We will continue to run special &uot;Take a Bow&uot; editorials as we and others identify additional people, groups and businesses working beyond the call of duty to assist those dealing with the flood. Thanks to all who continue to call and let us know about people stepping forward to help.

The following should take a bow:

-The Freeborn County Highway Department and their efforts in assisting flood victims in Hollandale and throughout Freeborn County in all sorts of weather.

-The Freeborn County Red Cross for being prepared to step in so quickly to help victims of the flood.

-City of Albert Lea and Freeborn County officials for making such a concerted effort to be on the same page every step of the way.

-Volunteer firefighters, who have gone through training and devote spare time to learning how to react to a disaster, are woken up in the middle of the night to calls for assistance, and work without expecting anything in return.

-Salvation Army for stocking the food pantry and providing meals to volunteers and flood victims.

-Dan Root, county executive director, with the Farm Service Agency, who has spent time visiting farms and assessing damage.

-County commissioners who have also been working overtime to help residents of the county.

-State and federal government officials who responded immediately to the flood, assessing the damage in preparation for making application for relief funds.

-Carpet cleaners, many of whom are working from dawn to dusk to help get homes habitable as quickly as possible.

-Community residents who have exercised good judgment by staying out of the contaminated flood water, listened to warnings issued by law enforcement and have avoided the temptation to visit high-risk areas to gawk.