To the people who attended the open house Tuesday for the proposed new water tower in Albert Lea.

We were pleased to see the turnout at the open house Tuesday regarding the proposed new water tower in Albert Lea, despite the start of snow during the meeting.

It is great to see when people get involved in the decision-making process and when people do more than just sit behind a computer screen and complain.

For the people who were unable to attend but who still would like to voice their opinion, send your comments to the city at info@ci.albertlea.mn.us or contact your city councilor.

 

To the recommendations suggested by the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s district traffic engineer regarding speed limit changes on Minnesota Highway 13 and U.S. Highway 69.

We were glad to hear a MnDOT district traffic engineer say during the Albert Lea City Council meeting on Monday that he is suggesting some changes to the speed limits on Minnesota Highway 13 near Sunset Street and on U.S. Highway 69.

The recommendations came after an evaluation of traffic, speed and other factors on the road.

The engineer suggested changing the speed limit to 45 mph south of Bay Oaks Drive on Highway 13 and then 60 mph north of there. He also suggested continuing the 45 mph speed limit south on Highway 69 through West Ninth Street, where it would transition back into 60 mph.

Speed was a concern at both the Sunset Street intersection and further south in the neighborhood off of Highway 69.

We agree with 3rd Ward Councilor Jason Howland who said the suggestions seemed like common sense.

The recommendations have to go through one more hurdle at the state level but will likely go into effect before the end of the year.

 

To small businesses in the area.

Thanks to the owners of all of our area’s small businesses as we celebrate Small Business Saturday.

These people work long hours to run their businesses and often offer some of the best customer service around.

Before you go out of town to do your holiday shopping this year, don’t forget about all the small businesses we have in the community and the unique choices they provide to customers.

And don’t forget, when you support a small business, you support your friends and neighbors, who in turn support others in the community.