To community members who are rallying together to help others during the coronavirus pandemic.

It’s no surprise that Albert Lea residents are again stepping up to the plate in any way they can to help others as the threat worsens for the spread of COVID-19. Whether it’s lobbying to support businesses on social media, delivering flowers to nursing home residents or volunteering to call on the elderly, just to name a few, we’ve been amazed at all the good happening at this time of uncertainty.

It is heart-warming to know we live in a community where neighbors take care of each other.

We encourage people in the coming weeks to continue reaching out to the vulnerable, and particularly those who may not reach out for help if they need it.

Remember, we are all in this together.

 

To an uptick of car break-ins in part of the city this week.

You can tell the weather is warming up outside when the car break-ins increase again.

Numerous vehicles were reported rummaged through Wednesday in the northern part of Albert Lea.

We remind residents of the importance of locking your vehicles and not leaving anything of value in there.

Though police have not advised if these incidents were the work of teenagers, we remind parents to keep a close eye on your teenagers in the evening hours.

As always, if you see anything suspicious, report it to law enforcement.

 

To local officials on the city, county and school district levels.

Thank you to officials on the city, county and school district levels, who are putting in long hours to ensure the safety of residents during the threat of COVID-19.

We appreciate their swift action in limiting interactions with members of the public at each level, and their willingness to keep communication channels open with community members through phone and email.

We particularly thank school district officials and teachers, who are working tirelessly to set up a new system of learning for students for the coming weeks and who set up meal options for all children under 18 in a matter of days.

It is clear you are dedicated to your jobs, and the community’s children and parents thank you.

Though the remainder of this school year will likely be different than anything we have ever experienced before, we can tell teachers are trying to make it the best it can be.