To the re-opening of U.S. Highway 65.

After being closed for about two weeks, U.S. Highway 65 — also known as Main Street — reopened to motorists this week. The road closed after heavy rains in the area fell, leading to flooded streets.

Main Street was the last state highway to reopen from the flooding.

We encourage residents to support the businesses that had been closed or affected by the flooding, and we hope in the future this can be avoided.

To the online clown hoax.

It has been a long week for area parents, school administrators and local police after an online Facebook hoax involving people dressed up as clowns has the Albert Lea community and the whole region on edge.

Children were scared to go outside and many thought that students were going to get hurt at school on Friday.

To parents’ relief, Albert Lea police said they had not received any viable threats involving clowns. While we are thankful this is the case, we hope people continue to practice good judgment with the Halloween holiday approaching. 

To the Minnesota Supreme Court’s visit to Albert Lea.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Albert Lea High School students and community members alike to see the Minnesota Supreme Court this week in Albert Lea. The court came to town as part of two stops to high schools that the court makes each year to educate people on the court system and the role the judicial system plays in preserving rights and freedoms.

This was the 44th in-school case oral argument for the court.

Thanks to all of the local school leaders who worked diligently to bring the court to town and for those who turned out Wednesday evening for a community dinner with the Supreme Court members. It was a memorable experience for all who attended.

To another high-speed chase in Albert Lea.

It seems like Albert Lea has had a lot of high-speed chases lately.

On Tuesday night, an Austin man was arrested tied to what started as a vehicle chase and ended with the man fleeing on foot. The chase started near the intersection of James Avenue and Fourth Street for a vehicle registration violation. It ended near a bend in the road on Virginia Place after the alleged driver could not navigate a bend in the road.

People willing to engage in high-speed chases put the whole community at risk. We are grateful for local law enforcement officers who apprehended the alleged suspect.