Editorial: Tribune Thumbs

To reports of a scam calling for donations to local fire departments.

It’s sad to hear that calls have been received in the area from a group requesting funds to assist firefighters within the state.

The Albert Lea Fire Department issued a statement Thursday notifying the public that it has not endorsed any groups for this purpose.

The callers will not state who they represent, other than to state that the money donated would be funding for local firefighters.

Pay attention if you get any calls like this and follow the Fire Department’s advice: Don’t give out any personal information such as social security numbers, bank account or credit card information.

 

To U.S. Census Bureau estimates released last week that show that Albert Lea’s estimated 2014 population decreased.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Freeborn County’s population has decreased by 415 people since the 2010 census.

In 2010, the census listed Freeborn County at 31,255 people, while in 2014, the population was estimated at 30,840 — a decline of 1 percent.

While the decrease could have always been worse, it is interesting to note that all of the surrounding counties saw lesser declines, and Mower County even saw an increase in population.

What makes those communities stand out above Freeborn County, and what can the Albert Lea area do to attract new residents here?

We hope this will become a focus of groups aiming to improve the city and surrounding area.

Let’s reverse that trend.

 

To efforts to protect an eagle’s nest at the site of the new St. John’s Lutheran Community on Fountain Lake.

We applaud St. John’s administrators and contractors with The Joseph Co. out of Austin, who are making a concerted effort to protect an eagle’s nest on the western part of St. John’s property on the former Albert Lea Golf Club.

Crews have already been doing site work there for about three weeks, and contractors this week began pouring footings at the site.

To protect the tree where the nest is, contractors placed a snow fence around the base of the tree, an indication for the crews not to interfere with the tree.

Administrator Scot Spates said it is his goal for the tree to remain standing through the construction so it can be an attraction to residents and others visiting the site.

Two adult-sized eagles have been seen flying to and from the nest, and there are believed to be one or two eggs inside the nest.

While it’s unclear whether the eagles will stay through the entirety of the construction, it’s great to see the effort taking place to keep them there.

We hope they withstand the construction.