To work slated to begin on Bridge Avenue next week.

It’s going to be a long couple months once construction begins, but everyone can agree that work is needed on Bridge Avenue.

The $1.6 million project — a collaboration between the city of Albert Lea and Freeborn County — will include curb and gutter replacement from Hammer Road to Algon Street, adding turn lanes at Hi-Tech Drive and street widening from Algon Street to Interstate 90. This portion of the project is expected to be complete Sept. 15.

The project also includes the realignment of the west end of Plaza Street with the east end across Bridge Avenue.

Though construction might be a pain when it is happening, we’re glad to see this being done.

To all of the Fourth of July events that took place this year.

Albert Lea is a fun place to be for the Fourth of July, with numerous events planned by various organizations.

This year there was a wine festival, baseball games, a car show, a waterski show, Pelican Breeze II cruises and live music.

Of course, we can’t forget the annual Third of July Parade and the fireworks display.

Thanks to all of those people who help plan these events and make Albert Lea a wonderful place to live.

To negativity surrounding Albert Lea on social media.

It has been disheartening to see a plethora of comments in recent weeks on social media criticizing certain aspects about the community.

We encourage the people making those comments to step back from their computers or mobile devices and to instead join a cause that is trying to better the community.

If there’s something you don’t like about Albert Lea or the surrounding area, get involved and help change it for the better.

We’re proud of the residents who are standing up for the community and encourage more to do the same.