The National Guard has confirmed that Albert Lea's Delta Company 2-135IN is returning on Friday, May 4th 2012. The soldiers are scheduled to arrive at the Albert Lea Armory sometime between 11 am and 1 pm. 

The return ceremony will be open to the public. But out of consideration for the families and their soldiers, the National Guard is requesting that the public, if attending, would stand towards the back of the Armory Gym.

The guard says it is not able to bring the soldiers through town like in the past. However, if people would like to stand along the route to greet the bus, officials recommend standing along Prospect Avenue.

If you can't make it, be sure to watch ABC 6 News at 5, 6 and 10 pm.

The Albert Lea Police Department responded to the local Minnesota National Guard Armory in response to a peddler scam concern. 

It was reported that someone was going through several neighborhoods, soliciting financial donations in support of Blue Star Moms. It was reported that the money obtained was to go towards the purchase of backpacks for troops overseas.

A person matching the description given was located near 506 Ulstad Avenue – the 20 year old, white male, 601”, 180 lbs, short Sandy Blonde Hair, provided Arkansas identification. 

The Reporting Person’s check was recovered and returned. 

The City of Albert Lea does not currently have a Peddler’s License requirement. If citizen’s have concerns regarding peddlers soliciting, it is recommended they do their research before donating &/or purchasing items. 

Journal of a Marathon Runner: ( Friday April 20th)

After several weeks of training  I finally came to one scary realization, in only 37 days I will have to run 26.2 miles!

Even though I’ve logged over 300 miles so far, it’s still an intimidating task.

26.2 miles, 26.2 miles. WOW!

In my long runs I am currently up to 20 miles each Sunday, but it’s that extra 6.2 that still escapes me.

Surprisingly, 20 miles is the most I’ll run until the race itself!

My trainer has forbidden me from running any further than my training schedule will allow.

For some reason, that baffles me. I was always taught that if you’re doing something you’ve never done before, you should try it out alone first.

That way you know what to expect before you run a race in front of thousands of spectators.

I’m told it will all work out in the end. I hope it does.