To a new grant and loan program to be voted on for business owners on South Broadway.

The Albert Lea City Council is slated to vote Tuesday on a new grant and loan program for
upgrading commercial properties on South Broadway.

The program will provide a 1-to-1 ratio of public to private funds up to $10,000 for things such as windows, doors, awnings, lighting, signage and painting, to name a few. The goal is to spur business development

Several businesses have taken advantage of a similar program on North Broadway, and the downtown has greatly benefited.

We look forward to seeing what improvements are made through this new program.

To renaming the Albert Lea High School gymnasium as Orrie Jirele Gymnasium.

The Albert Lea School Board unanimously approved renaming the gymnasium in honor of former teacher, counselor, referee and basketball coach Orrie Jirele on Monday. The official dedication ceremony is expected to take place during a Feb. 25 game between Albert Lea and Austin.

Jirele, who died in September 2013 of a heart attack while duck hunting, started working with the district in 1973 and continued regularly until 2002. After his retirement, he continued to help the district in several roles, including as a substitute teacher and as an instructor for Adult Basic Education.

To Vikings’ season injuries.

Injuries to a once-promising team have plagued the season and made us all want to forget about 2016 and look forward to 2017. After a 5-0 start, the team has fallen off the football map and has gone 2-7 with some really bad losses over the last three months. It seems to be typical Minnesota sports — hot starts followed by a cold finish.

Hopefully, a good draft and health return this team to the top of the NFC North Division. A lot of changes seem to be in store for the team the following year, as well as decisions being made at quarterback, running back and offensive line.

Norv Turner quitting midway through the season didn’t help, and the fact he is back looking for work for another team makes us wonder what is really going on inside the team.

At least we have the Minnesota Wild to cheer about for now.