To two reported robberies in the last week.

There usually isn’t a lot of major crime in Albert Lea, so when news of two attempted robberies in the same week is reported, it is a little disconcerting. On Nov. 16, it was a robbery at America’s Best Value Inn, and this past Wednesday it was an attempted robbery at Shoe Sensation. In both instances. It is unclear if there are any connections between the two incidents.

We encourage people to be vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to the Albert Lea Police Department.

To the Reading Oasis Library at Brookside Education Center.

The Reading Oasis Library opened at Brookside Education Center last week thanks to a collaborative effort between the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, Scholastic, the four local Kiwanis clubs and several other volunteers.

Albert Lea High School senior Sean Brownlow organized the volunteers for the project — which involved repairing and painting walls, framing art, putting together shelving and unpacking books — for his Eagle Scout project.

The library is intended for children in third grade or younger and is in Room 206.

Congratulations to those who helped make the project a reality. This is a great addition for Albert Lea Area Schools.

To all of the small business owners in Albert Lea.

The Saturday after Thanksgiving for the last few years has come to be known as Small Business Saturday. It’s a day intended to direct people to support small business across the country.

Small businesses are more likely to donate to and support local causes, and the money spent at these businesses tends to stay local more than money spent elsewhere.

According to the Small Business Administration, there are roughly 23 million small businesses in the United States. Out of $100 spent at a local business, about $68 stays in the local economy.

If you didn’t have a chance to go out and see what our local businesses have to offer, it’s not too late! Albert Lea has a wealth of top-notch small businesses.

To Glenville-Emmons students Anthony Rasmusson and Carter Dahlum.

Glenville-Emmons junior Anthony Rasmusson and senior Carter Dahlum were recognized this week for their efforts to help save the life of a fellow student in August. 

The two teenagers reportedly helped pull an ATV off of Jadelyn Williamson after a crash in August.

Thank you for your efforts.

To the people who donated money for repairs at Graceland Cemetery.

As of press time, about $3,000 had been donated to repair damages to more than 100 gravesites at Graceland Cemetery.

We applaud how the community has come together in the last few weeks in light of this horrible vandalism, and we hope that as much as possible will be able to be restored at the cemetery.

In the meantime, we hope people call the Albert Lea Police Department if they have any information that might help  solve the case.