To the Sunset Saddle Club and the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce.

The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce and the Sunset Saddle Club have reached an agreement to allow the club to continue its participation in the annual Third of July Parade.

The issue was in question after two incidents last year involving three horses getting spooked either before or during the parade, said Rhonda Jordal, executive director of the chamber.

We applaud the two organizations for coming together to discuss both sides and coming up with a solution that keeps everyone — people and horses — safe and keeps these beautiful animals as a part of one of Albert Lea’s special holiday traditions.

 

To Bauer Built closing its Albert Lea location.

We were sorry to hear Bauer Built Tire & Service announce Wednesday it is closing its auto-service shop in Albert Lea after 37 years.

The company has been in the community since 1982 and is slated to close this coming week.

“As Bauer Built continues to evolve, our primary area of emphasis has gained increased focus and expertise in the commercial tire, retread and service segment,” a news release stated. “Unfortunately, our facility in Albert Lea did not support those initiatives requiring a change in strategies.”

While it sounds like the decision was not based on Albert Lea as a city but on the company moving in a different direction, it’s always a shame to see a community business close its doors.

 

To the Corey Goodnature Memorial Golf Classic.

This year marks the 14th year of the Corey Goodnature Memorial Scholarship Golf Classic.

Created in memory of Chief Warrant Officer Three Corey Goodnature, who was killed while performing a rescue mission in Afghanistan on June 28, 2005, the event raises money for scholarships in Goodnature’s name.

As of last year, more than $215,000 had been awarded to students graduating from Albert Lea, Glenville-Emmons and Alden-Conger schools from the scholarship, and the event doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.

It’s good to see that Goodnature’s memory lives on in the community, and that his legacy continues to positively impact dozens of local youth as they seek to better their lives through education.

 

To the Friendship Wagon Train.

The Friendship Wagon Train, made up of a group of volunteers raising money for Minnesota Special Olympics, started in Northfield this week and worked its way locally through New Richland, Freeborn and Alden and ended at Farming of Yesteryear near Kiester on Friday.

In its 31st year, the Friendship Wagon Train takes a different route each year, and we’re thrilled it came through our area this year, especially when it’s working to benefit such a great cause.