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To a new graduation date set for Albert Lea students in July.

We and many in the community were pleased to hear the Albert Lea school board’s decision Monday to move the graduation date to July 24, in hopes of being able to have some type of in-person ceremony.

What the ceremony will look like — including where it will be held — remains up in the air and will be considered as the date draws closer.

We know how important this event is for our high school seniors and their families — especially considering Gov. Tim Walz’s announcement Thursday that schools would remain closed for the rest of the academic year — and we hope something will be able to be worked out to let them experience this milestone with as much normalcy as possible.

To our area seniors, please know how proud of you many people are in the community.

 

To recent car break-ins in Albert Lea.

The Albert Lea Police Department posted on its Facebook page Thursday morning that there was a group of younger males going through unlocked vehicles and garages in the Brookside area.

They advised residents to lock their cars, homes and garages and to make sure cameras people have are operational. People should also not keep anything valuable in their vehicles.

We also encourage parents to keep a close eye on their teenagers. Albert Lea does have a curfew for teenagers, and in all reality teens shouldn’t be getting together with their friends anyway at this time under the stay-at-home order.

Anyone with information about these incidents should call the police department at 377-5210.

 

To residents supporting other residents in the community through challenges.

Though how people are able to offer support to others has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is heartwarming to see that people are still coming together to lift up their friends and neighbors in times of need.

Such was the case this week in Lake Mills, when more than 300 vehicles, including fire trucks, police cars, tractors, businesses and others, took part in a parade past the home of Don Grothe, who has been fighting terminal cancer.

Grothe has been in business for over 42 years running Don’s Motor Mart.

We recognize all those who took time out of their day to show this act of kindness to this family.