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Recognition event looks at ‘under 40’ crowd

FAIRMONT — Several programs and events recognize hardworking and community-minded people, but those are often geared toward the elderly. While not seeking to diminish lifetime achievements, it can also be important to recognize younger generations for their forward-thinking efforts.

To that end, a recognition event known as “4 Under 40” is prepared to honor four Martin County residents, including Blake Potthoff, Laura Olsen, Kaleena Wiens, and Benjamin Landsteiner.

Erik Karre, District Director for the Boy Scouts of America Twin Valley Action Council, shares information explaining the event.

“It’s designed to recognize up and coming leaders in the community. Many older people get recognized for lifetime commitments to things in the community,” he said. “Back in my hometown there really wasn’t a lot that was designed to recognize the young people. So I put together a committee of people in the community and we put this together.”

Like so many other events, the 4 Under 40 event has been affected by the current pandemic. The event was originally set to be held in May of 2020, before being moved to October. Now the next tentative date is set for February 25, 2021.

“We want to recognize four people in Martin County every year for the good work they’re doing. All four of our honorees, in addition to several other people, were nominated by their peers in the community. The only caveat is that they have to be between 18 and 40, and live and work in Martin County.”

Landsteiner is a life-long resident of Martin County and has eight children with his wife, Lindsay. He owns JL Computers in Fairmont and is a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1575. He is also Chairman of the Board for Options Pregnancy Center, in addition to serving on the committees of several other organizations.

Blake Potthoff is the Executive Director of the Fairmont Opera House and he and his wife Megan are expecting their first child in January. Blake grew up outside of Dunnell and attended Martin County West. He now lives just outside of Fairmont on his family farm. Blake is Chair of the Minnesota Presenters Network and serves in over 15 other organizations in and around Martin County.

Kaleena Wiens lives in Truman. Kaleena works as a corrections officer for the Brown County Sherriff’s department, and Kaleena also volunteers with Truman Ambulance Service and Truman Fire and Rescue and is only the 2nd woman to serve in the Truman Fire Department.

Laura Olsen is a Physical Therapist Assistant with Mayo Clinic Health Systems, and she has lived in Fairmont for over five years. She and her husband Chris have 4 children. Laura is the Chair for Kids Just Want to Have Fun, as well as the Co-Chair for the Fairmont YMCA. She also serves as vice-president of the Fairmont Elementary Early Childhood and Family Education Parent Advisory Board, as well as several committees with Mayo Clinic Health Systems.

“Most people that age don’t have a lengthy resume of accomplishments, but they are people who are on their way to being good leaders in the community,” said Karre. “They need to be recognized for the great work they’re doing.”

The event is currently set for 5:30 p.m. February 25, 2021, at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 920 East Tenth Street in Fairmont. For more information and ticket information, people are invited to visit www.twinvalleybsa.org/4under40

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