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Articles by Sarah Stultz
Candidates face off in chamber forum
Candidates for the Albert Lea City Council on Thursday shared opinions on everything from economic development and business growth to spending, infrastructure and housing during a forum hosted by the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce in the City Council Chambers. Second Ward candidates John Caucutt and Larry Baker take part in the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce candidate forum Thursday in the COuncil Chambers.
Albert Lea man sentenced to prison for machete assault
An Albert Lea man was sentenced Monday in Freeborn County District Court to three years and nine months in prison for reportedly threatening and then cutting another man with a machete in July 2024. Manuel Velez Jr., 39, pleaded guilty in May to one count of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, a felony, in the case. Velez’s lawyer, Daniel Donnelly, had motioned for a stayed prison sentence, citing his client’s amenability to treatment or probation and his remorse.
Warrant issued for Twin Lakes city clerk after failing to attend court hearing
A Freeborn County District Court judge issued warrants Wednesday afternoon for the Twin Lakes city clerk after he reportedly failed to appear for a hearing tied to alleged harassment restraining order violations. A Freeborn County District Court judge issued warrants Wednesday afternoon for the Twin Lakes city clerk after he reportedly failed to appear for hearings tied to alleged harassment restraining order violations.
Sarah Stultz: Gearing up to start work for Progress edition
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City of Albert Lea to study sewer, water extension along County Road 20 and Plaza Street
The Albert Lea City Council on Monday voted to order the preparation of a feasibility report for extending sanitary sewer and water along Freeborn County Road 20 and Plaza Street during the 2027 construction season. The Albert Lea City Council on Monday voted to order the preparation of a feasibility report for extending sanitary sewer and water along Freeborn County Road 20 and Plaza Street during the 2027 construction season.
Three men face charges in alleged Albert Lea meth sales operation
Three Albert Lea men are facing charges after authorities recovered almost 10 pounds of methamphetamine as part of an alleged drug sales operation with ties to California. Brandon Moreno, Kunta Vivarette and Quinten Amos Jr. Three Albert Lea men are facing charges after authorities recovered almost 10 pounds of methamphetamine as part of an alleged drug sales operation with ties to California.
Ross opens to customers in Albert Lea
Albert Lea’s new Ross Dress For Less celebrated its official grand opening to customers Saturday after a soft opening on Friday. In a short ribbon-cutting ceremony, Store Manager Nikki Delafosse thanked the over 70 employees who helped get the store ready to open and the Albert Lea community for the welcome the store has received. “We are excited to provide a place where you can find the brands you know at the prices that make more possible,” Delafosse said.
Truck stop sells for 2nd time in 4 months — this time for $58M
The truck stop known for decades in Albert Lea as Trail’s Travel Center has sold a second time in less than four months, according to land transaction records. The truck stop formerly known as Trails Travel Center at 820 Happy Trails Lane has changed ownership twice since June. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune The truck stop known for decades in Albert Lea as Trail’s Travel Center has sold a second time in less than four months, according to land transaction records.
Albert Lea police refer 45 individuals for possible charges tied to high school vandalism
Albert Lea police refer 45 individuals for possible charges tied to high school vandalism Sarah Stultz, Austin Daily Herald, Minn. Wed, October 7, 2026 at 10:18 PM EDT Key takeawaysPowered by Yahoo Scout. Yahoo is using AI to generate key points from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.
Albert Lea police refer 45 individuals for possible charges tied to high school vandalism
Albert Lea police referred 45 people for possible charges after high school vandalism caused an estimated $24,065 in damage. Damage was reported both inside and outside of Albert Lea High School Monday morning after a group of more than three dozen students came to the school Sunday night.
Albert Lea police refer 45 individuals for possible charges tied to high school vandalism
The Albert Lea Police Department has referred 45 individuals — including both juveniles and adults — to prosecutors for consideration of criminal charges tied to the vandalism at Albert Lea High School at the start of Homecoming week. According to a news release, the Police Department has completed its preliminary investigation into the Sept. 20 incident.
Sarah Stultz: Will Batman return? The fun of dressing up
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Albert Lea schools to hold meetings on elementary closure scenarios
As the decision about which elementary school building to close looms over the Albert Lea school board, the district is planning several community meetings to present possible closure scenarios for feedback. Superintendent Steve Heil said administration has been working with a company called Transfinder to come up with options for elementary attendance boundaries based on which building is closed. The information also looks at proposed school grade class sizes based on each possibility.
All regular bing-oh prizes claimed; coverall prize remains
All of the remaining regular bing-oh prizes for the Tribune's Fall Bing-Oh contest were claimed Monday morning.
'Open for business': With new businesses moving to town, city leaders looking to expand industrial park space
After the development of three large-scale companies in Albert Lea’s south industrial park in the last five years — plus the possibility of a fourth in the next year — the city and Albert Lea Economic Development Agency are looking to expand shovel-ready industrial park space available to developers in the city.
School board approves preliminary levy to maximum allowed; superintendent gives enrollment update
The Albert Lea school board on Monday approved the certification of the preliminary levy to be paid in 2027 at the maximum levy authority. As of Monday’s meeting, that meant a 1.28% proposed increase in the levy compared, though that could have changed minimally before the end of the month depending on adjustments by the Minnesota Department of Education, said Lori Volz, who is providing financial services to the district through firm Baker Tilly.
Albert Lea woman charged with negligent fire after Cedar Avenue blaze
An Albert Lea woman arrested Thursday in connection to a fire on Cedar Avenue was charged Friday in Freeborn County District Court with one count of having a negligent fire, a felony. Police officers were called to 718 1/2 Cedar Ave., a multi-family dwelling, early Thursday morning.
Plaza Morena owner purchases former Trumble's building
After 20 years at Northbridge Mall, Albert Lea’s Plaza Morena Mexican Restaurant will soon be moving to a new location. Rafael Herrera of Plaza Morena stands in front of the former Trumble's building on Thursday, where he will be moving his restaurant by the end of November.Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune After 20 years at Northbridge Mall, Albert Lea’s Plaza Morena Mexican Restaurant will soon be moving to a new location.
Albert Lea man faces animal cruelty charges after multiple dead dogs found in basement
An Albert Lea man is facing charges after police say five dead dogs were found in various stages of decomposition in the basement of a home on Pillsbury Avenue in January 2025. Federico Javier Rivera-Ibarra, 38, has been charged with four counts of overworking/mistreating animals-cruelty. Court documents state police were called to a home on the 600 block of Pillsbury Avenue on the evening of Jan.
“He believed in Albert Lea, and Albert Lea believes in him’
State Line School of Barbering to open Monday to students, clients The founder of Minnesota’s only barber school outside of the Twin Cities-metro area, along with future students, clients, family and city officials, on Thursday celebrated the opening of the new school in Albert Lea. Doors to State Line School of Barbering will officially open Monday to students, as well as the public who would like to take advantage of reasonably-priced hair cuts in a teaching environment.
Woman to serve probation, stayed prison term for Thompson Sanitation theft
An Owatonna woman was sentenced Wednesday to five years of probation and a stayed 17-month prison sentence after pleading guilty in June to stealing several thousand dollars from Thompson Sanitation, where she worked as an administrative assistant. Kari Van Ravenhorst, 45, pleaded guilty to three counts of felony theft, involving a value over $5,000, and one count of check forgery in connection to the case. Four counts of willfully attempting to evade or defeat a tax law were dismissed.
Superintendent gives update on high school vandalism to school board
Albert Lea police are finishing interviews of students in connection with the vandalism at Albert Lea High School and will begin charging students soon related to the case, Superintendent Steve Heil said Monday in an update to the school board. In total, 52 students have been identified and interviewed by either high school administration or police.
Teams to assess damage this week in New Richland; recovery cleanup day scheduled for Sunday
Sep. 29— Teams of state and federal officials will go door to door this week in New Richland to speak with residents impacted by the recent floods. In a news conference Monday outside the city's fire hall, officials from the city, Department of Public Safety and Homeland Security and Emergency Management addressed next stages in the flood recovery efforts.
Sarah Stultz: Free to help New Richland this weekend?
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Teams to assess damage this week in New Richland; recovery cleanup day scheduled for Sunday
State and federal teams will assess flood damage door to door in New Richland starting Thursday, as volunteers prepare for a Sunday cleanup day. Teams of state and federal officials will go door to door this week in New Richland to speak with residents impacted by the recent floods. In a news conference Monday outside the city’s fire hall, officials from the city, Department of Public Safety and Homeland Security and Emergency Management addressed next stages in the flood recovery efforts.
'I'm so proud of my hometown': Design Ready Controls expands to over 150 employees, evaluating whether to double
When Troy Schmidtke of Design Ready Controls came to Albert Lea four years ago, he talked with city leaders about testing out the manufacturing market here. When Troy Schmidtke of Design Ready Controls came to Albert Lea four years ago, he talked with city leaders about testing out the manufacturing market here.
Teams to assess damage this week in New Richland; recovery cleanup day scheduled for Sunday
Teams of state and federal officials will go door to door this week in New Richland to speak with residents impacted by the recent floods. Sandbags were placed in front of homes on First Street Northeast to protect from floodwaters.Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune Teams of state and federal officials will go door to door this week in New Richland to speak with residents impacted by the recent floods.
Council approves preliminary 7.87% levy increase for 2027
The change in the levy is expected to cover increases in personnel costs, the city’s portion of the joint Law Enforcement Center with Freeborn County and data storage for body-worn cameras for the police department. The Albert Lea City Council voted 6-1 Monday to approve a preliminary 7.87% increase in the property tax levy increase for 2027.
Former Albert Lea police officer facing charges
Former Albert Lea Police Officer Jacob Gibson has been charged in Waseca County District Court with one misdemeanor count of willfully violating the Government Data Practices Act or Rules, in violation of state statute. The criminal complaint was filed on Sept. 21. According to the criminal complaint, the charge alleges that Gibson shared non-public law enforcement body-worn camera recordings and photographs outside of authorized purposes while employed by the Albert Lea Police Department.
'The moment is here for actually figuring this out and putting the money into the infrastructure'
Klobuchar, Smith stop in New Richland, pledge help for short- and long-term needs after flooding U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith traveled to New Richland Friday to hear about the damages from the recent flooding, thank those who have helped affected residents and pledge to help the community with both its short-term and long-term needs.
Albert Lea High School vandalism damages estimated at $10,000 to $25,000
Authorities are estimating between $10,000 and $25,000 in damages from the vandalism Sunday night at Albert Lea High School. In a press release Friday morning, the Albert Lea Police Department, in coordination with Albert Lea Area Schools, stated it continues to investigate the damages at the school. Investigators, with assistance from school district administration and staff, have interviewed more than 30 students.
St. Paul man sentenced to 31 months after I-35 meth seizure in Freeborn County
A St. Paul man arrested with over 100 pounds of methamphetamine during a traffic stop in August 2025 on Interstate 35 in Freeborn County was sentenced Tuesday in federal court in Minneapolis to 31 months in prison. Carlos De Jesus Hernandez Carpio pleaded guilty in March to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Additional counts of distribution of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine were dismissed.
Albert Lea crowns Homecoming king and queen
On the Homecoming court were Hans Jeppson, Caden Hanke, Kuol Dual, Nate Barclay, Evalyn Holcomb, Angela Buansombat, Sienna Murray and Maggie Olson. Dual was named king, and Olson was crowned queen.
Sarah Stultz: Albert Lea is a community that cares for its youth
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Waseca County, New Richland declare emergencies after weekend flooding
New Richland City Administrator Tyler Lendt estimated at least 400 people received water in their basements, and the city is now looking for volunteers in the cleanup. Specifically, he asked for help in running the dump site for the transfer station, helping the elderly clean their basements and cleaning out the New Richland Care Center, which is a city-owned facility.
(Gallery): Volunteers come out in large numbers to fill sandbags in New Richland
The city received between 7 and 9 inches of rain in a short period of time Friday night, according to reports, which led to flooded streets and evacuations of some residents. Check back for a full story.
Alden man facing 4 counts in child sexual abuse case
• Criminal sexual conduct-first degree-penetration-victim under 16-significant relationship-multiple acts over time The court complaint states the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office became aware of allegations that Oliver had sexually assaulted a child in July 2025 when he had lived in Blue Earth County. A Freeborn County deputy interviewed the victim, who reported that the first assaults occurred in North Mankato between 2015 and 2017 and included inappropriate touching.
Man faces assault charges tied to reported stabbing
The Albert Lea man arrested Tuesday night for the reported stabbing of a male relative was charged Thursday in Freeborn County District Court for the alleged crime. Tommy Lee Walker, 64, faces charges of second-degree assault involving substantial bodily harm, third-degree assault and domestic assault. The court complaint states Walker reportedly stabbed the relative in the back with a folding pocket knife as he was moving away from him.
'This is where my passion is': Longtime senior living worker leads Knutson Place as director in residence
Wendy Carreon has worked for the elderly community for all of her career. After a time at Thorne Crest Senior Living Community and St. John’s Lutheran Community, Carreon is now the assisted living director in residence at Knutson Place Assisted Living, which went under new ownership since June. Wendy Carreon is the assisted living director in residence at Knutson Place Assisted Living in Albert Lea.
Albert Lea police investigate Snapchat threat toward high school, find threat not credible
"We will continue to investigate this matter internally to ensure those involved fully understand the serious ramifications of making such statements," the district stated. Heil said school discipline is being rendered to the student in question. "Please rest assured that Albert Lea Area Schools takes every social media message regarding school safety with the utmost seriousness. We understand the anxiety and disruption these situations cause for our students, staff and families.
Sarah Stultz: It was only in the 50s and coats came out
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County board approves preliminary 16.8% levy increase for 2027
The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners approved a 16.8% preliminary property tax levy increase for 2027 on Tuesday with the final levy and budget to be finalized in December. The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners approved a 16.8% preliminary property tax levy increase for 2027 on Tuesday with the final levy and budget to be finalized in December.
Moorhead man faces assault, drug and DWI charges after incident at Harmony Park
A 29-year-old Moorhead man is facing charges after he allegedly tried to run his girlfriend and two security guards over with a car and hit a security guard in the face Sunday morning at Harmony Park. Zachary Gray Greeson was charged in Freeborn County District Court Monday with one count each of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, fifth-degree assault, fifth-degree drug possession and fourth-degree driving while intoxicated.
City leaders press DNR to pave remaining gravel section of Blazing Star State Trail
The city of Hayward was slated to approve the same resolution Monday night, and the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners is expected to vote on it Tuesday morning.
Laying the foundation for Albert Lea's new mural
The back wall of the Albert Lea Art Center came alive with doodles Saturday morning ahead of a mural that is being painted by professional muralists in the next month. The Art Center, in partnership with Artwalk Albert Lea and the Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau, invited residents to take part in the activity, which will help local artist Alejandro Castañon and his wife, Shelby, with their newest creation.
School board votes to recall one custodial position previously cut
After cutting more than four custodial positions from the district earlier this year, the Albert Lea school board voted Tuesday to reinstate one of those positions. Superintendent Steve Heil said the decision was recommended after further studying the cleaning schedules, custodial schedules and access to buildings.
22nd annual Founders Day celebration taking place on Saturday in Northwood
The 22nd annual Northwood Founders Day celebration will take place on Saturday with events for young and old. Events kick off with the Northwood Lions Club breakfast from 7 to 10:30 a.m. at the Masonic temple.
Sarah Stultz: Hearing the news in my 12th grade class
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'This is our Vietnam': Albert Lea native recalls events of Sept. 11 while in Manhattan
Twenty-five years after witnessing the Sept. 11 attacks firsthand, Albert Lea native Sherri Rasmussen is still learning how to live alongside what she saw that day. Going to work in Manhattan less than two blocks away from the World Trade Center, Rasmussen witnessed the first plane crash into the first tower as she walked into her building.
Baas claims eighth Shortstop Champion title
Albert Lean Chris Baas won his eighth Shortstop Tournament Championship Flight title on Monday, cementing his lead as the person with the most titles in the 100-year history of the tournament. Baas went up against Devin Kaasa, a Freeborn County native who now lives in Minneapolis, in the final Championship Flight match Monday in what was the last day of the historic tournament. Kaasa lost to Baas on Hole 17.
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