To Albert Lea’s Myre-Big Island State Park being recognized as the eighth top tourist attraction in 2017 in southern Minnesota, according to Explore Minnesota

The state tourism promotion office released the list on Wednesday, which included places such as malls, stadiums, museums, zoos and parks, among others.

Rankings were based on attendance.

It’s nice to see Albert Lea receive this recognition.

The state park has a lot to offer both residents of our own community and visitors, and we hope it will continue to be a draw to this area.

 

 

To readers Larry and Sylvia Zevenbergen

Thanks to readers Larry and Sylvia Zevenbergen, who made the suggestion this week to move the crossword and sudoku puzzles to the weekend edition.

For regular readers and players of these puzzles, we thought this was a great suggestion. 

We hope others who have suggestions on ways to improve the paper will feel free to bring those ideas to our attention at any time.

 

 

To allegations of neglect of 160 dogs at White Fire Kennels in Worth County

We were saddened to hear news that the Worth County Sheriff’s Office and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals seized 160 dogs Monday from White Fire Kennels, a commercial breeding facility.

The dogs, all Samoyeds, were reportedly found in overcrowded conditions in below freezing temperatures and exhibited signs of neglect, according to a press release.

The Sheriff’s Office had been alerted to the kennel several months ago.

ASPCA veterinary and behavior experts were expected to assess the dogs this week and treat any injuries in need.

We are grateful these dogs will receive the care they need and socialization. The ASPCA has stated it will release more information about adopting these dogs at a later date.

 

 

To improved perceptions of Albert Lea from residents

Results of a survey conducted earlier this year show Albert Lea residents view the city in higher regard than they did in 2015.

The numbers were presented at the Albert Lea City Council meeting on Tuesday.

According to the survey, positive views of Albert Lea’s quality of life increased from 55 to 61 percent among all age groups and increased even more dramatically for non-white residents, who saw an increase from 29 to 52 percent. Residents ages 18 to 34 also saw a 30 percent increase in the number who had a positive view of the city’s quality of life from 37 to 67 percent. The survey said 72 percent of residents in that same age group would recommend living in Albert Lea.

We hope these numbers continue to rise in the coming years as more improvements are made to Albert Lea.

We encourage all residents to join in an effort to better the community.