To the continued improvements of Waseca Officer Arik Matson.

We continue to be amazed at Waseca Officer Arik Matson’s recovery after being shot in the head while responding to a call of a suspicious person last month.

Matson, of Freeborn, was released last week from the intensive care unit at North Memorial Health Hospital in Robbinsdale and is now at a long-term, acute-care facility for continued rehabilitation.

Matson was reportedly feeding himself chocolate pudding this week for the first time and is continuing both physical and occupational therapy.

We were both happy and touched to hear he was able to tell his wife happy anniversary and that he loved her on their special day.

He is making great strides, and we look forward to seeing his continued improvements.

 

To the start of the Minnesota legislative session.

The 2020 Minnesota legislative session begins on Tuesday.

There are sure to be many issues discussed during the session, including the much-anticipated state bonding bill, which includes capital investment projects all across the state.

We encourage residents to reach out to the legislators on the Capital Investment Committee and express the importance of our own projects, including funds for flood mitigation on East Main Street and the completion of the Blazing Star Trail.

We also encourage residents to contact their legislators about other key issues of importance.

For legislators, we hope you will maintain an attitude of bipartisanship and diligence to accomplish impactful legislation.                  

                                                                             

Streater Inc. combining with LA. Darling Co.

We were pleased to hear Streater Inc. will remain in the community off of First Avenue after it combined with another longtime merchandising company this week.

The companies will now be known as L.A. Darling Co.

Streater has been a longtime business in Albert Lea, starting in 1917, according to a history of the company. Over the years, it has seen its shares of ups and downs but has employed hundreds of people throughout the years.

Though the Albert Lea location has fewer employees than at its prime, we are happy jobs will stay local.