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Behind the scenes, above the standard: Albert Lea earns wastewater excellence award

November 10, 2026

The Albert Lea Utilities Department and Wastewater Treatment Plant recently received recognition for excellence in operations from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). With only 261 of 1,600 facilities throughout Minnesota receiving this recognition, the award puts Albert Lea among the best in the state as far as treating wastewater. “This award is a great recognition of the dedication and care that our utilities and wastewater staff put into operating a very complex sanitary sewer system and wastewater treatment plant,” said Steven Jahnke, city engineer and public works director. To qualify, facilities must: Demonstrate consistent compliance with monitoring, operations, and...

Weapons violation

November 09, 2026

On Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at approximately 9:47 p.m., Albert Lea Police Department officers and Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to multiple reports of gunfire in the 500 block of Eighth Street East. During the initial investigation, officers located a residence west of the reported incident location that had been struck by a bullet, damaging a window. Investigators identified multiple persons of interest. Preliminary information indicates the shooting may have stemmed from an earlier verbal altercation between two individuals at a gas station. The investigation remains active. No additional information will be released at this time to protect the...

Library program: Firefighter to present history of Albert Lea Fire Rescue

November 06, 2026

The Albert Lea Public Library invites the public to Bring Your Own Lunch and Learn on Thursday, Nov. 12, with the program, “History of the Albert Lea Fire Rescue Department” presented by Firefighter Brandi Krenz. Krenz will share the story of the formation and development of the department, from a volunteer bucket brigade to the sophisticated fire, rescue and educational operations of today. Attendees are sure to come away with new information and a new appreciation for the community-supporting work of this crucial department. The program will be held from noon - 1 p.m. Nov.12 in the Council Chambers on...

Vehicle vs. bicyclist

November 05, 2026

On Nov. 4, 2026, at approximately 4:53 p.m., the Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) responded to a crash involving a vehicle and a bicyclist at the intersection of Front Street and Madison Avenue. An 11-year-old male bicyclist traveling westbound on the south sidewalk of Front Street collided with a northbound vehicle making a right turn onto Front Street. The bicyclist sustained minor injuries and was transported by Mayo Clinic Ambulance to Mayo Clinic Health System–Albert Lea. Alcohol was not a factor in the crash. The ALPD was assisted by Albert Lea Fire Rescue and Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service. For immediate...

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Council to vote on assistance for business expansion

November 06, 2026

At its meeting Monday, the Albert Lea City Council will hold a public hearing and then vote on financial assistance for D & S Holdings to expand Pro Manufacturing on 209th Street, a service road off East Main Street. The…

Voters elect 1 new council member, re-elect 4 others

November 04, 2026

In the Nov. 3 general election, Albert Lea voters chose a new member for their city council: Joey Neely will represent Ward 4. Neely was elected with 721 votes (68.7%), compared to challenger Charles Alkula, who received 325 votes (30.9%).…

Albert Lea firefighter proves among world’s toughest, earning World Champion title

November 02, 2026

Captain Kurt Wallace of Albert Lea Fire Rescue recently returned from the Firefighter World Championship in Las Vegas with three medals, a new Minnesota state record, and a top-tier standing on the global stage. The elite competition brought together athletes…

City, watershed district to partner on channel restoration

October 30, 2026

At its Oct. 26 meeting, the Albert Lea City Council approved a joint powers agreement with the Shell Rock River Watershed District to restore the channel between Fountain and Albert Lea lakes.The watershed district has secured more than $5.5 million…

Tuesday: Voters to decide 5 of 7 council seats

October 30, 2026

Albert Lea voters will decide on the following city council seats in the general election on Nov. 3: Mayor Rich Murray will face challenger Tiffany Fearing. Ward 2 Councilor Larry Baker will face challenger John Caucutt. With Ward 4 Councilor…

Council to vote on agreement for channel restoration

October 23, 2026

The Albert Lea City Council will vote at its meeting Monday on a joint powers agreement with the Shell Rock River Watershed District for restoring the channel between Fountain and Albert Lea lakes.The watershed district has received $5.9 million in…

Assault at Albert Lea hotel

October 23, 2026

On Oct. 22, 2026, at approximately 11:15 p.m., Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) officers were dispatched to the Albert Lea Inn and Suites, 2301 East Main St., in regards to an active assault with a weapon. Initial reports indicated that…

3 men in uniform, the center person holding an award plaque

Albert Lea fire chief receives Fire Officer of the Year award

October 22, 2026

Albert Lea Chief Jeff Laskowske (center) accepts the Fire Officer of the Year award from Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association President Greg Peterson (left) and Vice President Justin Sherwood (right). Albert Lea Fire Chief Jeff Laskowske recently received the Fire…

Police technician nominated for award

October 16, 2026

The Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) is proud to recognize Andy Nelson for being nominated for the 2026 Property and Evidence Technician of the Year by the Minnesota Association of Property and Evidence Technicians. The association recently honored Nelson’s dedication…

Search warrant operation

October 15, 2026

ALBERT LEA, MN, Oct. 09, 2026 – The South Central Drug Investigation Unit (SCDIU), United States Postal Service (USPS), Albert Lea Police Department, SCDIU SWAT, Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office and Faribault County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search warrant operation in…

Council orders study for extending water and sewer services

October 13, 2026

At its Oct. 12 meeting, the Albert Lea City Council voted to order a feasibility study to help determine whether to extend water and sewer services in the County Road 20/Richway Drive and Plaza Street area in 2027. Extending services…

Parking solutions needed for Home Solutions

October 13, 2026

To ensure enough room for emergency vehicles and snowplows, the Albert Lea City Council decided Oct. 12 to designate the north side of Janson Street as no parking. The change will take effect Oct. 30. Parking became an issue on…

Council to vote on assistance for business expansion

November 06, 2026

At its meeting Monday, the Albert Lea City Council will hold a public hearing and then vote on financial assistance for D & S Holdings to expand Pro Manufacturing on 209th Street, a service road off East Main Street. The…

Voters elect 1 new council member, re-elect 4 others

November 04, 2026

In the Nov. 3 general election, Albert Lea voters chose a new member for their city council: Joey Neely will represent Ward 4. Neely was elected with 721 votes (68.7%), compared to challenger Charles Alkula, who received 325 votes (30.9%).…

Albert Lea firefighter proves among world’s toughest, earning World Champion title

November 02, 2026

Captain Kurt Wallace of Albert Lea Fire Rescue recently returned from the Firefighter World Championship in Las Vegas with three medals, a new Minnesota state record, and a top-tier standing on the global stage. The elite competition brought together athletes…

City, watershed district to partner on channel restoration

October 30, 2026

At its Oct. 26 meeting, the Albert Lea City Council approved a joint powers agreement with the Shell Rock River Watershed District to restore the channel between Fountain and Albert Lea lakes.The watershed district has secured more than $5.5 million…

Tuesday: Voters to decide 5 of 7 council seats

October 30, 2026

Albert Lea voters will decide on the following city council seats in the general election on Nov. 3: Mayor Rich Murray will face challenger Tiffany Fearing. Ward 2 Councilor Larry Baker will face challenger John Caucutt. With Ward 4 Councilor…

Council to vote on agreement for channel restoration

October 23, 2026

The Albert Lea City Council will vote at its meeting Monday on a joint powers agreement with the Shell Rock River Watershed District for restoring the channel between Fountain and Albert Lea lakes.The watershed district has received $5.9 million in…

Assault at Albert Lea hotel

October 23, 2026

On Oct. 22, 2026, at approximately 11:15 p.m., Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) officers were dispatched to the Albert Lea Inn and Suites, 2301 East Main St., in regards to an active assault with a weapon. Initial reports indicated that…

3 men in uniform, the center person holding an award plaque

Albert Lea fire chief receives Fire Officer of the Year award

October 22, 2026

Albert Lea Chief Jeff Laskowske (center) accepts the Fire Officer of the Year award from Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association President Greg Peterson (left) and Vice President Justin Sherwood (right). Albert Lea Fire Chief Jeff Laskowske recently received the Fire…

Police technician nominated for award

October 16, 2026

The Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) is proud to recognize Andy Nelson for being nominated for the 2026 Property and Evidence Technician of the Year by the Minnesota Association of Property and Evidence Technicians. The association recently honored Nelson’s dedication…

Search warrant operation

October 15, 2026

ALBERT LEA, MN, Oct. 09, 2026 – The South Central Drug Investigation Unit (SCDIU), United States Postal Service (USPS), Albert Lea Police Department, SCDIU SWAT, Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office and Faribault County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search warrant operation in…

Council orders study for extending water and sewer services

October 13, 2026

At its Oct. 12 meeting, the Albert Lea City Council voted to order a feasibility study to help determine whether to extend water and sewer services in the County Road 20/Richway Drive and Plaza Street area in 2027. Extending services…

Parking solutions needed for Home Solutions

October 13, 2026

To ensure enough room for emergency vehicles and snowplows, the Albert Lea City Council decided Oct. 12 to designate the north side of Janson Street as no parking. The change will take effect Oct. 30. Parking became an issue on…

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