Editorial: Tribune Thumbs

Published 10:42 pm Friday, November 30, 2018

To the people who have donated to the United Way of Freeborn County and the Albert Lea Salvation Army.

The United Way and Salvation Army are in the middle of their annual fundraising campaigns, and we thank all those who have made it a priority so far to donate to these causes.

The United Way hopes to raise $530,000 and has raised over $179,000 so far this year. The Salvation Army’s goal is $193,000.

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Both organizations provide funds for many positive services in the community, and we encourage people to support them in their efforts. If you don’t have the means to donate financially, consider donating your time. There are many volunteer opportunities available with both organizations.

 

 

To a proposal for a new park near Albert Lea City Arena.

Residents at the Albert Lea City Council meeting on Monday discussed a request to build a new park near Albert Lea City Arena. The park would include a playground and potentially a half-court basketball court.

We like the idea of a park being built there for residents on that side of town to use since right now the closest parks require residents to cross Freeborn County Road 46 or Minnesota Highway 13.

Parks encourage children and their parents to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air and get exercise.

 

 

To the city, county and state snowplow operators.

Thank you to all the snowplow operators in our area who are out in sometimes awful conditions to help keep the roads drivable.

We are grateful for your time and effort and for the sometimes less than favorable hours you have to work.

 

 

To bids coming in lower than expected for the new Albert Lea fire station.

We were pleased to hear that the two lowest bids to construct the Albert Lea Fire Department’s planned fire station came in less than the engineer’s estimate of $8.1 million.

The lowest bids came from Faribault-based Met-Con Construction for $8.05 million and from Mohs Contracting for $8.06 million. The highest bid was Rochon Corp. for $8.8 million.

Those numbers could be lowered further after the council evaluates possible project price reductions. The Albert Lea City Council could award the bid during its Dec. 10 meeting.

The city has previously estimated the building could be occupied by late 2019.