To increased rain gardens in the city.

Thanks to Minnesota GreenCorps member Claire Kretchman-Grande, who has helped organize new rain gardens at several locations in the city.

Rain gardens are gardens of native plants designed to catch water runoff and help it soak into the ground. The gardens can help combat pollution, replenish groundwater and reduce flooding.

Thanks to the residents who agreed to have the gardens on their properties.

The Shell Rock River Watershed District offers a 75% reimbursement rate of up to $2,500 as well as design and installation assistance. Citizens pay the costs up-front and are reimbursed by the Watershed District after approval from the board.

Now’s your chance to get started on something that will benefit everyone.

 

To new Freeborn County Department of Human Services Director Suzanne Nerison.

The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved Nerison’s employment agreement as new Human Services Department director in the county. Nerison is slated to start in the position Sept. 9.

Formerly in Big Stone and Rice counties, Nerison brings with her experience in supervisory positions and in the field.

We wish her best of luck in this position.

 

To ongoing reports of scams.

With all the reports of scams these days, it has never been more important to doublecheck sources if you have been contacted by someone who says you were selected as a winner of substantial amounts of money or is threatening you to send money if you want to avoid a particular consequence.

The Tribune received a copy of a letter sent in the mail to one of our readers that stated this person was the winner of a lottery. It stated there had been a mix-up of names but that she was ultimately the winner of $4.5 million.

The letter stated the Bonoloto program was designed and promoted in collaboration with the United States and United Kingdom governments and that to claim the winnings, the person needed to come to the Madrid, Spain, office for the processing and signing of winning documents or pay for home delivery to your address or an international bank wire transfer to your bank account.

We hope people recognize that there are many red flags to this letter and to many of the other scams out there. A quick Google search would reveal the same. If you don’t have access to a quick internet search or if you have questions about any phone calls or letters you receive, we suggest calling the Albert Lea Police Department and asking their opinion. They have seen many of these scams at work and could offer sound advice. Do your homework before it’s too late.