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To neighbors helping neighbors in difficult times.

Natural disasters such as tornadoes bring damaging effects that no one wants to see.

Whether it’s damage to barns, outbuildings, trees or even homes, it can be difficult to pick up the pieces following devastating winds and other conditions.

After a confirmed EF1 tornado bore down on the Twin Lakes and Emmons areas this week, it brought some of this damage to property owners in its path.

But amidst the damage, in the hours and days that followed we were glad to see people out helping their friends and neighbors and aiding in the cleanup process.

While it’s still not easy, having more people in the cleanup does make the job easier.

We wish those affected by this week’s tornado the best in their recovery efforts and thank those who have pitched in to help with the cleanup.

To comfortable temperatures.

After uncomfortably warm temperatures during the Freeborn County Fair last week and into this week, we were pleased to see the temperatures drop after the storm came through on Monday night.

Temperatures have been in the 70s most of the week with sunny skies, and they are projected to continue through the weekend.

Enjoy it while it lasts — we’re sure we’ll see another increase in the days to come.

To the Freeborn-Mower County Relay for Life.

Friday and Saturday marked the Freeborn-Mower County Relay for Life.

With so many people affected by cancer — either with themselves or their loved ones — we are glad to see this event continue on, though surely different than in years past.

We honor all those cancer survivors and their caregivers for the battles they have faced and remind them that they have the whole community cheering them on as they move into the future.

We also give a welcome to those from Mower and Waseca counties who are joining in the event this year. Know that we wish the best for you, too, in your journeys.

Every little bit counts in the fight against cancer, and we look forward to the day when there will be more answers and even a cure.