Travis Gulbrandson, Echo Press Journalist Profile

Articles

Program offers Alexandria Area High School students insight into health care careers

3 weeks ago | echopress.com | Travis Gulbrandson

ALEXANDRIA — Even though it's only the second year Health Occupations Students of America has been at Alexandria Area High School, the program has 16 members who are set to go to the international competition this summer. The HOSA International Leadership Conference will be held June 18-21 in Nashville, Tenn. "It's been a great opportunity," said HOSA advisor Sue Green.
Kalon Prep Academy's 4th senior class graduates in Alexandria

3 weeks ago | echopress.com | Travis Gulbrandson

ALEXANDRIA โ Kalon Prep Academy held an outdoor graduation ceremony for its fourth senior class this past weekend. On Sunday, June 1, friends and relatives braved the heat to show support for the 36 graduates. A welcome message was delivered by Kalon Prep's director, Chris Kragenbring. Staff addresses were delivered by English teacher Halie Nettleton and On Track teacher Andrew Sheets.
Carlos voters say 'no' to tax increase, new fire hall

3 weeks ago | echopress.com | Travis Gulbrandson

CARLOS — The construction of a fire hall that would have raised the taxes of Carlos residents was soundly trounced at a public meeting this week. On Tuesday, June 3, residents met to vote on the issue, with 390 voting no and only 26 voting yes. The meeting was very well-attended, with a long line of residents snaking around the building. The line was so long that the meeting started approximately 45 minutes late.
Indiana man charged with stabbing Alexandria Walmart employee

3 weeks ago | echopress.com | Travis Gulbrandson

ALEXANDRIA โ A South Bend, Ind., man has been charged with the stabbing that took place on Saturday, May 31, at the Alexandria Walmart. Torrian Lashawn Burt, 28, has been charged with felony second degree assault, misdemeanor theft and fleeing a peace officer by a means other than a motor vehicle. The charges were filed June 3 in Douglas County District Court. The maximum sentence for the felony charge is 10 years imprisonment and/or a $20,000 fine.
AAHS Class of 2025 graduates on May 30 in Alexandria

3 weeks ago | echopress.com | Travis Gulbrandson

ALEXANDRIA โ The Alexandria Area High School gym was packed to capacity Friday, May 30 for the 2025 commencement program. There were 321 members of the Class of 2025, according to the programs that were distributed at the ceremony. "Pomp and Circumstance" was performed by the 2025 AAHS Wind Ensemble under the direction of Nick Mason. Welcome was given by Chris Biegner. Class of 2025 student speakers were Ellen Sansted, Rachel Bowen and Hanna Larson.
3 teens suffer minor injuries in 1-vehicle rollover crash

3 weeks ago | echopress.com | Travis Gulbrandson

LEAF VALLEY TOWNSHIP โ Three teens suffered minor injuries after a one-vehicle rollover that occurred May 31 near Leaf Valley Township. According to a press release from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, at about 5:08 p.m. on May 31, a 911 call was received about a one-vehicle rollover on Ellis Lake Road near Douglas County Road 6. It was reported that three individuals were able to exit the vehicle on their own, but suffered cuts and bruises.
Federal funding for 'job creator program' is disappearing

3 weeks ago | echopress.com | Travis Gulbrandson

MINNEAPOLIS — On April 1, Enterprise Minnesota, a business management consultant in Minneapolis, was informed that the Manufacturing Extensions Partnership program would not be renewed at a federal level. This could have negative effects on the businesses Enterprise Minnesota works with, including such Douglas County companies as Alexandria Industries, Donnelly Custom Manufacturing and Douglas Machine.
Suspect in stabbing at Walmart taken into custody Saturday

4 weeks ago | echopress.com | Travis Gulbrandson

ALEXANDRIA โ The Alexandria Police Department has taken into custody a suspect in a stabbing at Walmart. The stabbing took place at approximately 9 a.m. on May 31 at the Alexandria Walmart. Upon arrival, officers found one individual with stab wounds. The victim was transported to a local hospital. Their condition is currently undisclosed. The suspect fled the scene before law enforcement arrived, but was later taken into custody, it was confirmed in an email from Police Chief Scott Kent.
Brandon-Evansville School Board approves bids for roof work

1 month ago | echopress.com | Travis Gulbrandson

BRANDON-EVANSVILLE โ The Brandon Evansville School Board approved three bids for roof work at its regular meeting on Monday May 19. The meeting was held at the Brandon school building. The three bids each pertain to the Evansville school building and carry the same five points:To remove and dispose of existing ballast roofing material and insulation down to the existing deck. To install a new R-30 tapered insulation system over the roof deck to specifications.
Alleged daycare child abuse case in Alexandria set for trial in July

1 month ago | echopress.com | Travis Gulbrandson

ALEXANDRIA — The case of the daycare worker who allegedly broke the arm and clavicle of a 4-month-old baby is headed for trial. According to a document filed May 27 in Douglas County District Court, Katana Joel Coffel, 27, is set to go to trial on July 15-16, with a pre-trial hearing scheduled for July 10. Coffel has been charged with malicious punishment of a child, a felony. The maximum sentence for the charge is five years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine.