EDITORIAL: Tribune Thumbs
May 10—To the arrival of emerald ash borer in Albert Lea.
We knew it was only a matter of time, but we're still sad to see that the emerald ash borer has officially arrived in Albert Lea.
The city on Friday encouraged residents to have their ash trees assessed for emerald ash borer damage and if possible have the good quality ones treated before it's too late.
Emerald ash borers kill ash trees by tunneling under the bark and feeding on the part of the tree that moves nutrients up and down the trunk. Trees become brittle and can topple over.
While there is a cost involved in treating the trees, it would be less than taking the tree down.
Officials have previously warned that ash trees left untreated could be dead within five years.
We hope residents will actively look at their own properties and take heed to this advice before it's too late.
To this year's Riverland Community College graduates.
Congratulations to the 567 Riverland Community College students who were expected to graduate Friday after completing their schooling.
According to the college, this year's graduates range in age from 17 to 71.
No matter what the age, we recognize the hard work that was required to reach this milestone and we congratulate those who put in the time and energy to achieve this goal.
Whether these students will now be entering the workforce or will be going on to further their education, we wish them well in their endeavors. We hope that when the time comes, as many as possible will consider staying in the local workforce. Our community needs you.
To another event raising awareness for mental health.
Thank you to the organizers of the Mental Health Awareness 3K Glow Run/Walk, which is slated to take place this evening at Albert Lea High School.
Organizers have aimed to have the event for all ages and abilities, and the course is expected to take you through many different glow zones as the sun sets.
They encourage participants to wear as much neon or white as possible and to not wear anything they're afraid to get paint on.
Thanks for making it more commonplace to talk about mental health and we hope the event is a big success.
