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To Freeborn-Mower Electric Cooperative crews who worked this week.

Hats off to the crews at Freeborn-Mower Electric Cooperative who immediately went into action Tuesday night after severe storms moved through the area, leading to downed trees, power lines and ultimately some power outages.

Often we take electricity for granted and don’t always recognize its value until something happens to take that away.
To these crews who left their homes and families that night to restore this highly valued resource, we thank you.

To the people helping with storm cleanup.

Whether it was professionals, neighbors, co-workers, friends or family, thanks to those who have stepped up this week to help others in the community clean up fallen trees and other debris from the storms.

In the event of a fallen tree, it can often be overwhelming about where to begin. To those who’ve helped ease those burdens, we are thankful for your efforts.
As the old adage goes, “Many hands make light work.” We’re grateful for the community spirit in helping beautify the city.

To vandals at the splash pad area.

The Albert Lea Parks Department this week discovered damage at the memorial sign at the splash pad in downtown Albert Lea.

The sign, in memory of 8-year-old Sophie Stultz, who died in 2016, was broken off its base.

The sign, like the rest of the park, was paid for with donations from community members and businesses that supported the project, and it’s unfortunate to see that hard work be damaged.

We hope that parents remind their children young and old to respect others’ property and to also respect memorials — whether they be for children or adults who have gone on before.

None of us would like to see our own property destroyed, so it isn’t right to damage someone else’s property either.

To the opening of the filing period for elected office.

Filing opened Tuesday for state and local offices, and we’re already anticipating a busy election.

In Albert Lea, three of the seven Albert Lea City Council seats are up for election, including Wards 1, 3 and 5, now held by Rachel Christensen, Jason Howland and Robert Rasmussen, respectively.

In Freeborn County, there are three seats open for the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners and four seats for Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors.

If you’ve thought about running for office, now is a good time to get involved.
Serving in local government capacities provides a way for people to not only get involved in decision-making but can be a very rewarding experience, too.