To snow in April.

We think we all can agree that we’re ready for spring, but Mother Nature seems to have different plans. The area received about 8 inches of snow earlier this week, and more snow is expected for Sunday. In fact, the National Weather Service is calling for 3 to 5 inches of snow during the day on Sunday with possibly 2 to 4 inches more Sunday night.

After that, temperatures look to increase into the 30s and 40s with Tuesday being a possible 46.

We’re ready for the snow to melt and spring weather to arrive.

To a proposal for the Freeborn National Bank and Jacobson Apartments buildings.

Though we liked the previous idea of a destination hotel in the Freeborn National Bank and Jacobson Apartments buildings, we are excited to hear there are new plans for the two historic buildings in downtown Albert Lea.

Freeborn Development Group has withdrawn its plan for the buildings, and now on the table are plans for software startup company Mortarr LLC, said Albert Lea City Manager Chad Adams.

Mortarr is a search-based website and app that serves as an inspiration gallery, networking and promotional tool for professionals, brands and end-users in the commercial construction and design industry, according to Adams. The company was established last July in Albert Lea, is undergoing final beta testing and is expected to go live this summer.

The company has grown to a team of 15 and is projected to add 37 full-time employees by June 2019. The building would serve as the company’s corporate headquarters with plans to develop the space into phases.

We look forward to hearing more about this company and the plans for the building.

To a Blooming Prairie woman being sought in connection with her husband’s death last month.

The search has expanded for Blooming Prairie woman Lois Riess, who is wanted in connection to her husband’s death last month in their home in rural Blooming Prairie.

Federal agents are now involved in the search.

The search for Riess began on March 23 after investigators discovered the body of her husband, David Riess, 54, in their home in rural Blooming Prairie, just over the Dodge County line. The Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner’s Office determined that David Riess died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds.

Though no charges have been filed against Lois Riess in the death, she has been charged with illegally taking nearly $10,000 from her husband’s personal and business accounts without authority after his death.

Law enforcement said she likely is driving a white 2005 Cadillac Escalade SUV with Minnesota license plate 864 LAE. The vehicle is registered to David Riess.

To the people and organizations that help fight child abuse.

There are many people and organizations in our community working to respond to and battle the cases of child abuse in our community. This month, during Child Abuse Awareness Month, our hats are off to them for their diligence in not only bringing awareness to this issue, but also in working to find solutions to this ongoing problem.