To neighborhood picnics.

We applaud the city of Albert Lea for reaching out to residents this week with a series of neighborhood picnics.

At the picnics, food and refreshments are provided and residents can talk with city officials and get to know others in the community.

We think these events have been a success, and we hope city leaders continue to host them in the future.

To two reported high-speed chases in Freeborn County this week.

We were disappointed to hear two reports of high-speed chases that started in Albert Lea earlier this week.

The first chase reportedly began near the intersection of Front Street and First Avenue and traveled throughout western and northern Freeborn County before ending when the driver reportedly crashed into another vehicle and then fled by foot into a cornfield.

Speeds reached as high as 90 and 100 mph, and the driver was reportedly found with methamphetamine

The second chase reportedly began at the intersection of West Main Street and St. Mary Avenue and ended on James Avenue. The driver reportedly had a revoked license at the time of the chase and has had numerous driving violations since 2013. Speeds accelerated to 62 mph.

We were saddened to hear one injury was reported from the first chase, but we are glad more injuries were not incurred.

To Southwest Middle School success coach KaSee Yar.

Thanks to Southwest Middle School success coach KaSee Yar, who is helping English language learners in the Albert Lea School District.

Yar was born in Thailand in a refugee camp and moved to St. Paul in 2008, before coming to Albert Lea and graduating from high school here in 2012.

As a success coach, Yar is responsible for translating information between Karen students and school staff. She helps students fill out registration forms and translates information during conferences.

We applaud the Albert Lea School District for making this position a priority to aid the Karen students in the community, and we look forward to hearing other success stories, as well.

To Freeborn County District Court Judge Steve Schwab’s decision in the David Easter case.

Thank you to Freeborn County District Court Judge Steve Schwab, who on Friday ruled against a request from David Michael Easter to be released from jail to attend his father’s funeral.

Easter in April was convicted of second-degree murder after shooting and killing Spencer Daniel Brown, 23, at Myre-Big Island State Park. He is slated to be sentenced Sept. 15.

Though he has not yet been sentenced, we believe the conviction  in itself was enough reason to deny the request.

Thank you, Judge Schwab, for doing the right thing.