To the Albert Lea wrestling team.

We congratulate the Albert Lea wrestling team for winning the Big Nine Conference title on Thursday.

The win came after the Tigers defeated Rochester Mayo 57-14 and finished undefeated in conference duals for the first time since the 2011-12 season.

Overall, the Tigers finished the season 30-1, with the only blemish against No. 2 Class AAA St. Michael-Albertville, a team that completed a perfect season against teams from the state.

We look forward to seeing more success with the team, particularly at the section and state wrestling tournaments.

 

To teachers Paula Buendorf and Kristen Hoiland.

Southwest Middle School teacher Paula Buendorf and Alden-Conger Public School teacher Kristen Hoiland are candidates for the 2015 Minnesota Teacher of the Year.

Buendorf, a special education teacher, was the 2014 Teacher of the Year for the Albert Lea school district and is in her 21st year of teaching. She is on the district autism task force and is working toward an autism spectrum licensure.

Hoiland, a math teacher, is in her sixth year of teaching. Her passion is teaching students who struggle with math or dislike math.

The Teacher of the Year award will be announced May 3 in Bloomington. We wish Buendorf and Hoiland the best of luck.

 

To the parvovirus outbreak at the Freeborn County Humane Society.

It’s heartbreaking to hear that a dog has died and another has contracted the parvovirus at the Freeborn County Humane Society.

Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that attacks a dog’s intestinal tract and can be life-threatening.

We commend the Humane Society for taking the responsibility to deep clean the shelter to prevent any other dogs from getting the virus. It’s an ugly virus that can have devastating effects.

In turn we urge all residents to keep their dogs up to date on their shots.