Nose for News, By Sarah Stultz

My day began on Monday on the north end of Albert Lea. As I drove along Bridge Avenue north of the Freeborn County Fairgrounds, I noticed a woman walking up and down the street, carrying a load of signs in her hands.

I’m sure you’ve seen the signs around town. They are white with red letters, and they originated in the last few weeks since the announcement by Mayo Clinic Health System officials that most inpatient services will be consolidated from Albert Lea to Austin.

Not too long after that announcement, a group of concerned residents met, and in the days that followed an initiative known as Save Our Hospital was born. The initiative has since grown to include over 3,400 people on Facebook, multiple meetings a week packed with residents and volunteer outreach at events such as Wind Down Wednesday and the Freeborn County Fair this week.

The signs are starting to dot the main thoroughfares in the community and many of the side streets as well. It’s not even campaign season, but they’re popping up all over. The same is true with the white T-shirts bearing the same message. I’m starting to see them everywhere around town.

As a community member who has watched as this has unfolded, it has been inspiring to see all of these people jump forward, willing and eager to get involved.

There are young families with children still in elementary schools, older residents with grandchildren and everything in between.

Some of these people have never worked with each other before; others have been friends or co-organizers in other efforts.

There are Republicans and Democrats, newer residents and longtime residents. There are wealthy residents and lower-income residents.

The people who are part of this initiative have formed committees, selected leaders and are moving forward with goals. A couple times a week we see someone from this group stop into the Tribune to let us know something or ask for some history on a topic.

As time goes on the initiative  grows larger.

It has been impressive to me to see the community put aside their differences and work diligently on a unified front. After all, it’s one of the reasons I believe Albert Lea is a wonderful community with immense potential.

In times of trouble, Albert Leans band together; one person mentioned Monday that this is the most unified he had seen the community since World War II.

Whether you agree with the group’s purpose or are as passionate about the issue, you can’t help but be inspired by their effort to want to better our community.

To those of you who are still sitting behind your computers or your newspapers wanting to get involved, don’t hestitate. If this is not an issue you want to stand behind, stand behind another positive initiative in our community.

Don’t forget: Many hands make light work.

Sarah Stultz is the managing editor of the Tribune. Her column appears weekly.