To the first responders and residents recognized on state and local levels this week.

Hats off to a group of five dispatchers and three residents who were recognized at a Minnesota Department of Public Safety event Thursday for their work leading to the arrest of two men who allegedly led authorities on a high-speed chase and assaulted a Minnesota State Patrol trooper on Interstate 90 in December. The men were ultimately arrested in Albert Lea.

The dispatchers were awarded the Chief’s Commendation Award — Communication 9/11 awards, and the residents were given Meritorious Service Awards.

In a separate ceremony in front of the Albert Lea City Council, a group of Albert Lea firefighters, an Albert Lea police officer, dispatchers and Gold Cross personnel were recognized for lifesaving CPR measures undertaking Oct. 25 and Dec. 3.

We hope to spotlight the people who received recognition at both of these events, and we thank them for their dedication in making our community a safer place.

These people go above and beyond to help others, and for that we are thankful.

 

To the sale of some of the Shell Rock River Watershed District’s dredging equipment.

We were pleased to hear the Shell Rock River Watershed District has sold three of its booster pumps in an effort to recoup purchase costs from when the district bought a dredge and equipment in 2012.

The pumps sold for $75,000 each, which is $5,000 more than the price paid at auction for the pumps in 2012; however, after taxes and fees, officials said they expect a total loss of $800 for the pumps.

Still to sell are the dredge itself, the pipe-seaming machine and pipes.

The dredge was first listed at $580,000, but Watershed District Administrator Andy Henschel said the district could consider lowering the cost to attract more buyers.

We hope the dredge and remaining parts will get more interest in the coming days and that the district can recover the money previously spent.

 

To renovations at Jake’s Pizza.

Congratulations to owners of Jake’s Pizza, who recently renovated their long-time landmark in downtown Albert Lea.

Though sometimes change is scary, we think the renovations at the restaurant were completed well and will add to the experience there.

The renovations included a complete bathroom remodel for the single bathrooms at the back of the restaurant, new stainless steel countertops, new paint, new lighting and flooring.

 

To a loan program available to first-time homebuyers.

We were pleased to see that nearly $500,000 in Minnesota Housing startup loan funds are available for Albert Lea and Freeborn County first-time homebuyers.

Participants can receive down payment and closing cost loans of up to $15,000.

The funds would be enough to assist more than 30 home purchases this year.

We encourage first-time homebuyers to take advantage of this program while it is available.