EDITORIAL: Tribune Thumbs

Jun. 7—To Minnesota being drought-free for the first time in two years.

After two years with some level of drought, the U.S. Drought Monitor said this week that Minnesota is now drought-free.

With most of the state receiving above average rain so far this spring, it is a welcome change from the dry summers we've had in recent years.

At its worst, the drought in the area even reached the worst intensity of "exceptional drought,"

We hope we can find a healthy balance of sunshine and moisture moving forward and that it will be a successful growing season.

To all of the area athletes participating in the state track and field tournament this week and the state golf tournament next week.

Area students are well represented at the state track and field tournament this week and state golf tournament next week.

We congratulate the students who achieved the honor of competing at state and for all the hard work they put into their seasons.

We look forward to seeing all the results, and hope that no matter the outcome, they will be proud to have competed at state.

To several unopposed races at the local level.

Whether we are for or against the incumbents for both the Albert Lea City Council and Freeborn County Board of Commissioners, we were disappointed to see only one contested local race on the two boards moving into election season.

After the filing period closed on Tuesday, none of the council races have an opponent, while only the District 1 county race will have two candidates facing off in the election.

We're glad that at least one person stepped up for each of the races, especially where the prior official decided not to run again, but are disappointed to not see more people want to get involved in helping the community grow.

It is important for people to get involved in their local governments, whether that is as a board member, on a smaller committee, through attending meetings or speaking at public forums. Instead of complaining that something wasn't done one way or another, people need to play an active role in the decision-making.

To the Eddie Cochran Car Show and Music Festival.

Thanks to the organizers of the annual Eddie Cochran Car Show and Music Festival for all their work in planning the annual car show and music festival.

Music kicked off Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and the cruise-in Friday in downtown Albert Lea.

The big car show will take place today, also downtown, followed by a car cruise and more music at the gazebo at Fountain Lake Park.

The event remembers musician Eddie Cochran, who was born and spent much of his childhood in Albert Lea and was an American rock 'n' roll musician in the 1950s and 1960s. He is considered a rockabilly pioneer best known for hits like "Summertime Blues" and "C'mon Everybody." He made musical waves in rock 'n' roll, rockabilly, country and rhythm and blues.

To seeing more children outdoors playing.

With summer in full swing, it's great to see more youth taking advantage of time outdoors for sports, playing at parks or simply throwing a ball in their yards.

Outdoor play not only helps give children a little exercise, but it also helps them form friendships, grow socially and experience the world from a different perspective.

We encourage motorists to be on alert for more children outdoors and to be especially cautious when driving in neighborhoods at this time of year.