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To the passing of longtime KATE Radio announcer Darrel Amundson.

We were sad to hear the news that Darrel Amundson, known to many as The Voice of Albert Lea, passed away Nov. 9 at St. John’s Lutheran Community after battling cancer.

Amundson worked at KATE Radio for nearly 50 years and was the voice that many relied on for decades.

He spent countless hours at the station during times of inclement weather, making it a priority to inform others if bad weather was on the way. He was also instrumental in the success of other community efforts, including the annual fireworks fundraiser.

We extend our condolences to Amundson’s family and remind you what an impact he made on this community.

For those who would like to celebrate his life, a service in his honor will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 14 at Trinity Lutheran Church.

To efforts to introduce today’s youth to local job opportunities.

This week, middle school students from Southwest Middle School had the opportunity to tour two of Albert Lea’s manufacturing facilities to see firsthand different career scenarios available in the community.

We’ve heard of several other opportunities as well in the last few weeks that give students the chance to expand their horizons and learn about different jobs.

The partnership between the school district and the businesses that the students visit is a great one — one we hope will pay off for the students and the employers in the future as well.

The tours can light a fire under students to consider these professions in the future, all while reminding them that they are appreciated and needed here at home after graduation if they choose.

To business growth in the community.

It was exciting to attend the Albert Lea City Council meeting this week and see more work being taken to expand or grow new businesses in the community.

The council approved a development agreement for a new oat mill processing company that will go in the Jobs Industrial Park, as well as the cleanup contract for part of the Blazing Star Landing to make way for the new Kwik Trip.

It’s great to see things happening a little at a time, and we hope more is on its way.