To the Albert Lea boys’ basketball team.

Congratulations to the Albert Lea boys’ basketball team, who picked up a big win against Kasson-Mantorville Tuesday night, snapping a losing streak dating back to Feb. 1, 2016.

The Tigers ended the game against the KoMets 66-60.

We know the boys have been working hard, and it’s nice to see that hard work paying off.

We hope that streak will continue in upcoming games.

 

To Jared and Shanna Dawson.

Hats off to local residents Jared and Shanna
Dawson, who are seeing the completion of the Summerdale addition north of the Freeborn County Fairgrounds.

The Dawsons started work on the development in 2002, which now has more than 50 customized, single-level homes.

The clientele have been mostly early nesters in their 50s to residents in their 90s.

It is nice to see this development be a success, and we wish continued growth for other housing developments in Albert Lea as well.

 

To mentors in the community.

This month is National Mentoring Month, and whether you volunteer through an official mentoring program or some other effort, we thank you.

Being a mentor to an area youth can help that child build confidence and receive guidance, and in turn can help give mentors a sense of satisfaction and purpose in helping a youth succeed.

We encourage those who have the interest and time to be a mentor to look into the possibilities available in the community, including with the STARS mentoring program.

Interested mentors must submit an application, undergo a background check and secure three references. Project Coordinator Mary Jo Volkman then travels to the potential mentor’s home, interviews the person and finds interests, making it easier to match them with the right mentees.

 

To reports of flu cases coming in from all corners of the state.

The Minnesota Department of Health this week announced that influenza activity is considered widespread in its weekly update on flu activity.

Officials are recommending people stay home if they are sick, be conscious of how they cough and sneeze — do it in a tissue when possible — and to wash their hands frequently to prevent further spread.

Officials have also said it’s not too late to get a flu shot.