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To the Albert Lea Parks and Recreation Department.

Thanks to the leaders of the Albert Lea Parks and Recreation Department, who are offering fun, new things for residents to do despite limitations in traditionally scheduled events.

The city posted on its Facebook page this week it was sponsoring “Albert Lea’s Got Talent,” a virtual talent show.

Through the talent show, people can showcase themselves singing, dancing, acting, storytelling, playing an instrument, performing magic, performing stand-up comedy and more.

Videos are due by 11 p.m. May 26. The videos will be reviewed and posted by May 29 on the city’s Facebook page, and then the community will vote on the top videos with “likes” on the post. The video with the most likes will be declared the Community Audience Choice winner, and a panel of judges will select other special award winners.

This is sure to be a fun opportunity, and we hope people get involved — either as a participant or through watching the videos later.

We thank the organizers for setting up the activity and look forward to seeing the talents in the community.

 

To the flyovers conducted this week honoring frontline workers.

Thanks to the Minnesota National Guard, along with the 934th Air Wing of the Air Force Reserve, who conducted additional statewide flyovers, including one over Albert Lea, in recognition of those on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic response as part of Operation American Resolve.

The flights were the second and likely final part of a statewide effort to recognize health care workers, emergency responders, food industry and other essential workers throughout the state who have done their part to keep the state functioning during the stay-at-home order.

The flyovers were incorporated into previously scheduled training missions.

The event was a nice gesture to the essential workers, and we appreciate the thought that went into doing so.

 

To local projects being included in the House bonding proposal.

Though it’s still too early to know how the capital investment bill will turn out, we were pleased to see several local projects in the initial House bonding proposal, which came out on Tuesday.

The bill included funding for the continued dredging of Fountain Lake, East Main Street flood mitigation, the Blazing Star Trail and a project with the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency.

The House is slated to take action on the initial proposal Saturday, and the Senate has not yet announced its plans.

We remind legislators of the value of the Albert Lea projects and encourage continued support for them in future votes.