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We sit in a unique position as a newspaper in a small community and rural area like ours. We have a closer connection to the communities making up our coverage area than that of the larger newspapers, and by that we mean we are in a better position to highlight those community achievements that those larger newspapers don’t really do.

Alongside that, Freeborn County has healthy and vibrant communities that contribute to the betterment of us all, and they’re worth highlighting. We’re all about being able to offer space to these types of things, but the reality is that sometimes we just can’t get to an event.

There are several things that go into deciding what we can and cannot get to: timing, schedule conflicts or we’re just not being given enough notice ahead of time. It’s a busy world these days, and like many people we have to juggle the same challenges as everybody else.

But that doesn’t mean we don’t want to give your event or achievement space within our pages.

The Tribune has always had a rich tradition of offering space for community news, and we continue to welcome that opportunity.

So what are we looking for?

• Club news: anything from a check passing to the installation of officers is an option. Have an event coming up? Let us know. Donation to a larger organization? We have a place for you.

• Education briefs: We often, at several points in a year, get a large number of releases by colleges letting us know who from our area made an honor’s list, who graduated and who got a scholarship. But that doesn’t cover it all. Do you know of a student who stood out in some way in school? Then send it our way.

• Upcoming event. As much as we would like to write a feature story for every fundraiser our area has, time will sometimes prohibit us; however, if you send us the information of your event and details surrounding it, we will find a place.

And those are just some of the opportunities. Albert Lea and our area lives on sports opportunities and while our sports pages often focus on varsity athletics or amateur athletics, we recognize that youth sports are an important part of a community. If your youngster is part of a team that did well at a traveling tournament, we want to hear about it.

And be sure to send pictures with names. We want people to know who we are celebrating.

Under Services on our website — www.albertleatribune.com — we have the option to submit news by clicking on News Tip. Give us a little rundown on what’s happening, attach a photo if possible and hit send.

You can also send items to news@albertleatribune.com.

These articles are an important part of what we do here in Albert Lea, and you have a right to be proud of the achievements we can share. Consider submitting your community news and let the rest of our area know about the good things happening in our community.