To the Albert Lea boys’ basketball team.

We were sorry to hear that the Section 1AAA boys’ basketball championship game Friday against Austin was canceled as a precaution against the ongoing spread of coronavirus, but we hope the players and coaches can be proud of their season.

While everyone is likely disappointed the season was cut short, the team went 13-13 and made great strides from recent years.

Congratulations on a great year.

 

To public health officials and others looking out for the safety of local and Minnesota residents.

It has to be a hard job to be the officials deciding health and safety protocol for Minnesota during the coronavirus pandemic, as information regarding the virus is constantly evolving.

Whether everyone agrees with all of the recommendations currently in place, we appreciate the dedication that our local and state health officials are giving this issue and their goals in keeping residents healthy and safe.

We rely on them to give us guidance to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

As always, it is also important for individuals to do their part with things such as washing hands, covering coughs and staying home from work when ill.

 

To reports of a police impersonator.

It is unsettling to hear the two recent reports of a police impersonator last weekend near Wells.

According to the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office, in one incident a person was reportedly parked in a parking lot off of Interstate 35 near Ellendale when a vehicle described as an older, dirty Dodge Durango with loud exhaust pulled up to him. The man in the vehicle claimed to be an Iowa deputy.

The victim reportedly did not feel comfortable and called 911 but the man left the scene before law enforcement arrived.

In the second incident, about 90 minutes later on I-35 two miles south of Ellendale, a passerby reported a suspect vehicle with red, white and blue lights flashing in the front window and a car pulled over.

We encourage people to follow the advice of the Sheriff’s Office if you’re placed in a similar situation:

• Put your hazards on and pull over in a public area that has people or is well-lit.

• Dial 911 while looking for a safe place to stop and confirm is the person is a legitimate officer.

• Lock your doors and only put your window down a few inches

• Look for a uniform or other official law enforcement markings on the person’s clothing

• Ask to see the person’s official department photo identification and badge.

Contact law enforcement if you encounter this type of situation.