To the Youth in Government program.

Hats off to the area youth who participated last week in an annual trip up to St. Paul as part of the Youth in Government program.

The program allows students to learn more about the legislative process, including writing legislation, debating bills and seeing some bills actually come to pass.

Albert Lea High School was one of about 50 districts and 1,600 students across the state who participated.

The program is a good way for youth to gain a glimpse into real-life government in action, and we encourage more youth to get involved in the future.

These will be some of our future leaders.

To the Freeborn County commissioners jumping on board in the fight against opioids.

Thanks to the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners, who approved the county to hire legal counsel to pursue litigation related to the opioid crisis.

The county retained law firms Lockridge Grindal Nauen and Gustafson Gluek in an effort to obtain payment for expenses resulting from opioid addiction and to receive assistance in responding to the expected future need for services for those suffering due to opioid addiction.

The number of opioid-related treatment admissions in Freeborn County doubled from 2013 to 2016, said Freeborn County Attorney David Walker.

Potential litigation is expected to center on opioids manufactured by pharmaceutical companies. Freeborn County’s pursuit of litigation is an effort other counties, including Mower County, have undertaken to combat the epidemic.

We hope this effort makes a difference locally.

To area snowplow operators.

Thank you to the city, county and state snowplow operators, who work to keep our roads safe each winter.

Whether it’s clearing ice or snow, or putting down sand to keep us from sliding at intersections, we appreciate their efforts.

We hope everyone, in turn, will take the necessary precautions to drive safe this winter season. Reduce speeds, and make sure your windows are clear at all times.

To Vikings Offensive Coordinator Pat Shurmur interviewing for coaching jobs with other teams.

With the Minnesota Vikings loking to be the first team in NFL history to play on their home turf in a Super Bowl, it’s disappointing to many fans that Offensive Coordinator Pat Shurmur may not be with the Vikings next season.

With a number of NFL teams looking for head coaches and interested in Shurmur — the Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants, to name a few — it’s entirely possible that he won’t be on the Minnesota sideline next season.

Shurmur became the team’s interim coordinator after Norv Turner resigned last season; the team finished 23rd in scoring offense for 2016-17 before jumping to 10th this season.

Some fans are also concerned that Shurmur’s time spent interviewing with other teams during the Vikings’ bye week took away from focusing on the team’s playoff game against the Saints on Sunday.

As Shurmur has been beneficial to the Vikings’ success, we hope he remains with the team. Either way, we at least hope he focuses on bringing the Lombardi to Minnesota before going anywhere else.