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4 wastewater treatment domes in the field
City News

City taking new approach to wastewater upgrades

October 24, 2025

With stricter pollution limits in place and changes in state grants, the City of Albert Lea has decided to take a phased approach to upgrading its wastewater treatment plant. Built in 1981, the plant needs to replace aging infrastructure while meeting a stricter limit on phosphorus, the nutrient that grows algae, in its state permit. The permit sets conditions for discharging the treated wastewater to the Shell Rock River.The city requested state funding in 2021, 2023 and 2024 toward rebuilding the entire plant, estimated at $80 million. The engineering firm working on the design recently increased that estimate to $100...
City News

Open to the public!

October 17, 2025

The Albert Lea City Arena, closed to the public for several months due to construction, is back open with a bigger lobby, remodeled offices and revamped skate rental area. Ice in the Nystrom Rink is ready for use! Work continues on the Colstrup Rink. After moving back from the City Garage last week, the Recreation Department will be open Monday, Oct. 20, for program registrations and pavilion rentals. Keep following us for updates.
City News

Council accepts bid for theater demo

October 16, 2025

At its Oct. 13 meeting the Albert Lea City Council voted to accept the low bid of $374,000 for demolition of the former Broadway Theater at 338 S. Broadway Ave. Dulas Excavating of Wells will remove the hazardous building along with the foundation walls at adjacent properties, 324 and 332 S. Broadway Ave. The city removed those two buildings in 2022 due their hazardous condition. The former Broadway Theater, built in 1902, spans almost 9,000 square feet. The building deteriorated over several years under different owners. City staff started working with the property owners in 2021 to find solutions. With...
Albert Lea Police Department badge with gold border, featuring a shield, a green triangle with water waves, and the words
City News

Predatory offender notification

October 15, 2025

The Albert Lea Police Department is releasing information pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 244.052 and 253D regarding a Level 3 predatory offender who has relocated within the Albert Lea community. These statutes authorize law enforcement to share information about individuals required to register as predatory offenders when such information is believed to enhance public safety.Mark Ray Davis, age 44, has reported as homeless in Albert Lea. Davis most recently updated his registration information on Sept. 26, 2025. Convicted predatory offenders have always been released to live in communities. The Registration Act and Community Notification Act allow law enforcement to track and...