To the U.S. Department of Transportation awarding more than $766,000 for the Albert Lea Municipal Airport.

The funding, announced earlier this month, will help in the construction of an approximately 4,300-square foot airport arrival and departure building and parking lot.

It is in addition to a state contribution of $1.04 million toward the project. The city portion is about $385,000.

The construction will help change the face of Albert Lea’s airport, which is much in need of a facelift.

To all of the current and former nurses and doctors at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea and Austin.

The Tribune is in the middle of an ongoing series about memories from local providers and residents at Albert Lea’s hospital. It has been fun to sit down with these people, who gave many of their years in service to the community.

As residents await the outcome of Mayo Clinic Health System’s decision to transition most inpatient services from Albert Lea to Austin, it has been eye-opening to reflect on some of the highlights at the city’s clinic and hospital over the years.

On behalf of all those who have been treated, thank you for all that has been done to meet the needs of all this area’s patients.

To the first layoffs announced as part of the transition of most inpatient services from the Albert Lea to Austin campus.

Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea on Wednesday informed three health unit coordinators that their jobs were being eliminated at the end of September as part of the health system’s plan to move the community’s intensive care unit to the Austin campus.

Though Mayo stated the employees will receive a severance package and assistance finding new employment, our hearts go out to these people.

We hope the community will continue to rally around the effort to keep these inpatient services in Albert Lea and will reach out to these employees who may be looking for a new job opportunity.

To all of the events planned through Albert Lea’s Parks and Recreation Department this summer.

Whether it’s been a beach luau, fun at the play parks or slipping and sliding down a giant slide, the Albert Lea Parks and Recreation Department has had a lot of fun things for area children to enjoy this summer.

Thanks for all of the effort to make these events a reality, and we hope area residents are taking advantage of them.