To Riverland Community College’s $10.2 million project that broke ground this week.

We are excited to see the construction begin on a major construction project at Riverland’s Albert Lea campus that will add space, renovate existing classrooms and bring the college’s transportation career fields under one roof.

This project has been in the works for many years and finally was able to move forward after the college received state bonding dollars last May.

Construction is slated to begin in October with completion by August 2020.

We look forward to seeing this benefit not only the college but the community as well.

 

To an increase in academic accountability test scores seen at Halverson Elementary School.

Hats off to the educators, leadership and students of Halverson Elementary School, who saw a major increase in students who were deemed proficient in science from 2018 to 2019.

According to the Minnesota Department of Education, fifth-grade students went from 18.2% proficiency to 60.3%.

Overall math proficiency for third through fifth grade students also increased by almost 10%, and proficiency in reading jumped 6.3%.

Thank you to the Halverson staff for your dedication and work, and congratulations on such great improvements.

 

To improvements made to the exterior of Allure Salon.

We can’t help but notice when we drive near the Freeborn County courthouse, that Allure Salon, on the corner of Main Street and Newton, has seen some updates in recent weeks.

The building has been freshly painted and looks freshened up.

Kudos to this salon for a great-looking building.

 

To fun events planned for the weekend.

This weekend is a busy one in Albert Lea with events planned for all ages.

Events kick off Saturday morning with the inaugural Wander the Water half marathon, which begins at 8:30 a.m. from the Freeborn County Fairgrounds.

Shortly after, the sixth annual Six-Legged 5k will begin from The Pet Authority, with proceeds to benefit the Humane Society of Freeborn County.

Oak Knoll Farms will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., showcasing their alpacas and their farm store.

Finally, in the evening will be the Dine United/112 on Broadway Fall Fest, which will offer food, vendors, a street dance and other activities, with a portion of the proceeds to support the United Way of Freeborn County.

We encourage area residents to get out and enjoy all of these good causes this weekend.