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To things returning to how they were before the heavy rains last month.

Last Sunday, Main Street near Hanson Tire reopened to motorists after being closed for 15 days because of water over the roadway.

On Tuesday, the Pelican Breeze organization announced it could resume its cruises for passengers over Albert Lea Lake because water had gone down over the group’s dock.

And on Friday, the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office announced it had lifted the no wake restriction on Fountain Lake. With the no wake lifted, we hope that will soon mean that we’ll be able to see the Bayside Water Ski Show Team resume their performances as well.

These things are all a welcome relief to residents and visitors alike as they make traveling in the community more convenient and allow people to once again utilize the lakes to their fullest potential.

Albert Lea really shines in the summer, and we hope it will be able to continue with all the fun summer festivities now.

To the outstanding seniors in the community.

There are many seniors in Freeborn County who go above and beyond to make the community a better place.

Whether it’s through volunteering or other efforts, our community would not be the same without them.

Now is the time to highlight these hardworking individuals as the Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau seeks nominations for the 2024 Outstanding Senior Citizen Awards.

Nominees must be at least 70 years old by June 1 and will be recognized for their volunteer contributions after 65. Nomination forms can be found online at www.explorealbertlea.com or at the CVB office, 132 N. Broadway.

Winners will be recognized at the Freeborn County Fair and will win two tickets to the Minnesota State Fair.

To saving a downtown building.

For many years, the former Hobby Shop in downtown Albert Lea sat empty and fell into disrepair.

This week after numerous renovations, a local couple reopened the building, at 132 S. Broadway, as Ignite Nutrition.

We thank them for investing in the community and for saving this downtown building and putting it back to use.

Their actions have not gone unnoticed, and we wish their business success in the coming years.