Editorial: Tribune Thumbs

Published 8:50 pm Friday, April 18, 2025

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To the anonymous donor of a $1,000 reward in the case of vandalism at Fountain Lake Park.

Thank you to the anonymous individual who donated a $1,000 reward this week toward the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or people who vandalized Fountain Lake Park.

Ever since the Albert Lea Police Department announced the damage last weekend on its Facebook page, the community has stood up, ready to help in this case.

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We commend this individual, who hopes the reward will help witnesses or others involved come forward, for playing an active role in bettering the community.

As police have stated, if you have any information — even if you think it’s small — reach out to them and share it.

To Albert Lea Police Lt. Darin Palmer.

Congratulations to Albert Lea Police Lt. Darin Palmer, who earlier this week was given the Meritorious Award for exceptional service as a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) commander from the Special Operations Training Association of the Upper Midwest.

Palmer has been with the Albert Lea Police Department since 2000, started with the SWAT team in 2003 and became commander in 2018.

In that role, he has led the team through numerous challenges, including two officer shootings, and transformed the team through improved equipment, added advanced medical support and secured resources for the team, among bringing other assets.

We thank Palmer for his service and leadership and congratulate him for this special recognition.

To Howard and Doris Sigurdson.

Congratulations to Albert Leans Howard and Doris Sigurdson, who this week celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary.

The couple, who now lives at Thorne Crest Senior Living Community, was married in 1950 and has three children.

We thank them for their example of dedication to each other and for letting us share their story in Wednesday’s edition.

This anniversary is an incredible feat and something they should be very proud of.