To increased participation in the Albert Lea school district’s Well@Work clinic.

We are pleased to hear there has been increased participation in the school district’s Well@Work clinic, which ultimately saves the district — and the taxpayers — money.

According to information provided this week by Deputy Superintendent Lori Volz, on average the clinic saves the district $160 per claim, compared to visiting a traditional clinic, including lab work and prescriptions.

The clinic is available with no copay or deductible to staff covered by the district’s health insurance plan, as well as family members if the family are also on the plan.

 

To heavy snow on roofs.

After all the impacts the snow has already had on area residents and businesses, it is unfortunate to see businesses and homes continue to be affected — this time because of heavy snow on roofs.

A shed at ALAMCO Wood Products collapsed last week under heavy snow, and several other businesses are taking precautionary measures to protect their buildings.

People who need snow cleared from their roofs are advised to use caution and to leave any on-roof work to professionals to keep from damaging the roof and for safety purposes.

 

To the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce.

We have noticed all the work the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce has done in the last few months to plan events for local business owners.

Last month, the organization had a workshop for business leaders to learn about programs, grants, apprenticeships and training opportunities for their staff.

This month, it has organized an event for Wednesday on worksite wellness and an Eggs & Issues event on March 22 about the child care crisis.

The annual agriculture luncheon is March 19, which recognizes the area’s agriculture businesses and names one family as Farm Family of the Year.

We hope businesses take advantage of the opportunity to attend these events and to learn from the resources available.

 

To increased risk for spring flooding.

As winter continues and the region receives more and more snow, the risk for flooding this spring is increasing.

As of this week, there is an estimated snow depth of 2 feet, and the estimated frost depth is between 2 and 4 feet throughout the state, which makes things more challenging for allowing melting snow to have a place to go.

According to the National Weather Service, all the major rivers in Minnesota have a between 60 and 75 percent chance of reaching the major flood stages.

Though it would be nice to have a major increase in temperatures, we know that it would be best for us all if the snow could gradually melt with temperatures in the 30s and 40s.

Thanks to the city for being proactive in digging out snowbanks and catch basins where storm water normally goes.

Hopefully, we’ll see the grass sometime in the next month.