Norman back in court Tuesday

Former Albert Lea City Manager Jim Norman is scheduled to appear in Mower County District Court Tuesday in front of District Court Judge Fred Wellmann for a contested hearing.

The Mower County judge agreed to hear the case after one of the judges serving in Freeborn County recused himself from the case because of a potential conflict.

The timing of the contested hearing is critical for Norman as he entered a Sixth Amendment speedy demand during an appearance in January to have his contested hearing within 28 days. That deadline was Friday.

Norman, 57, faces charges of misusing the city-issued credit card for personal purchases.

Financial aid night at ALHS

Albert Lea High School will hold its annual Family Financial Aid workshop for families of seniors at 6:30 p.m. tonight in the auditorium at the high school.

The guest speaker will be Judy Robeck, director of financial aid at Riverland Community College. She will explain the philosophy of financial aid, its procedures and take families through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid process. This is the opportunity to get all your financial aid questions answered by an expert. All ALHS families and families of area high school seniors are invited. There is no cost to attend.

Town hall meeting with Secretary of State

Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie will host a town hall meeting at 2:30 p.m. today in the old courthouse of the Freeborn County Government Center. He will speak about the 2010 election and the recount process, and address any concerns from election judges and the public about election legislation. This event is open to the public.

Local musical kicks off

The Lighthouse Event Center presents “My Fair Lady,” which kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Lisa Sturtz is directing this cast of locals and Lora Virgil is the musical’s director. Tickets are available for $13 in advance at Marshall Street Music, Hy-Vee and Stadheim Jewelers or for $15 at the door. Other show dates are slated for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, and 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 17 and Feb. 18.

Big Nine boys’ hockey title on line Tuesday

The Big Nine Conference boys’ hockey championship is on the line tomorrow when the Albert Lea Tigers host Mankato West at 7:30 p.m. at City Arena. The Tigers trail West by two points at the top of the conference standings after losing to them 6-5 on Jan. 13. Though both teams still have three conference games beyond tomorrow, if the Tigers win, they will control their own destiny for a second Big Nine title in three years.