May 22, 2025
Media contact: Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent Brandon Huston at 507-373-9159 or [email protected]
Albert Lea wastewater treatment staff earn top regional awards
As the City of Albert Lea marks National Public Works Week, it recognizes five wastewater treatment staff who recently earned top awards from the 2025 Minnesota Wastewater Operators Association (MWOA) Southeast Section. Their peers nominated and selected them for the awards.
This is the first time for the city to receive so many section operator awards at once, according to Brandon Huston, superintendent of the wastewater treatment plant.
The award recipients are: Dustin White, Class A Operator of the Year ; Matthew Larson, Class B Operator of the Year; Parker Hanna, Class D Operator of the Year; Lane Ohl, Rookie Operator of the Year; and Travis Rauenhorst, Lab Tech of the Year.
As a result of their regional success, they will now compete for the 2025 state awards to be announced at the MWOA State Conference in Grand Rapids this July.
“I am extremely proud of my entire crew and especially these five individuals for their recent recognition as standing out in the wastewater field among their peers. Whether they win state or not, the entire crew is a winner in my mind. The team currently includes four members who have already earned MWOA state awards,” Huston said.
“My plan is to continue training and working with all of my staff until they are all state award winners. The City of Albert Lea and I are blessed to have such a fantastic, knowledgeable and hard-working crew.”
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The City of Albert Lea’s mission is to deliver exceptional services that enhance the quality of life for current and future generations.