To Freeborn County establishments that passed alcohol compliance checks last week.

We were pleased to hear that all 15 of the establishments checked last week by the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office for alcohol compliance passed the checks.

Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted the checks Dec. 19 using two decoys between 18 and 20 years old who attempted to purchase alcohol. The checks were done under the supervision of a licensed deputy.

Employees at all of the establishments checked the IDs of the decoys and refused the sale of alcohol.

To the possibility for market rate housing at the former Ramsey School.

Plans are in the works for the construction of 30 possible housing units at the old Ramsey School on Fourth Street in Albert Lea.

Schoolhouse LLC purchased the property earlier this year and plans to build 12 units on the building’s first and second floors in the first phase and an additional 17 units in the second phase.

We are pleased to hear the possibility of more market rate housing as well as plans to refurbish a building that has been in Albert Lea for more than 50 years.

According to city documents, what remains of the building was built in 1967. The Albert Lea School District used it in the 1990s for community education programs, but the building has been vacant for years.

The building has not been used as a school since 1980.

The Albert Lea City Council approved the first reading to rezone the property to a multi-family residence district. The final reading is slated for Jan. 9.

To icy streets and parking lots.

With all the precipitation from a week ago and the freezing and thawing, it has made for some treacherous roads and parking lots.

We appreciate the businesses that have made an extra effort to keep their parking lots clear. Not only is it good for the safety of customers walking in and out of the buildings, but it is a plus for vehicles, too. There are a few entrances to businesses in town that are especially troublesome to drive on without fear of damaging vehicles. We encourage these businesses to take measures to resolve these areas.