To the upcoming Homecoming window-decorating contest. 

The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce and Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau are taking sign-ups again this year for businesses wishing to participate in a Homecoming window-decorating contest in the city.

Homecoming Week this year is the week of Sept. 21.

Businesses should sign up by Sept. 17 and have their windows decorated by Sept. 20, when the windows will be judged by the Albert Lea High School football captains.

The winner gets a traveling trophy to display for one year and will receive photographic recognition in the Homecoming program.

Sign up by emailing alfccoc@albertlea.org or susie@albertleatourism.org.

We look forward to seeing the Tiger spirit in our community.

 

To the U.S. flag reception and escort for the 2015 Nation of Patriots Tour. 

We applaud the work of the Nation of Patriots Tour that stopped in Albert Lea on Tuesday at Bergdale Harley-Davidson before heading out to Ames, Iowa, on Wednesday morning.

The tour, which lasts 100 days and has participants from 48 states, raises money for veterans.

On each stop of the tour, an outgoing flag bearer presents the flag to the next flag bearer, who then carries the flag forward to the next stop.

The group works on a national level to promote awareness of the physical, emotional and economic misfortunate wounded veterans and their families are living with.

Thank you for recognizing those who have risked their lives to protect our country.

 

To the cross training of the Albert Lea Police Department by the Albert Lea Fire Department.

It is good to see cross training taking place between the Albert Lea police and fire departments.

Last month, firefighters taught police officers how to assist them at the scene of a fire.

Officers learned how to connect a hose to a hydrant and to use the fire hose.

Often police are the first to arrive at the scene of a fire and can offer a hand.

We commend the departments for being proactive in their training. This will only benefit city residents.

 

To the opening this week of Albert Lea’s Community Resource Center. 

It has been a long time coming for Albert Lea’s new Community Resource Center, which is slated to open Tuesday in Room 108 at Riverland Community College.

The center will be a place residents can go to connect with resources and find out about volunteer opportunities. Thank you to all of the organizations involved. We hope it will be a big success.