Progress people by Albert Lea Tribune

Progress PEOPLE

“ a vision

Crowds of up to 50,000 people filled Albert Lea during the 1940 Colonel Days, named in honor of city founder Col. Albert Miller Lea. This photo was taken on the 200 block of Broadway facing south. The Rivoli theater sign on the right is now the Freeborn County Arts Initiative. Photo courtesy Freeborn county historical MuseuM

He had

Col. Albert Miller Lea’s explorations led him to discover what’s now A.L. Lake city Founder known by nation’s dignitaries

and

t worked to make it happen.”

By Cathy Hay

news@albertleatribune.com

hrough the steam and storms of summer 1835, 164 Dragoons — marines of the prairie — rode horses through the wilderness of what is now southern Minnesota. On July 29 they came upon a lake so vast that they could see no way around it. Among them was Albert Miller Lea, a tall angular man with blue-gray eyes and brown hair, who had recently marked his 27th birthday. “Entangled in these lakes and their connecting streams, we wound about confusedly, having no guide who had any knowledge of the region. As we marched along strung out in a column of twos, a white fox dashed through the column and the lake I was then sketching was noted as ‘Fox Lake,’” Lea wrote. Years later, geographer Joseph Nicollet named it Albert Lea Lake when incorporating Lea’s work into maps of the Upper Mississippi River basin. And the rest is history. Lea was a West Point graduate, U.S. Army officer, explorer, adventurer and the cartographer who first mapped this part of Minnesota and gave the state of Iowa its name. He worked for four presidents, befriended the head of the Confederate Army, was related to a governor, served as a state chief engineer and built railroads through mountains. His book on his explorations encouraged much of the early immigration to regions west of Lake Michigan. Born in Tennessee in 1808, his family used slave labor on their farm and Lea was a slave manager at times. He was also an officer in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. At one time, Albert Leans considered changing the town’s name, partly because of Lea’s loyalty to the Confederacy. In 1874, many citizens signed a petition to abandon the name of Albert Lea and submitted it to the Legislature. Locals were tired of explaining and spelling a name that meant nothing to strangers. Opponents fired back that Lea’s achievements outshone his home state of Tennessee siding with the Confederacy. They emphasized that local businesses were making the name

This photo of Albert Miller Lea was taken in 1879 when he visited Albert Lea. Lea visited this area only twice — the first time when he marched through with the Dragoons in 1835 and again in 1879 when invited to speak to a group of old settlers.

DOOR DOOR by

The Medical Professional Arts building is at 1206 W. Front St. It houses Advanced Family Dental, Orthodontic Health Center and Aurora Dental.

Children born to Lea, one with his first wife, Ellen, and four with his second wife, Catherine.

Lea mapped the areas explored by the Dragoons in 1835. In his sketch above, “Fox Lake” is “Albert Lea Lake” and the rolling prairie is now the city of Albert Lea, according to “A Hero Nonetheless, Albert Miller Lea, 1808-1891.” “Albert Lea” famous throughout the country. The petition fizzled with the Legislature taking no action. The Freeborn County Standard described the idea, first conceived by a competing newspaper, as “a bombshell hurled into our peaceful midst that nearly blasted Albert Lea off the map.” A few years later, Albert Lea invited the “colonel” to visit his namesake city, a sign that local citizens still respected him despite his Confederate service. As the Freeborn County Standard reported in 1879, Lea was met by the mayor, a

140

Highway signs in Minnesota with the name “Albert Lea” as a guide to Interstate 35.

See LEA, Page 3

1,100

Miles Dragoons traveled from Ft. Des Moines to Winona, west to Albert Lea and back to Iowa.

ide? What’s ins

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Page 2 | AlbertleAtribune.com | Progress 2015 | PeOPLe | sundAy, FebruAry 22, 2015

COLOneL Days Of Past fuLL Of ‘feverish aCtivity anD suPerb entertainment’ by Cathy hay

news@albertleatribune.com

The city pulled out all the stops for its Col. Albert Lea Days celebration in 1940. The Albert Lea Tribune estimated crowds up to 50,000 people turned out for this June 5-8 celebration. “Albert Lea returned to normal … after four days of feverish activity and superb entertainment,” the newspaper reported. The event resulted from months of planning by dozens of people. Local citizens, including junior high students dressed in hoop skirts, visited the Minnesota Capitol the previous May to personally invite Gov. Harold Stassen to attend. Downtown buzzed with daily flower shows, parades and public dances with live bands. Men, women and children donned historical costumes, from beards and top hats to parasols and bustles. The parades started at the fairgrounds, followed Bridge Street to Clark Street, over Clark to Newton Avenue, down Newton to College Street, over College to Broadway and up Broadway to Fountain Street to disband. Local streets have changed over the years with the addition of lanes, highways and buildings. Each day also featured the Jay Gould Mighty Outdoor Circus at 1 and 7 p.m. downtown. These one-hour shows were free for everyone. Crowds of all ages applauded the elephants, dogs, acrobats, tight-rope walkers, jugglers and clowns. A midway complete with a Ferris wheel and merry-go-round added to the fun. The event planners included Native Americans in the celebration, noting the Sac-Fox Indians lived in the territory when Albert Lea Miller Lea and the Dragoons explored the area before pioneer settlement. As the Tribune reported, descendants of this tribe, now of Tama, Iowa, would again encamp in the Albert Lea area and present their dances, rituals and customs as part of Colonel Days. The Native Americans set up a

Beautiful floats, including this one representing the Chamber of Commerce, made up daily parades during Colonel Days in 1940. Photo courtesy Freeborn county historicAl museum village at the fairgrounds, open to the public until 9 p.m. each day at no charge. The festivities the first night, on a Wednesday, included a public wedding at Fountain Lake Park. As 15,000 people watched, Russell Doud and Loretta Kappa of Freeborn County took their vows. The Grand Parade the next day was 5 miles long with 50,000 spectators, the Tribune reported. To put that in perspective, the population of Freeborn County at this time was 31,780 with 12,200 of those people living in Albert Lea, according to the U.S. Census. High school bands from Albert Lea to Lake Mills and from Wells to Grand Meadow marched in the parade, along with two drum corps. One highlight was the St. Paul Winter Carnival float with the 1940 king and queen aboard. After the parade, thousands of people gathered at Fountain Lake Park for Pioneer Night and a community sing-along. The purpose of Pioneer Night was to honor

Master barber Grunwald removes the whiskers from Jack Blades, while master barber Earl Ellson attends to Russell A. Sorenson during the 1940 Heaviest Beard Contest. In the center is “Beards Off” Chairman Ken Palmer. Blades and Sorenson ended up being first and second place respectively. To determine the heaviest beard, a barber would cut off the beards of 10 men with each men’s clippings being weighed separately on a scale. The clippings weighing the most grams would win. L.W. Spicer, a local historian and city councilor appointed as the official “Colonel” of the celebration. The next day was set to kick off rural contests at

the fairgrounds, including catching a greased pig, climbing greased poles, pieeating, tug of war, horseshow pitching, hog calling and husband calling. This

was also “Gov. Harold Stassen Day,” with the Minnesota leader giving a speech. While rain canceled many events that Friday, good weather returned for the

final day of the celebration. Saturday offered a sharpshooting demonstration at Edgewater Park and an outboard motor regatta on Fountain Lake, interspersed with the Cloquet Log Rollers. A costume and whisker contest — including heaviest beard — followed the 4 p.m. parade. Colonel Days returned to Albert Lea in 1941. Then life in Minnesota and across the nation dramatically changed with World War II. The Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. By April 1942, the Tribune was reporting shortages in sugar, labor and hard goods such as electrical appliances. The community held a “Cow-n-Hen Day” on June 6, 1942, with an egg show, milking and churning contests, and a free dance in the evening. In 1979, a special Colonel Albert Lea Day was held on July Fourth. A New Zealander with the name of “Albert Lea” visited the city with his family while traveling across the United States and Canada. Minnesota Gov. Al Quie made him an honorary colonel in the National Guard with the city making him an honorary citizen, fire chief and police chief. This Albert Lea served as grand marshal in the Fourth of July parade. He also received mementos from the last Colonel Days in the 1940s, including a pop bottle. For the 1979 celebration, which marked 100 years since the “original” Albert Lea visited his namesake, a Mankato beverage company made 5,000 pop bottles marked “Colonel Albert Lea Day.” Today, the community celebrates musician Eddie Cochran in early June. The July 3 parade draws thousands along with other Independence Day activities. The Freeborn County Fair in August brings in big-time entertainment and big crowds. And the Big Island Rendezvous offers a celebration of history during the fur trade period and early Frontier America. Tens of thousands of people flock to Bancroft Bay Park for this event every October.

liFe oF Albert miller leA 1808: Born in Richland, Tennessee, near Knoxville.

1835: Explored Iowa and southern Minnesota with dragoons. 1831: Graduated fifth out of class of 33 from U.S. Military Academy.

1831: Posted as engineer to Fort Des Moines. 1833: Volunteered to retrieve $96,000 in silver from New Orleans despite yellow fever epidemic there.

1840: Wife, 1850: Acting SecreEllen, died; tary of War. placed 3-yearold son, 1851: Started glass Edward, in care 1849: City manufacturing busiengineer for of relatives. ness which failed. Knoxville.

1840s: Brigadier general in the Iowa militia and then chief clerk of the U.S. War Dept.

1855: Moved to Texas; chief 1862: Enengineer for Arkansas gineer for fortifying Railroad. Cumberland Gap 1851: against Started Union. glass manufacturing business which failed.

1845: Married Catherine Heath of Baltimore; moved her and his son to Tennessee.

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1863: Found his son, Edward Lea of the Union Navy, dying aboard the Harriet Lane after Battle of Galveston. Supervised slaves and a cotton bureau for Confederates in Texas.

1866: At end of Civil War, city surveyor and engineer for Galveston, where he warned that removing sand dunes would be devastating in a hurricane, a prediction later proven true.

1891: Died of heart failure.

1874: Moved to Corsicana, Texas, and operated cotton-buying business with two sons.

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Sunday, February 22, 2015 | people | ProgreSS 2015 | albertleatribune.com | page 3

Lea home a battleground over development

LEA Continued from Front Page

By Cathy Hay

news@albertleatribune.com

The legacy of Albert Miller Lea has become a battle cry for residents of Blaine, Tennessee, fighting development of land near the home where he was born on July 23, 1808. Concerned that rock blasting will damage historic sites, residents formed “Citizens United to Save Blaine” in 2014. “A strip-mining eyesore is now operating in one of East Tennessee’s most history-rich areas of Grainger County, directly across the road from Albert Miller Lea’s birthplace,” said Tony Surrett, member of the citizens group, which has about 30 members. Todd Claiborne of Claiborne Hauling Contractors bought the 172 acres in 2008. But the controversy started recently when he proposed a rock quarry for the site known as Fox Farm. This land was part of the original 375 acres deeded to Lea’s parents, Major and Lavinia, in 1796, the first deed recorded in Grainger County. Now owned by Harry Fox, Lea’s birthplace is a large Federal-style home made of brick with chimneys at each end and a wrap-around porch. Built to withstand attacks by Native American tribes, the house is fortified with 17-inch-thick walls. Across the road is the development site. Claiborne said the city approached him about developing the land, which was zoned agricultural when he bought it and then rezoned as industrial. “They want to try to attract industry,” he said. To help spur development, the city installed water and sewer utilities, with Claiborne granting a permanent easement for 35 acres for the on-site sewer system. After 450 people in the town of 1,300 signed a petition against the quarry, Claiborne changed the plan to site leveling to facilitate selling for development. Claiborne emphasized that he’s experienced in quarry work, and that a seismologist and blasting expert found no issues with his plan. The Blaine Planning Commission — of which Claiborne was a member at the time — voted to deny the proposal. Claiborne then sued the city, and the Blaine Board of Alderman passed a resolution in July 2014 to settle the matter out of court. The settlement allows grading and development of the site but not operation as a rock quarry. The site has excess rock and dirt, Claiborne said, which need to be removed. Blasting — up to four times a month — is allowed, along with removing soil material up to 150 dump truck loads per day six days a week. The settlement limits work hours to from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Final grade is to be reached within 30 months of starting work. Under the settlement, Claiborne does not need a site plan or building permit as long as not operating

Held in July 2014, Albert Miller Lea Day in Blaine, Tennessee, included Civil War reenactments on the grounds of Lea’s birthplace. Grainger County was the site of fierce battles during the Civil War. It is now known for its tomatoes. PhotoS courteSy oF albert miller lea Foundation

the site as a rock quarry or building any structures. Claiborne emphasized that the restrictions in the resolution are self-imposed — conditions he agreed to in order to make the operation more palatable but are not required by the state. He is no longer on the planning commission, saying he did not seek reappointment after his term expired. The controversy is politically motivated, Claiborne said. “The only thing I’m doing is trying to bring revenue to the town,” he said, adding that he lives within a 10minute drive from the site and that 34 of his employees live in the county. “Now that development has started, locals have figured out it’s not the end of the world,” Claiborne said. He plans to finish grading his site in 2017, depending on the economy. He uses the rock and soil material from the Blaine site for his other developments, requiring a balancing act between demand and supply. Once the Blaine site is ready, he plans to use it as a storage yard for his heavy equipment like bulldozers. His ultimate goal is to sell it to an entity that will provide jobs. “We need more rooftops,” he said. Meanwhile, the citizens group contends that the operation is a rock quarry, pointing out the blasting and removal of rock and soil. Surrett lives in a historic home himself near Lea’s birthplace, having moved to Blaine in 1995. He and others were alarmed to learn that blasting would be allowed within city limits, especially with four historic sites one-half mile from the development site. “It’s been a big political fight down here,” he said. Fighting the blasting led the group to learn Lea’s history. “It became

a passionate undertaking,” said Larry Edwards, a member of the citizen group and semi-retired construction consultant. He, Surrett and others formed the Albert Miller Lea Foundation to celebrate Lea’s birthday during the county’s annual tomato festival. “Grainger County’s most famous citizen is being celebrated!” headlines the event poster. “Be part of the important legacy and history of this renowned historical figure and celebrate his life, his 206th birthday and the home where he lived in East Tennessee.” Held on the grounds of Lea’s birthplace and the current Fox home, the celebration included live music, free food, historical speakers, a donkey calling contest and re-enactments of the Civil War. This event was so successful that it won the 2014 East Tennessee Preservation Award for Best New History Event from the East Tennessee Preservation Alliance. Despite losing the battle to prevent the blasting, the citizens group won in its effort to have the Lea birthplace registered with the National Park Service as a place worth preserving. In its announcement of adding the site to the National Register of Historic Places, the state commission described it like this: “Richland is a historic farm complex located near Blaine in Grainger County. Named for the Richland Creek that runs through the property, the complex is comprised of almost eight acres and 10 historic resources. The principal resource is the 1890s house known as the Lea House. The two-story solid brick residence is a fine example of Federal architecture, as is seen in the main entry with

By the numbers 206: Years since Lea was born to Major and Lavinia Lea. 375: Acres deeded to Major and Lavinia Jarnagin Lea in 1796, the first deed recorded in Grainger County. They are Albert Lea’s parents and are buried in historic Lea Springs cemetery, only 2,000 feet from the blasting site. It was unusual that Revolutionary War Capt. Thomas Jarnagin, who claimed 3,960 acres on Richland Creek in Grainger County in 1783, included his daughter Lavinia on the deed as women were thought more as property than property owners at this time. “She’s probably the first female land owner in the state of Tennessee, maybe in all of the South, and possibly the entire United States,” said Tony Surrett of the Albert Miller Lea Foundation. 937: Miles between Lea’s birthplace in Blaine, Tennessee, and his namesake town. That’s less than the 1,100 miles Lea traveled with the dragoons on their exploration of Iowa and Minnesota in 1835.

transom and sidelights, jack arch lintels, Flemish bond brick with a molded brick cornice and the interior woodwork. Several mid20th century outbuildings are on the property, as are a historic bridge and roadbed. The Lea family farmstead is one of the earlier settlements in the county, and members of the Lea family were prominent in the community. The complex is an excellent example of settlement patterns, agricultural patterns and social history in Grainger County.” Now the group is working to persuade the city of Blaine to pursue a historic district designation to protect Lea’s home and other sites. Nearby is the home of Cynthia Lea — sister of Albert Miller Lea — also on the National Register of Historic Places. “Our goal is to bring attention to the history of Albert Miller Lea,” Surrett said. “It’s important Civil War re-enactors brought the past to life during Albert to preserve his birthplace.” Miller Lea Day in Blaine in July 2014.

judge and an attorney upon his arrival in Northwood on the Burlington train. At the Albert Lea depot, citizens and a band greeted him with a reception following at the Hall House. The events included a speech by Lea on the banks of the lake named for him. Despite his opinions on slavery and service as a “Rebel,” Lea’s accomplishments still shine in history. “We just have to realize it was the culture of the times and that he was no different than the individuals of that time who owned slaves,” said Pat Mulso, executive director of the Freeborn County Historical Society. “It’s part of history for that time period. That’s the perspective the community had when they invited him back. They respected him and the part he played in developing our town. It’s not that we promote it but we accept it as part of history.” Grainger County in east Tennessee claims Lea as its most famous citizen. He was a friend of Confederate Army leader Robert E. Lee and President Jefferson Davis after overlapping years at West Point. Lea was also related to Texas Gov. Sam Houston. As a graduate of West Point, Lea was well-educated, noted Mulso. As an officer, he could have adopted an easier lifestyle. Instead, he chose to serve his country, including the 1,100-mile march with the Dragoons from Fort Des Moines into Minnesota and back. His service in the Confederate Army shows the conflict of loyalty within many Americans and their families at the time. “Like many other Southern men who held or had held commissions in the United States Army, Lea was compelled to decide between conflicting loyalties — nation and state. As he had signed his report in 1835 ‘A.M. Lea of Tenn.’ so also in 1861 he emphasized his state, and joined the South,” wrote Ruth A. Gallagher for the Minnesota Historical Society in 1935. With relatives and his admired peers, Lee and Davis, in the Confederacy, Lea aligned with the South. However, he counseled his son, Edward — who had spent some years in the North with relatives after the death of his mother — to make up his own mind. Edward Lea was already serving in the U.S. Navy when the war broke out and he remained with the Union. Father and son met tragically at the Battle of Galveston in Texas, where Edward was mortally wounded aboard the steam frigate Harriet Lane.

This bottle for Col. Albert Lea Day is dated July 4, 1979.

When the fighting ceased, Lea boarded the ship with other Confederate officers. He found his son in time for Edward to die in his arms. “My father is here,” were Edward’s last words and then his epitaph. “I can’t imagine what it was like to have a child on the other side and the emotions when going aboard that ship,” Mulso said. Lea loved his family, worked hard and served his country — all things people strive to do no matter the time in history, she said. “He was always thinking ahead and trying to promote things,” Mulso said. “He had a vision and worked to make it happen.” Lea tried many times to turn his engineering skill into business success. But misfortune and military assignments intervened. He would then return to engineering, including teaching at the college level. After the war, he finished his public service career as city engineer in Galveston and then retired to Corsicana, Texas. He died there at age 82 in 1891. “His innovative grading of rail right-of-way through mountainous terrain, his accurate prediction of a flourishing Iowa, his professorship at East Tennessee University, his concept of a railroad from the Gulf of Mazaltan on the Pacific Coast, his farsighted advocacy of education at the college level for women — these were evidence of a vigorous intellect,” Merryman wrote in his book, “A Hero Nonetheless, Albert Miller Lea, 1808-1891.” He added, “His attributes of intellect, vision, and action, combined with his upright character, cast Lea in a heroic mode. He failed in his attempts to capitalize monetarily on his abilities; he was a hero nonetheless. With the addition of that undefinable something great men have, and a little added luck, he would have been great.”

The dark black line shows the route of the Dragoons who marched through present-day Freeborn County from the east to the west, according to “A Hero Nonetheless, Albert Miller Lea, 1808-1891.” graPhic courteSy Freeborn county hiStorical muSeum

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Page 4 | AlbertleAtribune.com | Progress 2015 | PeOPLe | sundAy, FebruAry 22, 2015

The PeOPLe behind The PaPer get to know the emPloyees oF the Albert leA tribune

Newsroom Colleen harrison

Micah bader

Sarah Stultz

Colleen Harrison, photo editor, will have worked at the Tribune for a year in March. She grew up in the metro area of Cleveland and went to the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.

Micah Bader, sports editor, has worked at the Tribune for two years. He grew up in Vesta and Norfolk, Nebraska, and went to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Q: how did you get into your career? A: Playing with my grandpa’s old 35mm camera as a kid progressed into taking photo classes and job-shadowing before going off to college, where I majored in photography.

Q: how did you get into your career? A: The first football game I remember watching was the 1993 National Championship. I was 6, and my parents let me stay up late to see it. Nebraska lost to Florida State 18-16 on a missed field goal as time expired but went on to win the national title three of the next four years. In school, I enjoyed grammar and creative writing, and I wanted to combine it with sports.

Sarah Stultz, managing editor, has been with the Tribune for 8 1/2 years. She grew up in Roanoke, Virginia, and went to Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

Q: if you had to pick another career path, which would you choose, and why? A: I honestly don’t know. I’ve only ever wanted to be a photojournalist. Q: if you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and why? A: I can’t pick just one place. I want to go everywhere! Q: What is your favorite color, favorite food, favorite movie, favorite season, favorite sport? A: Red, can’t decide, can’t decide, fall, basketball. I’m the worst at picking favorites. Q: What is one interesting fact about you? A: I’ve moved eight times in the past six years between four different states.

hannah dillon Hannah Dillon, special sections editor, has been with the Tribune for nine months. She grew up in Milaca and went to North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota. Q: how did you get into your career? A: I always wanted a job with writing, so journalism seemed to be a good fit. After I started taking journalism classes in college I realized I liked telling the stories of people. After working at the Tribune for a little while, I learned that I also love page design. Q: if you had to pick another career path, which would you choose, and why? A: School counselor. I’ve learned that I really like talking to high school kids about college and I seem to always be helping my friends work through their problems and giving them advice. Q: if you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and why? A: Somewhere warm, like Cancun — or any beach, really! I’m pretty much over winter now, it’s my least favorite season. Q: What is your favorite color, favorite food, favorite movie, favorite season, favorite sport? A: My favorite color is yellow, food is Chinese, movie is “Hot Rod,” season is summer and I’m not a fan of playing many sports but I like watching baseball. If I had to play a sport I’d pick swimming or archery. Q: What is one interesting fact about you? A: Someday I want to be a college professor, preferably in journalism practice or InDesign.

Q: if you had to pick another career path, which would you choose, and why? A: Being a motorcycle technician would be fun. My first bike was a 1987 BMW K75. It was in rough shape: the fiberglass fairing was in tatters because of a deer accident, the primer was showing beneath the paint on the rest of the bike, it needed new rear suspension and the alternator needed new bushings. With the help of a Clymer manual, I fixed the alternator, bought and installed a new fairing and suspension, then sanded, primed and painted it in my garage. Other than the ridiculous amount of sanding, I enjoyed it. Q: if you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and why? A: I want to go diving near the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland, Australia. Although it has lost about half of its coral in the last 30 years, I want to see it before more of it disappears. Q: What is your favorite color, favorite food, favorite movie, favorite season, favorite sport? A: Color is blue, food is prime rib, movie is “Bullitt,” season is fall and sport is football. Q: What is one interesting fact about you? A: I’ve been to every state west of Minnesota other than Alaska and Hawaii, but the furthest east I’ve been is Wisconsin.

Kathy Johnson Kathy Johnson, creative director, has worked at the Tribune for 12 years. She grew up in Clements and went to college in Mankato. Q: how did you get into your career? A: I love to create and design.

Q: how did you get into your career? A: I have always been interested in English and writing but didn't want to be a teacher. I decided to get into journalism because I liked the idea of learning every day of my job and getting to experience new things. Q: if you had to pick another career path, which would you choose, and why? A: I've always had dreams of running a homeless shelter or being a crime victims advocate. I once wrote a story in college about the homeless population in downtown Salt Lake City and stayed out with the homeless people there for hours at a time. It was an eye-opening experience, and ever since then I have felt a desire to help the less fortunate. Q: if you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and why? A: Europe. I've always wanted to travel there. Q: What is your favorite color, favorite food, favorite movie, favorite season, favorite sport? A: Favorite color: turquoise; favorite food: enchiladas or pizza; favorite movie: right now I'm enjoying "The Hunger Games" series; favorite season: spring; favorite sport: basketball Q: What is one interesting fact about you? A: I love home decorating.

Kim ehrich Kim Ehrich, graphic designer, has been with the Tribune for three months. She grew up in Albert Lea and went to the University of Minnesota, Duluth. Q: how did you get into your career? A: In high school I took a Photoshop and graphic design class. I fell in love with the creativity and skill it took and ran with it. Q: if you had to pick another career path, which would you choose, and why? A: I would be a social worker. I tend to seek out people that are looking for advice.

Q: if you had to pick another career path, which would you choose, and why? A: A party planner or a fitness instructor. Q: if you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and why? A: Anywhere warm with a beach.

Q: if you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and why? A: I would go to Fiji. I always find myself daydreaming about the clear, blue waters.

Q: What is your favorite color, favorite food, favorite movie, favorite season, favorite sport? A: Color is pink, food is pizza, season is fall and sport is running.

Q: What is your favorite color, favorite food, favorite movie, favorite season, favorite sport? A: Color is purple, food is spagetti, movie is “Avatar,” season is fall and sport is baseball.

Q: What is one interesting fact about you? A: I have a heart murmur.

Q: What is one interesting fact about you? A: I have a black belt in tae kwon do.

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Sunday, February 22, 2015 | people | ProgreSS 2015 | albertleatribune.com | page 5

Advertising Kelly Besco

Renee Citsay

Catherine Buboltz

Kelly Besco, account executive, has worked at the Tribune for about two months. She grew up in Fergus Falls and went to Riverland Community College.

Renee Citsay, account executive, will have been with the Tribune for eight years in April. She grew up in Chicago until the fourth grade, then moved to Albert Lea, and she went to Normandale Community College.

Catherine Buboltz, advertising director, has been with the Tribune for five years. She grew up in St. Bonifacious and went to Dakota County Technical College.

Q: How did you get into your career?

A: I first started working in sales back in 1986 when I took a job with MLT Vacations.

Q: How did you get into your career?

A: I came in for another position that was open, but was interviewed for an account executive position.

Q: If you had to pick another career path, which would you choose, and why?

A: I was selling optical glasses and contacts for 25 years. My daughter was young so I wanted a job in Albert Lea. I decided to sell business ads instead of optical goods; I needed a break from optical at the time.

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and why?

Q: If you had to pick another career path, which would you choose, and why?

A: Anything that traveled.

A: Somewhere warm because it’s Minnesota and it’s cold.

A: I would go into optometry. I enjoyed that field and found it interesting.

Q: What is your favorite color, favorite food, favorite movie, favorite season, favorite sport?

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and why?

A: My favorite color is either light green or blue. I am a sucker for Chinese food. My favorite movie would have to be “Lone Survivor.” I don’t really have a favorite sport, but I enjoy watching certain sports.

A: Somewhere warm. I always wanted to see the Inca ruins and see the pyramids in Egypt, plus I must ride a camel if I am going to visit Egypt. I love history and artifacts.

Q: What is one interesting fact about you?

Q: What is your favorite color, favorite food, favorite movie, favorite season, favorite sport?

A: My daughters are twins.

angie Hoffman Angie Hoffman, marketing executive, has been with the Tribune for 6 1/2 years. She grew up a few miles south of Albert Lea and went to Riverland Community College and Northland Community and Technical College.

Q: How did you get into your career?

A: In 2007 my artwork was featured in a Tribune story and, through that, I befriended our former publisher, Scott Schmeltzer. He unexpectedly offered me a position a couple months later, which I’m still very grateful for.

Q: If you had to pick another career path, which would you choose, and why? A: I would be an entrepreneur because I’m fascinated by the process of creating tangible value from ideas. Finance and accounting are also very interesting to me as I love crunching numbers and strategizing.

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and why? A: Anywhere tropical and warm. Why? Because I live in Minnesota and it’s -2 degrees as I’m answering this question.

Q: What is your favorite color, favorite food, favorite movie, favorite season, favorite sport? A: Favorite color is green, specifically the color of light shining through leaves. Favorite food is guacamole. Favorite season is early fall because I can break out my boots and sweaters. I don’t generally get into sports, but do enjoy visiting a Twins game.

Q: What is one interesting fact about you?

A: I once spent a summer in New Zealand and Australia and would go back in a heartbeat! Both are very happy and friendly cultures.

A: Favorite color is gray, food is salads, movie is “The Da Vinci Code,” season is summer and sport is kayaking.

Q: What is one interesting fact about you?

A: Stevie Nicks came to our optical store in Scottsdale, Arizona, and it was fun talking with her.

Marsha Rafdal Marsha Rafdal, marketing executive and accounting assistant, has been with the Tribune for eight months. She grew up in Albert Lea and went to Austin Junior College and Mankato State University.

Q: How did you get into your career?

Q: If you had to pick another career path, which would you choose, and why?

A: I would probably select a career path that helped people to live healthier and more active lives.

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and why?

A: I would go back to Queenstown, New Zealand, and enjoy nordic walking in the hills and amazing scenery.

Q: What is your favorite color, favorite food, favorite movie, favorite season, favorite sport?

A: Favorite color is gray, food is guacamole, movie is “Four Christmases,” season is summer and sport is bicycling

Q: What is one interesting fact about you?

A: I have been shark cage diving off the coast of South Africa, where they put you in a cage and drop you into the ocean to observe sharks up close.

Michele Beyer Michele Beyer, account executive, has been with the Tribune a few different times, totaling nine years. She grew up in Bricelyn and went to technical college in Albert Lea.

Q: How did you get into your career?

A: I moved back to a small town and married a farmer. ... I heard about the job through my husband’s cousin who worked at a sister paper.

Q: If you had to pick another career path, which would you choose, and why?

A: I always was interested in math and accounting in high school. I had a great high school teacher named Mr. Fairchild.

Q: If you had to pick another career path, which would you choose, and why?

A: I worked at Good Samaritan part time in laundry and dietary and enjoyed working with the elderly and would enjoy working or volunteering in that type of setting again some day.

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and why?

A: I would like something where I spend time visiting and helping our older generation; they have so many stories to tell and there is much to learn from them. When not doing that, I’d spend my days playing in the dirt perfecting my garden and start a small farmers market in the country where I live.

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and why?

A: I would like to see Hawaii and Alaska. Also a European cruise would be fun.

A: My children want to visit Disney, see the ocean and spend all day in the sand! My husband would like us to experience Wyoming.

Q: What is your favorite color, favorite food, favorite movie, favorite season, favorite sport?

A: Color is royal blue, food is pizza, movie is “Field of Dreams,” season is summer and sport is baseball.

Q: What is one interesting fact about you?

A: I have a passion for sports and classic cars. I own two of my own: a ’57 Chevy and a ’78 Corvette.

A: Color is gray, food is my garden veggies, movies are “Pretty Woman” and “Driving Miss Daisy,” season is fall and sport is football.

Q: What is one interesting fact about you?

A: I love being a mom, it is truly life’s best gift ever.

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PaGe 6 | AlbertleAtribune.com | Progress 2015 | PeOPLe | sundAy, FebruAry 22, 2015

Classifieds, circulation and management Crystal Miller

Michelle DaVeiga

Carla Johnson

Crystal Miller, publisher, has been with the Tribune for 12 years. She grew up in Owatonna and went to Minneapolis Business College.

Michelle DaVeiga, classified sales representative, has been with the Tribune for 14 years in April. She grew up in northern Iowa and southern Minnesota and went to Commonwealth College in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Carla Johnson, customer service representative and carrier, has been with the Tribune for over 20 years. She grew up in Glenville and went to Riverland Community College.

Q: How did you get into your career?

A: I started in sales, it was a good job that paid me to talk to people. I love to talk!

Q: If you had to pick another career path, which would you choose, and why?

A: I will always be in the publishing business. Newspapers and magazines are my passion.

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and why? A: A warm beach.

Q: What is your favorite color, favorite food, favorite movie, favorite season, favorite sport?

A: I saw an ad in the Tribune so I applied because I needed a daytime job — who knew that I was going to have to type and talk on the phone at the same time!

A: Started as a customer service representative from an ad in the paper.

Q: If you had to pick another career path, which would you choose, and why?

A: Nursing. I had worked as a nurse’s aid when I was still in high school.

A: I aspire to be a beach gypsy when I grow up. Why? Because I love the warmth and the sound of the waves.

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and why?

A: Each color has a purpose, I love them all. My favorite food is chicken marsala. “Dirty Dancing” is my favorite movie, isn’t it everyone’s? I love summer because I enjoy playing in my flower garden. I consider “Dancing with the Stars” the best competitive sporting event on television.

A: Ireland. The history aspect would be so interesting, but mostly because I think that the Irish folk seem like a quirky and interesting lot. I think that I can identify!

Q: What is one interesting fact about you?

A: Favorite color is blue, food is mashed potatoes, not a big movie watcher but anything funny or any chick flick will do, season is spring (I get REALLY bad spring fever) and sport is volleyball.

A: My maiden name is Miller and my married name is Miller. My family is Danish Miller and my husband’s family is German Miller. I side with my mother and claim Norwegian as my dominate nationality. When I started working at the Tribune, Geri McShane recognized me and pulled a copy of the Miller-Miller wedding announcement that had been published in the Tribune.

Lisa Foley Lisa Foley, business manager and accountant, has been with the Tribune for 24 years. She grew up in Wells and went to South Central Technical College.

Q: How did you get into your career?

A: I was a single parent and decided I needed to get a degree to support my boys.

Q: What is your favorite color, favorite food, favorite movie, favorite season, favorite sport?

Q: What is one interesting fact about you?

A: My graduating class was 10 — five guys and five gals.

Q: If you had to pick another career path, which would you choose, and why?

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and why? A: Florida or Illinois to see family.

Q: What is your favorite color, favorite food, favorite movie, favorite season, favorite sport?

A: Color is several, food is shrimp, movie is “Smokey and the Bandit,” season is summer and sport is all.

Q: What is one interesting fact about you? A: I’ve delivered close to one million papers.

Melissa Goodwin

Tara Roberts, classified sales representative, has been with the Tribune for two months. She grew up in Alden.

Melissa Goodwin, circulation manager who also oversees legals notices, has been with the Tribune for 14 years. She grew up mostly in Albert Lea, but moved around for the first 11 years of her life due to her dad being in the Army. She went to Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Q: How did you get into your career?

Tara Roberts

A: By accident.

Q: If you had to pick another career path, which would you choose, and why?

A: I wouldn’t give up any of my curQ: If you had to pick another career path, which would you choose, and why? rent careers. I love the interaction with so many different

A: Started at the Tribune after college. It was only meant to be a part-time job while I looked for a job that I could use my degree.

Q: If you had to pick another career path, which would you choose, and why?

A: Healthcare — I’ve been involved with a lot of health issues with family members and have grown an interest.

people on a daily basis.

A: I probably would pick accounting. Part of my job includes that, and I enjoy it.

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and why?

A: I would probably go to a cabin in the mountains of Colorado. I could enjoy my favorite beverage and read a book while enjoying the mountain views.

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and why?

A: Anywhere that has either a major league stadium or NASCAR track that I have not been to.

Q: What is your favorite color, favorite food, favorite movie, favorite season, favorite sport?

A: Cozumel, Mexico — it’s warm.

A: Favorite color is blue, food is pizza, movie is “American Sniper,” season is fall and sport is baseball.

A: Color: purple, food: pizza, movie: “The Wizard of Oz,” season: spring and sport: football.

Q: What is one interesting fact about you?

A: I had a split-liver transplant five years ago. My donor will forever by my super hero!

A: I’ve been to Mexico six times.

Q: What is one interesting fact about you?

A: Color is purple, food is pasta, movie is “Shawshank Redemption,” season is spring and sport is baseball.

Q: What is one interesting fact about you? A: I lived in Germany twice.

Sunday, February 22, 2015 | people | ProgreSS 2015 | albertleatribune.com | page 7

Pressroom Terry Thissen

Rich Mirelli

Randy Bure

Terry Thissen, production director, has been with the Tribune for 11 years. He grew up in Austin and went to the University of Minnesota.

Rich Mirelli, mailroom manager, has been with the Tribune for eight years. He grew up in Deer Park, New York.

Randy Bure, mailroom worker, has been with the Tribune for about eight years. He grew up in Austin.

Q: How did you get into your career?

A: Randomly — I responded to a help wanted ad in the newspaper and the rest is history.

Q: If you had to pick another career path, which would you choose, and why? A: Something where I’d be outdoors, maybe a whitewater rafting instructor or golf professional.

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and why?

A: I would go to a Caribbean island … it was minus 14 this morning.

Q: What is your favorite color, favorite food, favorite movie, favorite season, favorite sport?

A: Color is green, food is Phil’s BBQ in San Diego, movie is “True Romance” (It’s written by Tarantino and not a chick flick), season is fall (love the colors) and I don’t watch sports anymore, I like to hike in the wilderness and kayak.

Q: What is one interesting fact about you?

A: In January of 1994 I was on a road trip in Mexico when the Chiapas conflict took place. I was warned not to continue down the road I was on because of a Zapatista uprising that was taking place.

Bo David Bo David, lead printing press operator, has been with the Tribune for two years. He grew up in Albert Lea.

Q: How did you get into your career? A: An ad in the Tribune.

Q: If you had to pick another career path, which would you choose, and why?

A: Owner of a professional sports team, because that would be awesome!

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and why? A: Hawaii, because there’s golfing in the winter.

Q: What is your favorite color, favorite food, favorite movie, favorite season, favorite sport? A: Color is green, food is milk steak, movie is “300,” season is summer and sport is football.

Q: What is one interesting fact about you?

A: I used to work for a railroad as a train conductor.

Nick Davis Nick Davis, mailroom worker, has been with the Tribune for over six years. He grew up in Albert Lea and went to Riverland Community College.

Q: How did you get into your career? A: Rich Mirelli.

Q: If you had to pick another career path, which would you choose, and why?

A: Law enforcement. That’s what I have a degree in.

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and why? A: Japan for cultural and culinary reasons.

Q: What is your favorite color, favorite food, favorite movie, favorite season, favorite sport? A: Favorite color is blue, food is anything but liver, movie is “American History X” or “Full Metal Jacket,” season is summer and sport is football.

Q: What is one interesting fact about you?

A: I’m easy going and very easy to get along with!

A: Applied for a different position, but got hired for this one.

Q: If you had to pick another career path, which would you choose, and why?

A: I was a chef before this — I love to cook.

A: Part-time job.

Q: If you had to pick another career path, which would you choose, and why?

A: Doing something to help others less fortunate.

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and why?

Q: What is your favorite color, favorite food, favorite movie, favorite season, favorite sport?

A: Italy, to look into family’s history.

A: Favorite color is orange, food is prime rib, move is “Star Wars,” season is summer and sport is hockey and football.

Q: What is one interesting fact about you?

A: I play in the bands 5 Cent Deposit, Kickmule, D.O.C., Isle 9 and Just Ignored, in New York and Minnesota.

ethan Shepherd Ethan Shepherd, driver and inserter, has been with the Tribune for 2 1/2 years. He grew up in Oklahoma and went to Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma.

Q: How did you get into your career? A: Through a friend.

A: Patagonia, Chile, has always interested me.

A: Favorite color is gray, food is pizza, movie is “Passion of the Christ” and season is spring.

Q: What is one interesting fact about you? A: I’m getting old.

Shari Staude Shari Staude, inserter and mailroom worker, has been with the Tribune for six years. She grew up in Albert Lea and Chicago and went to Riverland Community College.

Q: How did you get into your career?

A: I needed a part-time job and this was available.

Q: If you had to pick another career path, which would you choose, and why?

A: Radiology, something that interested me in high school.

A: I would have liked to be a surgical nurse. As it turns out, I was a mechanical drafter and I should have pursued that further.

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and why?

Q: What is your favorite color, favorite food, favorite movie, favorite season, favorite sport?

A: Anywhere overseas to see different cultures.

A: Color is blue, food is anything Chinese, movie is “Hunger Games” and season is fall.

Q: What is one interesting fact about you? A: I like animals.

Karen lawrence Karen Lawrence, inserter, has been with the Tribune for 7 years. She grew up in Albert Lea.

Q: How did you get into your career?

A: Started as a bus girl then waitress at Canton Cafe. Took this job as my third part-time job.

Q: If you had to pick another career path, which would you choose, and why?

A: Healthcare. I still miss people and enjoy helping them stay in their homes.

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and why?

A: Always wanted to go to the Mediterranean or Alaska — my husband’s dad worked on the Alaskan Highway.

Q: What is your favorite color, favorite food, favorite movie, favorite season, favorite sport?

A: Someplace warmer. Bahamas would be nice.

A: Favorite color is raspberry, food is Jake’s Pizza, season is fall and sport is baseball.

Q: What is one interesting fact about you?

A: I got to see the Beatles in person in Minneapolis in 1965.

lori Brancato Lori Brancato, inserter, has been with the Tribune for two years and three months. She grew up in Long Island, New York, and went to Suffolk County Community College in New York and Animal Behavior College in California.

Q: How did you get into your career?

A: Not sure, haven’t found my career yet!

Q: If you had to pick another career path, which would you choose, and why?

A: I would be a geologist. I’m interested in rocks and minerals.

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and why?

A: Hawaii, to see the volcanoes and other geological sites.

Q: What is your favorite color, favorite food, favorite movie, favorite season, favorite sport?

A: I’m partial to mauves, my favorite food is lobster, movie is “Weekend at Bernie’s” and season is fall — I love seeing all the changes and smells.

A: My favorite color is baby blue, food is salad, movie is “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” season is fall and sport is ice skating.

Q: What is one interesting fact about you?

A: I’ve stayed in the restaurant and bar business for 45 years.

A: I have been playing the piano since I was 6 years old.

PAgE 8 | AlbertleAtribune.com | Progress 2015 | PEOPLE | sundAy, FebruAry 22, 2015

Jami Hagen

Veronica Soto

Valie Iverson

Jami Hagen, assistant mailroom manager, has been with the Tribune for 17 years. He grew up in Austin.

Veronica Soto, inserter, has been with the Tribune for one year. She grew up in Yonkers, New York, and Albert Lea. She went to Riverland Community College.

Valie Iverson, mail room worker, has been with the Tribune for seven years. She grew up in Clarks Grove.

Q: How did you get into your career?

A: I needed a job, so I applied.

A: A friend.

A: I have not found a career yet.

Q: If you had to pick another career path, which would you choose, and why?

A: Maybe a job at Hormel or in computers so I can make good money.

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and why? A: I would go to Europe because I need a good vacation.

Q: What is your favorite color, favorite food, favorite movie, favorite season, favorite sport?

A: Favorite color is black, food is Chinese food or pizza, movie is “The Goonies,” season is summer and sport is hockey and football.

Q: What is one interesting fact about you?

A: I lived in Germany for six years when my dad was in the army.

Steven Daron Steven Daron, mailroom worker, has been with the Tribune for 11 years. He grew up in Chicago.

Q: How did you get into your career?

A: Makeup artist — makeup is fun. It would be fun to put it on other people.

A: Cosmetology — I love hair and makeup.

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and why? A: Greece, Rome, the city of love.

Q: What is your favorite color, favorite food, favorite movie, favorite season, favorite sport?

A: Color is black and green, food is cheese pizza, movie is “The Notebook,” season is summer and sport is basketball or golf.

Q: What is one interesting fact about you?

A: I’m always happy. I’m a great mom and wife and I’m a great dancer.

Q: What is your favorite color, favorite food, favorite movie, favorite season, favorite sport? A: Red.

Q: What is one interesting fact about you? A: I like people.

Chris Benson Chris Benson, inserter, has been with the Tribune for six months. He grew up in Albert Lea.

Q: How did you get into your career?

Aubree Weise

A: Sabermetrician. I like baseball and statistics.

Q: What is your favorite color, favorite food, favorite movie, favorite season, favorite sport?

A: Color is red, food is steak, movie is “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” season is summer and sport is baseball.

Q: What is one interesting fact about you? A: I used to support myself through poker.

Debra Moe Debra Moe, inserter, has been with the Tribune for a little over a year. She Grew up in Albert Lea and went to Riverland Community College.

Q: If you had to pick another career path, which would you choose, and why?

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and why?

Q: If you had to pick another career path, which would you choose, and why?

Q: What is your favorite color, favorite food, favorite movie, favorite season, favorite sport?

A: Hawaii, it’s warm and I like to see the ocean.

A: A vet because I love animals or a phlebotomist — I love blood.

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and why?

A: Anywhere in the world my sons are, I want to be with them all the time.

A: I am very outspoken and stick up for my beliefs.

A: California, it’s warm and has the ocean.

A: Favorite color is purple, food is salmon, movie is “Quigley Down Under,” season is fall and sport is boxing.

A: Looked at the newspaper one day and I saw the ad and came to fill out an application.

Q: What is one interesting fact about you?

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and why?

Q: What is your favorite color, favorite food, favorite movie, favorite season, favorite sport?

A: Decorator. I like to make and decorate stuff.

A: Favorite color is hot pink and lime green, favorite food is pizza and my homemade lasagna, no favorite movie and I love spring and summer.

Q: If you had to pick another career path, which would you choose, and why?

A: Mexico — it’s beautiful.

A: Job career change.

Aubree Weise is an inserter at the Tribune. She grew up in Albert Lea.

Q: What is your favorite color, favorite food, favorite movie, favorite season, favorite sport?

A: Through a friend.

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and why?

Q: How did you get into your career?

A: I walked in.

Q: How did you get into your career?

A: Favorite color is blue, food is tacos, movie is “Fast and Furious” and season is summer.

Q: What is one interesting fact about you? A: I’m a survivor.

Doug Edwards Doug Edwards — inserter, flyer, carrier, strapper and palletizer — has been with the Tribune for seven years. He grew up in Austin.

Q: How did you get into your career? A: Luck.

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and why? A: Florida, it’s warm.

Eldora Johnson Eldora Johnson, inserter, has worked at the Tribune twice, the second time for around seven years. She grew up in Albert Lea.

with Helping Hands Built-in

A: Favorite color is blue, food is steak, season is summer and sport is football.

Q: What is one interesting fact about you? A: I’m still here.

Q: How did you get into your career?

Assisted Living...

Q: What is your favorite color, favorite food, favorite movie, favorite season, favorite sport?

Mike O’Harra

A: Responded to an ad in the newspaper.

Mike O’Harra, inserter, has been with the Tribune for 15 years. He grew up in Austin.

Q: If you had to pick another career path, which would you choose, and why?

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and why? A: Texas.

Q: What is your favorite color, favorite food, favorite movie, favorite season, favorite sport?

A: Factory work — I like it and it’s all I’ve ever done.

A: Color is blue, food is pizza, movie is “Resident Evil” and season is summer.

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and why?

Q: What is one interesting fact about you?

A: No special place.

A: I like trains.

Nadine Holgate Nadine Holgate, mailroom worker, has been with the Tribune for 12 years. She grew up in Austin and went to college in Rochester.

Q: What is your favorite color, favorite food, Q: How did you get into your favorite movie, favorcareer? ite season, favorite A: Came looking for a job as a carrier. sport? Q: If you had to pick another A: Favorite color is career path, which would you blue, food is roast beef or choose, and why? shrimp, movie is “Elvies Presley,” season is summer and fall and sport is fishing and horseshoes.

Q: What is one interesting fact about you?

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Sunday, February 22, 2015 | people | ProgreSS 2015 | albertleatribune.com | page 9

Diversity in albert lea is expanDing racial gaP widening, Senior PoPulation iS on the riSe by sarah stultz

sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com

Born and raised in Albert Lea, Linda Lares has witnessed the diversity in the city widen firsthand. Of Mexican heritage, she said there has been a Hispanic presence in the city since the early 1900s; however, that number has multiplied in the last few decades. In 1980, 3.8 percent of people in Albert Lea identified themselves as being of Hispanic ethnicity, while in 2010 that number jumped to 13.2 percent, according to the U.S. Census. Thirty-five years ago, almost 98 percent of people in Albert Lea identified their race as white, according to the U.S. Census. That same year, the Census listed no black residents, and less than half of a percent of residents identified themselves as Asian. Fast forward to the 2010 Census, and the number of people identifying their race as white dipped right below 90 percent. The second largest category is “Other,” and residents identifying themselves as black or Asian made up a little over 1 percent each. “I think it enriches our whole community overall,” Lares said of the increasing diversity. “It’s not like you have to travel to a foreign country to taste that richness.” She noted the diversity within the Hispanic community itself. “We are not just from Mexico,” Lares said. “We’re from Cuba, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala. We’re from many Spanish-speaking countries.” And the people have varying education levels, confidence levels and language levels, she said. She referenced her own mother, who took classes for English as a Second Language and gained confidence in speaking English in her senior years. Chang Ruach, a South Sudanese refugee who moved to the United States in 1998, said he thinks the growing diversity will help area

industries because people will come into the community with different skills and knowledge. “When people come in from out of town or out of country they bring all different kinds of ideas and make our talents grow,” said Ruach, who moved to Albert Lea in November 2011. Before moving to the city, Ruach lived in Austin for a year and prior to that in Omaha. He encouraged residents to welcome diversity to the community. “Don’t see them as strangers,” he said. With multiple generations of her family in Albert Lea, Lares said she wants people to know how much she loves the city. She said she had many people who supported her and encouraged her to get to where she is today, and she hopes to play that same role for others.

rising senior group

While there have been shifts in ethnicity and race in the last 30 years, there has also been an increase in the number of people age 65 or older in the city. In 1980, residents 65 and older made up 16.7 percent of the population. In 2010 that increased to 22.4, according to U.S. Census records.

“It’s not like you have to travel to a foreign country to taste that richness.” — albert lea resident linda lares That number is only expected to increase in the future. Annette Peterson, executive director of Senior Resources, said she and her organization are already reaching out to seniors through various programs and are preparing for more as time goes on.

Pah Mu, Bany Mwee and Martha Gony participate in an English as a Second Language class at Brookside Education Center Jan. 26. Sarah Stultz/albert lea tribune Already Senior Resources provides a ride service program where volunteer drivers help seniors get to their appointments, a separate program where people can get help with snow removal and lawn mowing and a family caregiver network which acts as a support group for caregivers. There is also the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, which seniors can sign up through to find service opportunities, among others. They have recently started with health and well-being classes. “We see a gap, where there’s a need for this kind of health and well-being education,” she said. She said the public needs to be educated about the need to support programming for seniors because it is this type of programming that enhances the city and makes it a better place to live. She noted that younger seniors, ages 55 to 70, have great expectations for their lives. “These people want entertainment. They want excitement. They want education. They want to continue to live active lives,” Peterson said. What does she say to

Gary Hoyne plays pool at the Albert Lea Senior Center on Jan. 23.

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Changing demographics of Albert Lea White American Indian Asian Black Other Two or more races Total population

1980 97.98% 0.14% 0.24% 0.00% 1.64% — 19,200

1990 96.36% 0.21% 0.50% 0.03% 2.90% — 18,310

2000 92.84% 0.29% 0.82% 0.37% 4.51% 1.17% 18,483

2010 89.99% 0.27% 1.21% 1.13% 5.27% 2.13% 18,016

People identifying themselves as Hispanic Number of people Percentage

1980 730 3.8%

1990 897 4.9%

2000 1,740 9.5%

2010 2,380 13.2%

Ages of Albert Lea’s population Under 18 18-64 65 and older

1980 27.2% 56.1% 16.7%

1990 24.3% 54.9% 20.8%

2000 23.00% 55.70% 21.30%

2010 21.50% 56.15% 22.35%

— Information from the U.S. Census Bureau people who say that Albert Lea is turning into a retirement community? “I say, good for us,” Peterson said. “Retired people have more money than young people. They have more experience, and they have more commitment. “They’re the ones we need to pull resources from — not only money but ideas — about how to make our town a better place.”

Ka De completes a worksheet in a class through Adult Basic Education on Jan. 26.

Joan Anderson, left, and Lou Nelson take part in a Bone Builders class Jan. 23 at the Albert Lea Senior Center.

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