UP — To efforts to seek funding for the Albert Lea Lake dam.

To some, it’s just some old concrete in the little Shell Rock River on the south side of Albert Lea Lake. But other know how important that dam truly is. Not only does it affect the 2,654 acres of that body of water, it affects everything up the watershed — Fountain Lake, Pickerel Lake, Bancroft Bay, Lake Chapeau, Goose Lake, Mud Lake, School Section Lake and the entire former swamp we now call Albert Lea. Kudos to staff members with the Shell Rock River Watershed District, Freeborn County and the state Department of Natural Resources for their recent efforts to secure funding. Thanks to the Army Corps of Engineers for setting aside funding. We hope to give praise, also, to the Lessard-Sams Outdoors Heritage Council. Thanks to Shell Rock River Watershed District for seeking funding from this new state entity.

DOWN — To local leaders getting into trouble.

Is there something in the water? Leaders in various aspects of the Albert Lea community — business, city, county — have had trouble with the law this spring and summer. We’re aren’t talking about traffic tickets or legal misinterpretations. We’re talking felony charges. In our experience, with cities our size, this sort of news happens about once every three or four years. But we’ve had four major incidents involving leaders in just a few months, with possibly more people who could become entangled yet in some of the cases. As for what this Editorial Board has to say about the big headline on the front of today’s paper, well, we’ll save those comments for an editorial this coming week.

UP — To Lacy Mader of Monticello.

This little girl is an inspiration to all of us. (Local leaders, take note.) Lacy wanted to help the animals at the Freeborn County Humane Society’s shelter, so her dad built a lemonade stand, and she sold lemonade. The child raised more than $200 to help the furry little friends. Thank you very much, Lacy.