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To the Albert Lea dance team.

Congratulations to the Albert Lea dance team, who this week was named as the grand marshals for this year’s Third of July Parade.

The recognition comes as the team qualified for state for the first time in the history of the program this year.

Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Shari Sprague said the team represents the talent of local youth and embodies positivity and sponsorship. She said they are great role models to others in the community.

Sprague hopes others who have celebrated success in the community will also participate in the parade and showcase their achievements.

There’s a lot of great things happening in the community, and we are excited to be reminded of that in the parade this year.

To the annual Walters Volunteer Firefighters Ultimate Firefighters Feast.

Hats off to those who organize the Ultimate Firefighters Feast each year in Walters.

This 20-plus year tradition is held every year the Sunday after Easter and is one of two major fundraisers for the department each year. It includes all kinds of breakfasts foods, including made-to-order omelets, eggs, “toad in the hole,” French toast, pancakes, sausage and a beverage.

If you need something to do on Sunday and want to support a good cause, check out this fundraiser. It runs from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

To work to improve Fountain Lake’s fish habitat.

People who drive around Fountain Lake often will likely see some activity out on the lake starting next week as part of the Shell Rock River Watershed District’s in-lake habitat project.

Through the project, the district hopes to add some habitat back to the lake for fish in areas of the lake that have already been dredged.

Work includes placing sunken boulder clusters and rock reef barriers. There will also be some shoreline work done. District leaders say these boulders can provide shelter for fish and also be a place that microorganisms can attach to and be a food source for smaller fish and invertebrates. Walleye also use rock for spawning.

The project was made possible with the help of a planning committee, including local anglers, who seem to be excited about what is slated to take place and is being paid for with a grant. We look forward to seeing the successes of this project.