 9 expense, he said. With Sarah Stultz the additional money Manchester Township grader and snowplower coming in from the wind Doug Jacobs stands in from of the motor grader farm, the township was the township is hoping to replace with funds able to put a higher from the energy production tax of the Bent Tree amount toward the Wind Farm. grader in 2012.

He said the township has not opted to put the funds toward reducing the levy because there is uncertainty that the funding formula may be changed in the future.

The levy could have increased, however, if it weren’t for the funds.

In Hartland Township, the almost $58,000 has been put toward buying the township new voting booths for residents, paying bills for maintenance of roads and preventing a levy increase, said township board Chairman Paul Lynne.

Donations were also made to the Freeborn County Humane Society, the Freeborn County Historical Museum and the Freeborn ambulance emergency crews.

Lynne said there is even some money not spent that is in the bank to help pay for things that may come up.

“It’s just nice to have a little money in the Wind energy production tax received in 2012 bank so we don’t have to Manchester Township: $57,586 worry each month,” he Hartland Township: $47,272 said.

Freeborn County: $419,433 Bent Tree has 122 — Information from the Freeborn County Assessor’s Office turbines and is capable of producing up to 201 advantage of what fund- replacing a ditch mower, megawatts of energy, Gjersvik said. Money has enough to power 50,000 ing they are receiving. also been put away tohomes. It is Wisconsin How has the money ward a new motor grader Power & Light’s second been spent? for the township. owned and operated In Manchester TownA new grader costs wind farm. ship, the $47,000 has more than $200,000, Madison, Wis.-based been spent on a few proj- and the township had Wisconsin Power & ects, including updatbeen saving $5,000 a Light is a subsidiary of ing roadside signs and year to go toward that Alliant Energy.

Tax summary

Can you name that Freeborn business?

Oakview Golf Club

Some of these images have been altered to have the business names removed from the buildings.

Can you name the businesses to the photos?

1. WFS ________ 2. Rich Honstad Siding & Windows ________ 3. Freeborn Pride Builders ________ 4. Oakview Golf Course ________ 5.TB3s ________ The answers are on Page 10.

A.

Freeborn, MN

(507) 863-2288 oakviewgc.com

D. B.

o

idermy S s Tax ’ g i Fish • Birds • Gameheads tudi a Cr Lifesize • Small & Big Game For more details call:

Knowledgeable Professional service

E.

Freeborn, MN 56032

Craig Christenson, Owner

C.

Tim Engstrom

These table runners are made in Wells.

candle-making business.

Three years ago, they opened the boutique to sell local crafts, their candles and, of course, some of their soaps.

They say sales at the boutique were slow at first but word got around and now people come from all over southern Minnesota and northern Iowa to see what they have. Tony said many customers get tired of the same stuff found at big stores, often made overseas, and are looking for local products with a personal touch.

And Karen said the craft makers like not having to sit by their stuff at craft shows all the time just to move their goods.

“People love to support U.S.-made stuff,” she added.

So while selling wholesale soap-making ingredients remain their largest source of income, the candles and the boutique have been good for attracting attention and added income at a time when their more and more competitors in the homemade soap business.

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Glenville boutique has roots in Minnetonka 826-3425

Continued from Page 7 It had been vacant for five years. It had more space than he wanted, but the price was right, so he bought it.

They started making their soap, and they had a neighbor who wanted to rent space in the business to make soy candles and a retail store. Two and a half years later, the candle shop closed, and people began inquiring about where to get the candles.

The Trows got into the

507-863-2202

Dave Pederson, Manager

Manchester-Hartland Telephone Co. 826-3212 Community Service Since 1903

Tim Engstrom

These birdhouses are made in Blooming Prairie and can be purchased at Minnes-Soy-Ta Nice Boutique in Glenville.

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Page 10 • Albert Lea Tribune • Sunday, February 24, 2013 • PROGRESS 2013

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Laptops replacing textbooks

By Brandi Hagen Tom Nugent, Northwood-Kensett’s superintendent, was a senior in high school in 1965.

The school had two computers, and they took up the space of an entire room. When he got to college and even after he graduated from college and became a high school teacher, computers were nowhere to be seen in the schools.

“It didn’t feel right to me,” Nugent said. “I just kept thinking back to that high school that I graduated from.”

As he became a part of the administration in the Northwood-Kensett School District, Nugent pushed

Brandi Hagen

Fifteen-year-old Scott Hengesteg listens to music on his laptop in the library at Northwood-Kensett High School while working on homework.

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to have cutting edge technology available to the students and teachers.

“Technology has become this incredible learning tool, not just a luxury,” Nugent said.

Nugent said he reads magazines and articles about different forms of technology and then asks the school’s technology staff, Amy Renwick and Ryan Welch, how to integrate it into the school.

At first, the push resulted in three or four computers being installed in the schools.

Within a year Nugent said every teacher had one.

With school board members and staff excited about Nugent’s ideas, too, the vision didn’t end there.

In December 2010, after filling out paperwork and paying an insurance fee, students in grades 4-12 were given laptops to use at school and at home.

About the same time, it was time for the district to review its curriculum and it was decided to integrate online textbooks in the classroom.

In addition to online textbooks, the students and teachers use an online program called Admoto. Admoto allows students to turn in assignments over the Internet, have group discussions with their classmates and view tutorials and follow links as supplemental resources to their learning topics.

One student, Logan Benson, said having a program like Admoto and being able to access it from his own laptop wherever he goes makes him feel like he’s more connected to his teachers.

Language Arts teacher Deb Faugstad agreed.

“In a traditional classroom, the teacher would have given the information, there would have been learning activities and it would have ended when the bell rang,” Faugstad said. “Admoto makes it so easy to connect with students from the teacher perspective as well.”

With access to the supplemental resources, teachers like Beth Butler said she finds her students pick up the material faster and also help

each other learn more.

“We hear often at professional activities that we need to become less the sage on the stage and instead become the guide on the side,” Faugstad said.

“That has really happened more with the laptops.”

The laptops have also allowed the students to show more of their creative sides.

Student Rosalta Cansino said she really enjoys being able to use programs like iMovie and Garage Band.

Benson agreed.

“It’s more hands-on, and it helps you understand what you’re doing.

You can show that you understand, too,” Benson said.

While the laptop

initiative for the most part has been a smooth transition, staff and students have had to overcome minor bumps along the way whether it be classroom management, understanding a new program or even dealing with a computer glitch, but Nugent said there have been no major negatives.

“It’s nice turning a dream into realities,” Nugent said. “It’s really pretty cool to see where we were and where we are and then try to promote the vision of where we’re going to go next.”

And, while the cost of having the laptop program is about $88,000 per semester, Nugent said it’s the right decision.

“You’ve got to realize

that technology is an equalizer in education,” Nugent said. “We might be able to offer the same classes Ankeny offers or a large school in Indiana or California someplace. But the people graduating from here have to compete for the jobs across the nation.”

To further advance the school district, portable iPad labs have been made available this year for students in kindergarten through third grade.

“We’re experimenting with K through three because we have to make that decision for the next vision,” Nugent said. “It may be laptops or some other new technology tool or toy, but we aren’t sure yet.”

Ryan Welch, the director of technology for Northwood-Kensett schools, holds up a laptop that students use as part of the school’s laptop program.

Freeborn County by the numbers 2010 census: 31,255 Change from 2000: down 4.1 percent Median age: 44.2 Races: White, not Hispanic/Latino: 84.3 percent Hispanic/Latino: 8.8 percent Black: 0.7 percent American Indian: 0.2 percent Asian: 0.8 percent Pacific Islander: 0.1 percent Other race: 3.4 percent Two or more races: 1.7 percent Households: 13,177 Housing units: 14,231 Owner-occupied housing units: 10,089 Renter-occupied housing

units: 3,088 Family households: 8,555 with children: 3,249 Husband-wife family: 6,833 with children: 2,187 Male household, no wife: 605 with children: 322 Female household, no husband: 1,117 with children: 740 Non-family households: 4,622 Living alone: 3,961 Households with children: 3,542 Households with people 65 years and older: 4,278 Average household size: 2.32 Average family size: 2.85 Median household income (2000): $36,964

Answers to Freeborn quiz on Page 9: 1. E, 2. B, 3. A, 4. D, 5. C

Median family income (2000): $45,142 Per capita income (2000): $18,325 Population below poverty line (2000): 8.4 percent Square miles: 722.63 County seat: Albert Lea Courthouse address: 411 S. Broadway Ave., Albert Lea Courthouse phone: 507-377-5116 Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific), Union Pacific Highways: Interstate 90, Interstate 35, U.S. Highway 65, U.S. Highway 69, Minnesota Highway 13, Minnesota Highway 251, Minnesota Highway 109