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To outdoor rinks again in operation.

After a warm winter last year and a still slightly abnormal winter this year, it has been a while since there have been outdoor rinks available at the parks in Albert Lea.

The city announced on its Facebook page Friday that the rinks were open starting Friday and will be open for use seven days a week at Hawthorne, Hayek, Academy and Lakeview parks. Lights run at the rinks from 4 to 9 p.m. each day.

Warming houses also were expected to open Saturday and begin a regular schedule on Monday.

The warming houses at Hawthorne, Hayek and Lakeview will be open from 5 to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 1 to 8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at Academy, Hayek and Lakeview.

Skating and playing small games of hockey are a favorite pastime for many in Minnesota during the winter, and it’s great to see these be able to happen again in the parks.

Get out and enjoy the fun while you can.

To the athletes reaching new milestones in the area.

More new athletes in the area have been reaching major milestones, including Quentin Guanella of Alden-Conger, who reached 1,000 points on the basketball court, and Wyatt Hanna of Lake Mills, who reached 150 wins on the wrestling mat.

These athletes work hard day in and day out at their sports, and we congratulate them on reaching that success.

To people who volunteer as mentors to youth in the community.

In the middle of National Mentoring Month, we give a shout out to all the individuals who volunteer as mentors for area youth.

Thank you for your time and commitment to this cause, as we know this is valuable — not only for the youth being mentored, but for the mentee as well.