South Sudanese students from Halverson Elementary School dance a traditional Nuer dance as a part of the school's multicultural day in February. Colleen Harrison/Albert Lea Tribune

Lakeview Elementary School second graders pet Velcro, one of the Louters family's Alaskan sled dogs in March. Colleen Harrison/Albert Lea Tribune

Andy Dyrdal waves to his granddaughter-in-law and his great-granddaughters during a visit in April through a window at Thorne Crest Senior Living Community for his 97th birthday. Colleen Harrison/Albert Lea Tribune

A Justice for George Floyd Rally was held in June diagonally across from the Freeborn County law enforcement center. Floyd died the week prior while in Minneapolis Police Department custody, igniting rallies, protests and demonstrations across the state, country and the world. Colleen Harrison/Albert Lea Tribune

Members of the Albert Lea Police Department, including Public Safety Director JD Carlson, left, kneel during the Justice for George Floyd Rally in Albert Lea. Colleen Harrison/Albert Lea Tribune

Albert Lea High School senior Alexa Christensen holds one of the signs Budget Signs produced for 2020 seniors. Colleen Harrison/Albert Lea Tribune

Beau Anderson, 5, with his face painted like the superhero The Flash, checks out Judy Stilley's handiwork. Colleen Harrison/Albert Lea Tribune

Caps are thrown into the air after Albert Lea High School's first commencement ceremony comes to a close in July 2020. The ceremony was moved further back in the summer and moved outdoors to accommodate a graduation for students during the pandemic. Colleen Harrison/Albert Lea Tribune

Mickey Nelson crosses the finish line in August after walking 100 miles for his 100th birthday. Nelson set the goal in an effort to raise money for the Salvation Army Northern Division to be used for COVID-19 relief. Tyler Julson/Albert Lea Tribune

Eugene Stenzel has been building creations out of stone for 70 years. Colleen Harrison/Albert Lea Tribune

Ashton Sternhagen demonstrates part of the American Ninja Warrior Club course at the Albert Lea Gymnastics Club. Colleen Harrison/Albert Lea Tribune

Gov. Tim Walz, pictured with Albert Lea High School Principal Mark Grossklaus, center, and Albert Lea Area Schools Superintendent Mike Funk, right, is shown the high school's thermal scanner that students walk through upon entering the school. Colleen Harrison/Albert Lea Tribune

A sunflower field in rural Albert Lea opened in September to the public for people to visit and take pictures. The field, started by Johnny Olson and on the property of his cousin Jared Olson, is dedicated to families in the local community who have lost children to accidents or illnesses. Colleen Harrison/Albert Lea Tribune

A large fire broke out at a structure at 601 W. Main St., along the West Main Street viaduct in early December. Colleen Harrison/Albert Lea Tribune

Santa and Mrs. Claus — known locally as Bob and Pattie Yaw — wave to visitors during a drive-thru Santa and live reindeer event in December in downtown Albert Lea. Colleen Harrison/Albert Lea Tribune