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Sarah Stultz

Managing Editor

AS SEEN ON
Albert Lea Tribune, news.yahoo.com, Austin Daily Herald, Calhoun Times, Yahoo Finance

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  • Albert Lea, Minnesota, United States (Local)
  • Albert Lea, Minnesota, United States (Local)

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Articles

Albert Lea Tribune

County board to have discussions on ‘furthering' Rasmusson in administrator role “We're going to have discussions on furthering him in this position,” said Board Chairman John Forman, who noted the issue would probably come up in one of the board's next few meetings. Rasmusson, who is also the county assessor, has served as interim administrator since May, following the termination of former Administrator Candace Pesch. Email newsletter signup The commissioners in recent weeks have brought up how to fill the administrator position — whether to reopen the search for candidates or to move Rasmusson into the permanent position. The board has worked with South Central Service Cooperative of North Mankato since July 2022 after the resignation of former Administrator Tom Jensen and the subsequent hiring of Candace Pesch for the role. It then continued working with the firm after the board parted ways with Pesch in April after less than six months. The firm started a new search for candidates, but after three out of the five most qualified candidates for the position withdrew their names for the position, the county in July opted to suspend the search. Rasmusson was one of the two remaining candidates and had scored high amongst the candidates for leadership and management, understands the organization and is established in the role, a representative with the firm said at the board's workshop last week. In other action, the board: Approved sponsoring Bancroft Township's application for funding through the Local Road Improvement Program. The township's project involves paving the approaches at a railroad crossing on a township road. County Highway Engineer Phillip Wacholz said the state approved $100 million in local road improvement money in 2023 and is soliciting applications from counties, townships and small towns for projects solving transportation deficiencies. The board at a prior meeting approved sponsoring a handful of other towns and townships for the funding and is also putting in an application for a county project. If the towns or townships are awarded, the county will act as the fiscal agent for the funds. Set the annual household solid waste fee at $66 for Albert Lea residents and $57 for rural county residents. Fees will cover an increase in the Waste Management service contract, which will be about $714,000 for 2024. Approved out-of-state travel for Highway Engineer Phillip Wacholz to attend the National Association of County Engineers annual conference in Palm Springs, California April 15 to 18, 2024. Approved out-of-state travel for Finance Manager Pat Paquin to attend the National Government Financial Officers Association Conference in Orlando from June 8 to 13, 2024. Accepted a grant through the Minnesota Department of Human Services for almost $49,000, which will go toward performing mental health screenings and to make referrals for assessment and treatment of mental health needs in children and youth. Human Services Director Suzi Nerison said the screenings are completed for youth receiving specific services through the Human Services and Probation and Pretrial Services Departments. Accepted a $210 donation for the Freeborn County Crime Victims Crisis Center from the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 2258. Construction Updates

County board to have discussions on ‘furthering' Rasmusson in administrator role “We're going to have discussions on furthering him in this position,” said Board Chairman John Forman, who noted the issue would probably come up in one of the board's next few meetings. Rasmusson, who is also the county assessor, has served as interim administrator since May, following the termination of former Administrator Candace Pesch. Email newsletter signup The commissioners in recent weeks have brought up how to fill the administrator position — whether to reopen the search for candidates or to move Rasmusson into the permanent position. The board has worked with South Central Service Cooperative of North Mankato since July 2022 after the resignation of former Administrator Tom Jensen and the subsequent hiring of Candace Pesch for the role. It then continued working with the firm after the board parted ways with Pesch in April after less than six months. The firm started a new search for candidates, but after three out of the five most qualified candidates for the position withdrew their names for the position, the county in July opted to suspend the search. Rasmusson was one of the two remaining candidates and had scored high amongst the candidates for leadership and management, understands the organization and is established in the role, a representative with the firm said at the board's workshop last week. In other action, the board: Approved sponsoring Bancroft Township's application for funding through the Local Road Improvement Program. The township's project involves paving the approaches at a railroad crossing on a township road. County Highway Engineer Phillip Wacholz said the state approved $100 million in local road improvement money in 2023 and is soliciting applications from counties, townships and small towns for projects solving transportation deficiencies. The board at a prior meeting approved sponsoring a handful of other towns and townships for the funding and is also putting in an application for a county project. If the towns or townships are awarded, the county will act as the fiscal agent for the funds. Set the annual household solid waste fee at $66 for Albert Lea residents and $57 for rural county residents. Fees will cover an increase in the Waste Management service contract, which will be about $714,000 for 2024. Approved out-of-state travel for Highway Engineer Phillip Wacholz to attend the National Association of County Engineers annual conference in Palm Springs, California April 15 to 18, 2024. Approved out-of-state travel for Finance Manager Pat Paquin to attend the National Government Financial Officers Association Conference in Orlando from June 8 to 13, 2024. Accepted a grant through the Minnesota Department of Human Services for almost $49,000, which will go toward performing mental health screenings and to make referrals for assessment and treatment of mental health needs in children and youth. Human Services Director Suzi Nerison said the screenings are completed for youth receiving specific services through the Human Services and Probation and Pretrial Services Departments. Accepted a $210 donation for the Freeborn County Crime Victims Crisis Center from the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 2258. Construction Updates

The chairman of the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday stated the board has found interim Administrator Ryan Rasmusson to be doing well in his role. The remarks came after the board had a closed session Monday to review his performance.

Albert Lea Tribune

Albert Lea girls' hockey falls to Pine City in holiday tourney The Albert Lea girls hockey team traveled to Marshall on Friday to take part in the Tiger Classic Holiday tournament. The Tigers lost a hard-fought battle 4-3 in OT. After a scoreless first period, Pine City jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second period. The Tigers then came roaring back with three unanswered goals. Shelby Evans scored the first Albert Lea goal on an assist from Morgan Goskeson. Eighth-grade defenseman Peyton Seeger tied the game with her first varsity goal with an assist going to Zizi Willett. Freshman Brooke Hauser then gave Albert Lea a 3-2 lead on assists from Seeger and Goskeson. Pine City tied the game at three during a fast-paced third period before scoring the game winner at the 5:40 mark of overtime. Rachel Doppelhammer stopped 17 of 21 shots for the Tigers. Albert Lea will face Waconia in the third place game on Saturday morning at 9:30. Email newsletter signup Construction Updates Financials

Albert Lea girls' hockey falls to Pine City in holiday tourney The Albert Lea girls hockey team traveled to Marshall on Friday to take part in the Tiger Classic Holiday tournament. The Tigers lost a hard-fought battle 4-3 in OT. After a scoreless first period, Pine City jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second period. The Tigers then came roaring back with three unanswered goals. Shelby Evans scored the first Albert Lea goal on an assist from Morgan Goskeson. Eighth-grade defenseman Peyton Seeger tied the game with her first varsity goal with an assist going to Zizi Willett. Freshman Brooke Hauser then gave Albert Lea a 3-2 lead on assists from Seeger and Goskeson. Pine City tied the game at three during a fast-paced third period before scoring the game winner at the 5:40 mark of overtime. Rachel Doppelhammer stopped 17 of 21 shots for the Tigers. Albert Lea will face Waconia in the third place game on Saturday morning at 9:30. Email newsletter signup Construction Updates Financials

By: Sarah Stultz

Albert Lea Tribune

Motorcyclists bundle up for Santa Ride, toy distribution 1 of 4 Participants in the Santa Ride and Toy Drive present donated toys to Albert Lea Salvation Army Capt. Marie Lewis Saturday after the ride for distribution to the community in December. Provided Some of the riders wore festive attire and all bundled up for the brisk temperatures. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune Motorcyclists bunded up for the Santa Ride around Albert Lea to area senior care facilities before meeting back at Bergdale Harley-Davidson to present the toys collected during the toy drive. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune The ride started and stopped at Bergdale Harley-Davidson in Albert Lea. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune After the ride was complete, they met back at Bergdale Harley-Davidson to present dozens of donated toys to the Albert Lea Salvation Army. The ride was a brisk one with light snowflakes falling on the area. Email newsletter signup Construction Updates Financials

Motorcyclists bundle up for Santa Ride, toy distribution 1 of 4 Participants in the Santa Ride and Toy Drive present donated toys to Albert Lea Salvation Army Capt. Marie Lewis Saturday after the ride for distribution to the community in December. Provided Some of the riders wore festive attire and all bundled up for the brisk temperatures. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune Motorcyclists bunded up for the Santa Ride around Albert Lea to area senior care facilities before meeting back at Bergdale Harley-Davidson to present the toys collected during the toy drive. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune The ride started and stopped at Bergdale Harley-Davidson in Albert Lea. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune After the ride was complete, they met back at Bergdale Harley-Davidson to present dozens of donated toys to the Albert Lea Salvation Army. The ride was a brisk one with light snowflakes falling on the area. Email newsletter signup Construction Updates Financials

By: Sarah Stultz

Motorcyclists traveled around Albert Lea to the senior care facilities Saturday as part of the annual Santa Ride to spread holiday cheer.

Albert Lea Tribune

Council approves first reading of ordinance changes for open bottle, parks rules The ordinance would apply to any street, other public property or private parking lot with public access except as licensed or signposted by the council. It would cover alcoholic beverages, cannabis/THC beverages, distilled spirits and 3.2 percent malt liquor. Email newsletter signup City Manager Ian Rigg said violation would be a petty misdemeanor and would help enforcement efforts of the Albert Lea Police Department. The ordinance would not apply to possession of an unsealed container in the trunk of a motor vehicle or some other location in a vehicle not normally occupied by passengers. Rigg said the ordinance would complement a state statute that addresses drinking, consumption and possession of alcoholic beverages in a vehicle when driving. The second ordinance includes rules for the city's parks to help ensure the safety and enjoyment for everyone using the parks, Rigg said. He noted when the council approved prohibiting cannabis in parks, the change prompted staff to review all staff rules, which have been the same since 2008. The changes were also recommended by the Albert Lea Parks and Recreation Advisory Board in October. In addition to clarifying rules about prohibiting alcohol, cannabis and tobacco, the changes would do the following: • Add ATVs, UTVs and dirt bikes to the vehicles prohibited in parks except for on designated roads and parking areas. • Require a written agreement with the city to store any personal property at parks. • Set park hours at 5 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. • Require pets to be on a leash controlled by a person. It would also require the person two remove any feces from the animal. • Require all fires be attended and only be allowed in public grills, fireplaces and fire rings. • Prohibit removing, cutting or damaging landscaping materials or vegetation. Violators would be charged with a petty misdemeanor. Third Ward Councilor Jason Howland asked whether the ordinance applies to vaping. Rigg said the ordinance had been intended to cover tobacco and nicotine and will be adjusted to such prior to the second reading of the ordinance Dec. 11. Construction Updates Financials

Council approves first reading of ordinance changes for open bottle, parks rules The ordinance would apply to any street, other public property or private parking lot with public access except as licensed or signposted by the council. It would cover alcoholic beverages, cannabis/THC beverages, distilled spirits and 3.2 percent malt liquor. Email newsletter signup City Manager Ian Rigg said violation would be a petty misdemeanor and would help enforcement efforts of the Albert Lea Police Department. The ordinance would not apply to possession of an unsealed container in the trunk of a motor vehicle or some other location in a vehicle not normally occupied by passengers. Rigg said the ordinance would complement a state statute that addresses drinking, consumption and possession of alcoholic beverages in a vehicle when driving. The second ordinance includes rules for the city's parks to help ensure the safety and enjoyment for everyone using the parks, Rigg said. He noted when the council approved prohibiting cannabis in parks, the change prompted staff to review all staff rules, which have been the same since 2008. The changes were also recommended by the Albert Lea Parks and Recreation Advisory Board in October. In addition to clarifying rules about prohibiting alcohol, cannabis and tobacco, the changes would do the following: • Add ATVs, UTVs and dirt bikes to the vehicles prohibited in parks except for on designated roads and parking areas. • Require a written agreement with the city to store any personal property at parks. • Set park hours at 5 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. • Require pets to be on a leash controlled by a person. It would also require the person two remove any feces from the animal. • Require all fires be attended and only be allowed in public grills, fireplaces and fire rings. • Prohibit removing, cutting or damaging landscaping materials or vegetation. Violators would be charged with a petty misdemeanor. Third Ward Councilor Jason Howland asked whether the ordinance applies to vaping. Rigg said the ordinance had been intended to cover tobacco and nicotine and will be adjusted to such prior to the second reading of the ordinance Dec. 11. Construction Updates Financials

By: Sarah Stultz

The Albert Lea City Council had its first reading Monday of two changes to city ordinances, including one that would prohibit drinking, consuming or possessing unsealed beverages containing alcohol, cannabis or THC products.

Albert Lea Tribune

Board appoints Rasmusson as county administrator Ryan Rasmusson After more than six months as interim administrator, Ryan Rasmusson is now officially Freeborn County's new permanent administrator. Fifth District Commissioner Nicole Eckstrom, who motioned for the appointment, said she wanted the public to know the board reviewed criteria, including Rasmusson's performance and qualifications and discussed expectations as well for the position. Email newsletter signup Rasmusson has been with the county for over 20 years, for many years as county assessor. He officially replaces former Administrator Candace Pesch, who was terminated in April and who had worked in the role for less than six months after previously working as the county's personnel director. She had replaced former administrator Tom Jensen, who resigned in July 2022. The board had initially contracted with South Central Service Cooperative to search for a new administrator after the departure of Jensen and then tried to work with the firm again for a new replacement after the county and Pesch parted ways. It was moving forward to have interviews with finalists when three out of the five most qualified candidates for the position withdrew their names for the position. The county at that time opted to suspend the search. Rasmusson was one of the two remaining candidates and had scored high amongst the candidates, a representative with the firm said earlier this month. In addition to appointing Rasmusson to the administrator role, the board voted to appoint Rasmusson as the department head of the Freeborn County Assessor's Office until a new county assessor can be hired. The board also voted to appoint Erin Hornberger as the Human Resources manager for the county. She has served as interim since Pesch's departure. Rasmusson said Hornberger has worked as a Human Resources specialist since 2010 and then in a Human Resources generalist position. He said she has performed well in her duties. The board also voted to fill the vacant county assessor position and to fill the Human Resources generalist position that Hornberger had served in. Construction Updates Financials

Board appoints Rasmusson as county administrator Ryan Rasmusson After more than six months as interim administrator, Ryan Rasmusson is now officially Freeborn County's new permanent administrator. Fifth District Commissioner Nicole Eckstrom, who motioned for the appointment, said she wanted the public to know the board reviewed criteria, including Rasmusson's performance and qualifications and discussed expectations as well for the position. Email newsletter signup Rasmusson has been with the county for over 20 years, for many years as county assessor. He officially replaces former Administrator Candace Pesch, who was terminated in April and who had worked in the role for less than six months after previously working as the county's personnel director. She had replaced former administrator Tom Jensen, who resigned in July 2022. The board had initially contracted with South Central Service Cooperative to search for a new administrator after the departure of Jensen and then tried to work with the firm again for a new replacement after the county and Pesch parted ways. It was moving forward to have interviews with finalists when three out of the five most qualified candidates for the position withdrew their names for the position. The county at that time opted to suspend the search. Rasmusson was one of the two remaining candidates and had scored high amongst the candidates, a representative with the firm said earlier this month. In addition to appointing Rasmusson to the administrator role, the board voted to appoint Rasmusson as the department head of the Freeborn County Assessor's Office until a new county assessor can be hired. The board also voted to appoint Erin Hornberger as the Human Resources manager for the county. She has served as interim since Pesch's departure. Rasmusson said Hornberger has worked as a Human Resources specialist since 2010 and then in a Human Resources generalist position. He said she has performed well in her duties. The board also voted to fill the vacant county assessor position and to fill the Human Resources generalist position that Hornberger had served in. Construction Updates Financials

By: Sarah Stultz

The Board of Commissioners on Tuesday voted unanimously to appoint Rasmusson to the role after a closed session the week prior to review his performance in the interim position.

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