To the ConnectED learning initiative.

This week, 300 Southwest Middle School students received a Chromebook as part of the Albert Lea school district’s ConnectED learning initiative. The computers will be used at school and home to help students learn through communication, creative thinking, creation and collaboration.

We applaud the district’s efforts to keep our children up to speed on new technology and look forward to seeing one-to-one Chromebooks for all high school students in 2017.

According to school officials, there are also carts of the computers for third-, fourth- and fifth-graders at each elementary school, as well as Apple devices for kindergartners through second-graders.

To the sign on the side of the building at 400 W. Front St.

No matter whose side you’re on, we think everyone can agree that the digital sign that went up this week at 400 W. Front St. could do without the foul language. With young children in the community — many who are learning to read — it was sad for parents to have to explain the sign.                                                   

Freeborn County Sheriff Kurt Freitag said earlier this week the sign was put up in response to an incident that happened involving the business and another law enforcement agency. When another agency showed up at the business, the business owner reportedly called Freitag and asked him to put an end to all law enforcement activity. When Freitag refused, the owner responded with the sign.

We hope the sign will be removed soon — or at least toned down with new wordage.

To cooler weather.

It has been enjoyable this week to be outside as temperatures and humidity levels appear to have declined.

Having said that, temperatures are still above normal for this time of year. According to KIMT, the high on Friday was 75 with the normal average temperature in the past being 69.

The forecast calls for temperatures in the upper 70s for a majority of the week. Temperatures may reach 80 on Sunday. Lows will dip to around 60 for most of the week.

To reports circulating of an IRS scam.

Area law enforcement authorities are advising the public to be on the lookout for a possible IRS scam.

In the scam, people will receive a phone call from a person claiming to be from the IRS who is asking for personal information such as Social Security number, address and date of birth. The person claims you failed to pay taxes or made mistakes on tax returns.

Pay attention to these calls as this is a scam.