Question: How many Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services employees and other independent contractors and line workers have worked to restore power in the cooperative’s service territory since the Wednesday night storm?

Answer: All of the cooperative’s 33 outdoor employees have worked to repair and restore power, according to Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services. The office staff have also been working as well to help in other ways.

As of Friday afternoon, crews from about 25 different cooperative and contractor companies came to the area to provide assistance in repairing downed lines and restoring power. From those companies and cooperatives, there are 124 crew members helping out from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois. More crews were expected to arrive Saturday.

Question: Are plans still in the works to raise money for flowers in downtown Albert Lea?

Answer: Yes, the Tribune is organizing efforts to collect money for flower baskets.

This will be the sixth year for the fundraiser, and as in years past, people can donate to the effort for $70 per hanging pot. Look to the Tribune for more details next week.

We hope people will jump on board again in making downtown so beautiful.

Editor’s note: “You Ask, We Answer” is a weekly column dedicated to answering questions submitted by you, the readers. We will answer two to three questions per week. This column is in memory of the late Ed Shannon, former Tribune writer and columnist, who knew the Albert Lea area like no other person. Have a question you want to submit? Email Managing Editor Sarah Stultz at sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com or send her a letter at 808 W. Front St. Label as “Questions of the week.”