To the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad.

Thanks for repairing the crossings on Pearl and Euclid avenues. The new ones are much smoother and easier to cross. Automobile suspensions across Albert Lea are grateful. We would like to add that it would be wonderful if the crossings for First Avenue and Garfield Avenue could be repaired in the near future.

To Leland Realty and Gateway Commercial.

The new building at West Main Street and South First Avenue looks nice. This local real estate company took a local eyesore and made it into an attractive structure. The structure at 305 S. First Ave. long ago was the home to two egg companies. More recently, KATE Radio had been in the building, but mold and mildew prompted the broadcasters to move out. Tom and Bill Leland of Kenneth R. Leland Realty and Gateway Commercial Inc. decided to tear down part of the structure and remodel the rest. It turned out to be an overhaul that was enjoyable to watch each step of the way. Jolly good show!

To the Minnesota Twins.

We are approaching the mid-season break for the All-Star Game and the Twins are in the cellar of the American League’s Central Division. No. wait, let’s clarify that. They are in the cellar of the American League altogether. Fortunately, they don’t have the worst record in all of baseball. The Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres in the National League are vying for that title. The Twins merely have the worst American League record.

General Manager Terry Ryan needs to trade for better pitchers, and the team’s big-name, big-contract hitters aren’t hitting. We’re talking about you, Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau. Honestly, we miss Nick Punto, who is now with the Red Sox, and Michael Cuddyer, now a Rockies player. They weren’t stars, but they were hard workers. Some of their work ethic would rub off on other players and make the team better.

To Lindsey Horesji and Alex Seuser.

Just because it is summer does not mean local kids stop participating in sports. These two Albert Lea High School standouts kept competing in their sports even though high school sports in Minnesota have halted for the season. Horesji was a swimmer who competed at the Olympic trials in Omaha, and Seuser captured second in his age and weight class at a national weightlifting championship tournament in Dearborn, Mich. Congratulations to both for chasing their dreams.