To Education Days of the Big Island Rendezvous and Festival.

Congratulations to Big Island Rendezvous and Festival organizer Perry Vining and to all of the festivals re-enactors who taught history to about 2,800 students Thursday and Friday during Education Days.

The demonstrations give youth a first-hand view of life from the 1600s through 1800s and teaches them that history is more than simply memorizing dates.

There were everything from blacksmiths, woodworkers and farmers to candlemakers, silversmiths, spinners, weavers, hunters and soldiers, among others.

The festival, in its 31st year, is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Get out and watch history come alive.

To increased course offerings at Southwest Middle School.

The Albert Lea School Board heard updates about Southwest Middle School’s course options and schedule Monday.

According to Southwest Middle School Principal Steve Kovach, the school has increased from six to seven periods in a day, which lines up with the schedule at the high school, and is offering extended course options.

Although most of the added courses are for seventh-graders, two mandatory classes, Communications 6 and Geometry 6, help sixth-graders further explore those subjects every other day.

Some of the added electives include expanded offerings in art, science, physical education and social studies.

These added offerings will give students a peek into various future opportunities.

To Homecoming spirit.

It has been fun this week to drive around the community and see the Tiger pride at various businesses in Albert Lea and to see posts on social media of students showcasing their school pride.

Homecoming week is a fun one and a chance for the community to rally together to encourage all of our students. We hope the students know that their community is behind them.

Hope it has been a fun week for you, too!

To Wells resident Tracy Muhlenbach.

Thank you to Wells resident Tracy Muhlenbach, who opened up her heart this week in the aftermath of the Las Vegas mass shooting, which ultimately claimed the life of her aunt. Tracy taught us all many life lessons in her reactions to her aunt’s death, and we wish her and her family the best in the coming weeks.

Many across the nation have you in their thoughts and prayers.