To Hartland resident Al Batt.

We were inspired to interview and write the article about longtime humorist and Albert Lea Tribune columnist Al Batt, who is being recognized as one of two Honorary Survivors next week at the Freeborn County Relay for Life.

Batt in December was diagnosed with a rectal tumor and has since been part of a clinical study out of Rochester for his cancer treatment.

We appreciate Batt’s openness about his diagnosis and his positive outlook for the future.

The Relay for Life committee picked one of the best people for the honor, and we hope others were as an inspired as we were to hear how he is overcoming this battle in life.

To Albert Lea developer George Dress.

Thank you to longtime Albert Lea developer George Dress, who was recognized Thursday for his dedication to the economic development of the city.

Dress owned an Albert Lea bar and developed Northbridge Mall and other projects to benefit the community.

Dress was recognized with a sign that was placed at Dress Island on Thursday in the family’s name. The family sold the property to the city about 40 years ago.

Thank you for your dedication to this community.

To Albert Lea High School senior Brayden Boettcher.

Boettcher recently completed five raised gardens at the new St. John’s on Fountain Lake facility as part of his Eagle Scout project.

The raised garden beds allow residents to garden without bending or kneeling and will expand on a gardening initiative that has been in place at St. John’s for 11 years.

Thank you for investing back in our community and for all the work completed to become an Eagle Scout. These days, not as many become Eagle Scouts, so this is a much deserved recognition.

To the establishment of a steering committee for the Albert Lea-Save Our Hospital group.

We applaud the residents who have stepped forward as chairpersons for the Albert Lea-Save Our Hospital group, which is dedicated to efforts to keep a full-service, acute-care hospital in the city.

This group was initiated after Mayo Clinic Health System officials announced plans last month to move most inpatient services from Albert Lea to Austin.

Now that the group has established an official organization and leadership, we look forward to seeing these people accomplish their goals to better the community.