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To the service of former K-9 officer Stalker.

We were sad to see that former Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Stalker was put down this week after increasing health concerns but touched by the impact he had on the community during his time in service and even after retirement.

Stalker, 9 1/2, had served in the Sheriff’s Office for about seven years before retiring at the end of February 2023.

Over the years of his service, Stalker had 192 deployments, including 116 patrol deployments and 76 narcotics detection deployments, Partlow said in a previous article after Stalker’s retirement. Of those deployments, Stalker assisted in the arrest of 77 people.

Outside of his work, he seemed like a dog with a fun personality, and it was great to hear the impact he left on those around him.

We thank him for his service and give our condolences to Deputy Josh Partlow, who was his handler, and his family.

To James and Jacque Sorensen and their family after being named Farm Family of the Year.

Congratulations to James and Jacque Sorensen, who this week were named Farm Family of the Year at the annual Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce Ag Luncheon. The Sorensens lived and worked on their family farm for generations and have been active members of the community.

Look to our Spring Agriculture section on Wednesday for a more in-depth story about the family.