Editorial: Thumbs

To graduates.

You’ve earned it. Whether you are graduating from preschool, elementary, middle school, high school or college, you’ve done a lot of studying, test taking and all-around thinking to absorb new material. Now, we challenge you to retain what you learn and put it into practice as you move up the education ladder or into the work world. Part of the reason for education is to make you a person who can function in society, but, truth be told, part of it is just to see if you can accomplish the challenge. After all, real life is a series of challenges, whether you are learning to take care of a baby, finding a way to repair a broken machine or figuring out how to create a budget for a department. You’ve risen to the challenge. Be proud of yourselves. We definitely are proud of you.

 

To mosquitoes.

Did the man upstairs open a cage and let them all out? It seems the skeeters came back to Albert Lea this past week, and while they are not prevalent everywhere yet, they are around, especially if water is nearby. Actually, we are fortunate it took this long. The cold spring delayed their usual mid-May appearance. The rain we received through recent weeks likely will bolster the mosquito population this summer, so we urge property owners to eliminate standing water, like old tires, bird baths and buckets left outside. These are prime breeding ground for mosquitoes.

 

To fireworks donors.

Thanks to anyone who donated to the Albert Lea Fourth of July fireworks display. Residents, businesses and service clubs donated a little more than $16,000 to the cause championed by the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce and KATE Radio. This aerial display over Fountain Lake is always a major draw for locals and out-of-towners alike and a memorable event of the summer.