To the Albert Lea Greater Education Project.

With one year under its belt, the Albert Lea Greater Education Project is proving a success to all involved.

The project, which focuses on career exploration, workforce trends and job opportunities for students, was a collaboration of over 230 business professionals, 100 businesses and Albert Lea eighth- and 12th-grade students.

Business professionals spoke to eighth-graders about their careers, and more than 100 students shadowed at local businesses.

The project has been a positive for both businesses and the students. Businesses got a chance to spread the word about their companies, and students got to check out different careers before they even graduate.

Thank you to all of the people who have organized this. We look forward to seeing this program continue to grow in the future.

To a bike safety event this week at Sibley Elementary School.

We applaud Sibley Elementary School staff who this week hosted a bike safety event to celebrate Bike Safety Month.

In addition to being able to ride their bikes to school, students had the chance to win a bike and interact with police officers and firefighters who were also in attendance.

We encourage other schools to implement a similar day in the future in an effort to teach more about bicycle safety. The more we can teach our children on this subject matter, the better.

To the possibility of a historical hotel in the former Freeborn National Bank building.

We were excited this week to hear plans for a potential historical hotel in the former Freeborn National Bank building downtown. Though it’s still early in the process, we think this project would be a wonderful addition to the downtown, and think it will be a destination for many staying in the community. What makes the project even better is that it was brought forward by a group of local residents.

Good luck to the developers as they figure out their plans more precisely.

To three illegal alcohol sales during recent Albert Lea Police Department compliance checks.

The Albert Lea Police Department cited three people this week for selling alcohol to underage decoys during regular compliance checks. Two of the employees asked for identification and served the alcohol regardless, while one employee did not ask for identification.

We encourage establishments to take advantage of trainings on this issue hosted by the Police Department and to get involved with the Best Practice Program.

Underage sales should not be happening.