To Albert Lean Charmaine Tinsley, who opened up a boutique last month at Northbridge Mall.

Hats off to this former Detroit resident, who started Couture Queen Boutique last month in Albert Lea.

Tinsley was a familiar face at Walgreens in Albert Lea for many months and hopes to help improve the mall.

Her store sells women’s clothing, accessories, jewelry, colored contact lenses, cosmetic brushes and supplies, higher-end skin  care products, footwear and outerwear. She also hopes to open a second business at the mall in the future.

We love Tinsley’s positive attitude and entrepreneurial spirit and wish her nothing but the best in the coming days and weeks ahead.

We encourage residents to get out and check out her store and all of the other locally owned stores in the community.

Support for these businesses will help them be successful in the long-term.

 

 

To the 25th year of New Life Christian Church’s drive-thru live Nativity.

Many hours of planning and volunteer effort go into organizing and presenting the New Life Christian Church drive-thru live Nativity each year, and to know that the church has done it for 25 years this year is even more amazing.

The Nativity draws in large crowds, including people from out of town, and is popular among families with young children. The live Nativity typically even features live animals.

Thanks for this fun Albert Lea tradition.

 

 

To the four businesses that failed the alcohol compliance checks in Albert Lea. 

It was disappointing to hear four Albert Lea businesses failed alcohol compliance checks conducted by the Albert Lea Police Department on Thursday.

The department stated in a press release that Hy-Vee Liquor, The Interchange, The Eagles Club and The Elbow Room conducted the illegal sales.

We encourage all establishments that serve alcohol to attend the training that the Police Department offers and take measures to make sure employees are properly following procedures both for alcohol and tobacco sales.

 

 

To Pizza Ranch and Security State Bank.

Kudos to Albert Lea Pizza Ranch and Security Bank Minnesota, who have partnered to provide food for 12 families in need during the 12 Days of Pizza  initiative.

Selected families will receive coupons for one free large pizza or eight-piece chicken and can use them between Dec. 20 and Jan. 15.

The bank and restaurant split the project costs 50/50 to provide lunches for families who cannot otherwise provide them.

The initiative began in Rapid City, South Dakota, and has since expanded to 78 Pizza Ranch locations that are partnering with other businesses. This year, it is expected to provide more than 13,700 meals to nearly 1,150 families across the Midwest.

Thanks to the two local businesses for stepping up to take care of families.