Editorial: Thumbs

To warm air and sunny skies.

Knock on wood. Everyone is about as happy as a clam to see spring finally defeat winter. Golf courses are opening. Motorcycles and hot rods are out. The smells of grilled food lingers in the air. And best of all, there are no bugs or humidity yet. Sure, it gets cool at night without humidity, but we will take the warm days, southern breeze and sunshine.

To a near government shutdown.

For two parties that both claim to be worried about the economy — and considering that jobs are a key driver of economies — you would think that brinksmanship over thousands of jobs in each state would not be the order of the day. Compromise is how representative government is supposed to work. Not compromising is just failing to lead.

To Peggy Bennett.

For a week with plenty of bad news about Albert Lea teachers being cut and students hoping to save the job of one outstanding band teacher, there was a bright spot. Sibley Elementary School first-grade teacher Peggy Bennett was named Teacher of the Year for Albert Lea Area Schools. She says she was “dumbfounded” when she won the award, but we all know she is actually a smart cookie. Bennett has been teaching for 30 years and more than deserves this honor. Way to go!

To our Facebook friends.

The Albert Lea Tribune now has more than 2,000 people who “like” us on our Facebook page. That’s not bad for a place of our size. By the way, if you like free stuff, check out our lunch-hour trivia on our Facebook page on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays at 12:30 p.m. You could win free Jake’s Pizza or free Tribune gear.