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To this year’s Albert Lea Area Schools Teacher of the Year candidates.

Congratulations to the six finalists for the Albert Lea Area Schools Teacher of the Year Award:

• Wendy Bidne of the Area Learning Center

• Andrew Gustafson of the Area Learning Center

• Katie Nielsen of Albert Lea High School

• Sammy Schell of Lakeview Elementary School

• Robin Viktora of Southwest Middle School

• Anna Wescott of Halverson Elementary School

These are six of more than 70 nominations received this year by the Teacher of the Year Committee.

We thank them, as well as all of the dedicated teachers in the district for going above and beyond to connect with students and guide them to success, both academically and personally.

The award will be presented to this year’s Teacher of the Year at 3:45 p.m. Wednesday in the Albert Lea High School Commons.

To the people taking advantage of the nice weather to clean up their yards.

During these last few days of nice weather, we’ve been pleased to see many people out and about raking their yards and picking up debris left behind from the winter months.

While it is still early in the spring season, it is nice to see people take care of their properties and doing what they can to create a community we all can take pride in.

If you haven’t been able to get out while it has been warm, we encourage you to do so soon. Take advantage of the weather and help prepare your property for another spring and summer season.

The city typically organizes a Hometown Pride Cleanup Day at the end of April when people can dispose of items at free or reduced prices.

To the ice-out on Fountain Lake.

Thursday was the official ice-out on Fountain Lake — this year Dane Bay was the last place to go.

Thanks to Mark Malepsy, who has been dedicated to marking this date each year, just like his father did before him.

The ice-out, and the warmer temperatures that often accompany it, remind us that the winter season is winding down, and we couldn’t be happier.

Before we know it, the grass will be green and flowers and other plants will have resurfaced after a season away.