To the new United South Central School.

The Tribune had the opportunity last weekend to tour the new USC school during the all-school reunion in Wells. Despite rain delays last year, the school is slated to open on time to students Sept. 2. Construction on the building began last May.

The school sits on a 66-acre site and features a large commons area at the front of the building, 45 classrooms, two gyms, shops, music rooms, an auditorium and a weight room with public access. Surrounding the school are playgrounds and sports facilities.

Congratulations to the administration, students, taxpayers and area businesses who have contributed to this new state-of-the-art facility. We applaud your ability to invest in education.

 

To understanding subscribers.

A carrier for the Tribune was hospitalized this week from heat exhaustion while delivering newspapers. Many others have had to take breaks to protect themselves from the heat, sometimes causing papers to be late. Thank you for being understanding as the area has been under heat advisories. We care about our carriers’ safety first and foremost.

 

To the slaying of American journalist James Foley.

As fellow journalists and more importantly, Americans, we were saddened to hear the news this week that Foley was beheaded by Islamic State extremists in Syria.

A 40-year-old journalist from New Hampshire, Foley went missing in November 2012 in northern Syria while freelancing for the Agence France-Presse and the Boston-based media company GlobalPost. Extremists have called the action retribution for recent U.S. airstrikes in Iraq.

Associated Press President and CEO Gary Pruitt called Foley’s murder a “threat to a free press and democracy around the world” and said the assassination of a journalist in wartime should be considered an international crime of war.

 

To a busy weekend in Albert Lea.

There was no shortage of things to do in Albert Lea this weekend.

Whether it’s taking part in the Big Island Bar-B-Que, Albert Lea Floats or the Festival of Sports & Arts, there were many noteworthy events taking place.

The Big Island Bar-B-Que was at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds Friday and Saturday and attracted more than 50 teams from five states. Event organizers added free entertainment this year and a Kid’s Que on Friday for children to try their hand at grilling burgers and steaks.

Albert Lea Floats was a celebration of the completion of a new soft-launch on Albert Lea Lake in Frank Hall Park. The project was made possible through a $50,000 grant awarded from Michelob Golden Draft Light. The public was given the chance to use canoes, kayaks and paddleboards free of charge.

The Festival of Sports & Arts, slated for today, is new this year at the Edgewater Park pavilion, and is a fundraiser for the Albert Lea Art Center. The event was set to include art exhibitions, beer tastings, helicopter rides, live music and children’s activities, to name a few. Thirty to 40 art vendors will be at the festival.

All of that follows another successful Wind Down Wednesday this past week on Broadway.

Thanks to all of the people who plan these events.