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Board of Appeals seeks volunteer

March 20, 2026

The Albert Lea Board of Appeals, photo above, plays an important role in reviewing requests for zoning variances, which are exceptions to rules that guide land use and development, including building height, size and setbacks. These rules are designed to protect public health, safety and neighborhood character. However in a community with a long history – like Albert Lea – they don’t always fit modern needs. This seven-member board evaluates each request using fair and objective standards to make recommendations to the city council on whether to approve or deny variances. The council then makes the final decision. The city...

City News

City seeks proposals for developing affordable housing

March 20, 2026

The City of Albert Lea is inviting developers, builders and other interested parties to submit proposals for developing affordable housing on several properties owned by the city or the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency. This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to expand housing options and strengthen neighborhoods throughout the community. The Request for Proposals (RFP), released today, March 20, outlines opportunities to construct single-family homes, twin homes, or duplexes on designated sites. Under the RFP guidelines, new construction should blend with existing neighborhoods while offering variety in design. To support development, the city is offering the following incentives:...

City News

Council to vote on cannabis registrations

March 20, 2026

After recently increasing its limit on cannabis businesses from two to four, the Albert Lea City Council will vote on registrations for two more applicants at its meeting on Monday: Jerry and Angie Collins of Albert Lea doing business as Big Dream Organics Brenda Zamora of Albert Lea doing business as Aficionados, LLC. Big Dream Organics is an existing retailer of CBD products at 1039 S. Broadway Ave. The registration would allow It to expand its line of cannabis products. Aficionados would be a new cannabis business at 2006 E. Main St., site of the Casa Zamora restaurant for more...

City News

Officers commended for recovering kidnapped child

March 11, 2026

Chief Darren Hanson, left, honors Sgt. Alex Kunkel for his role in the life-saving rescue of an abducted child. Alex was recognized at Monday's City Council meeting for his tactical judgment and commitment to duty. Officer Josh Knudtson, right, receives a formal commendation from Chief Darren Hanson. Josh was one of the primary officers who intercepted a suspect vehicle on Jan. 22, ensuring a missing child was safely reunited with her family. During the March 9 City Council meeting, Police Chief Darren Hanson presented formal commendations to Sgt. Alex Kunkel and Officer Josh Knudtson for their actions in rescuing a...

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Police Department

Traffic crash in Albert Lea

May 19, 2024

On May 19, 2024 at approximately 1:12 p.m., the Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) was dispatched to a vehicle versus motorcycle crash near the intersection of Bridge Avenue and Westron Street. Officers arrived on scene and located the motorcycle driver…

Public Works

Emerald ash borer confirmed in Albert Lea

May 10, 2024

City urges residents to have trees assessed The City of Albert Lea urges residents to have their ash trees assessed for emerald ash borer damage after the Minnesota Department of Agriculture confirmed this destructive insect in many areas of the…

Fire Department

Structure Fire in Albert Lea

May 07, 2024

Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to 1201 Southview Lane today, May 7, at 9:30 a.m. for smoke coming from a bedroom window. Upon arrival fire crews found smoke coming from the back side of the home. Crews made a fire…

Outdoor public swimming pool with many people in the water and on the deck. Trees and a fence are in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

City News

Dive into fun – and water safety – with Albert Lea’s Aquatic Center

April 03, 2024

The original Albert Lea city pool opened at 321 James Ave. on Memorial Day in 1977 with the official dedication ceremony later on June 12. At that ceremony, then-Mayor O.H. Hagen and former Mayor Niles Shoff cut a ribbon to…

Flyer for a Transfer Station event on Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m.–noon, at 2506 W. Richway Dr., Albert Lea, for free or reduced disposal with residency proof; woman holding blue trash bag.

City News

Spring cleaning? Think twice before you toss!

April 02, 2024

Transfer Station contact: Jill Steinhauer, administrative assistant, engineering department, at 507-377-4325 or jsteinhauer@ci.albertlea.mn.us Freeborn County Environmental Services contact: Mark Goskeson, solid waste manager, at 507-377-5186 or mark.goskeson@co.freeborn.mn.us Spring cleaning? Think twice before you toss! The City of Albert Lea and…

Historic black-and-white photo of a three-story brick building with arched doorways and a streetlamp in front. Handwritten text appears in the lower right corner.

City News

Marion Ross Performing Arts Center showcases talent

April 01, 2024

Theater’s history continues to unfold The Marion Ross Performing Arts Center in downtown Albert Lea continues a rich and compelling history with plays, concerts and other events throughout the year. In fact, Albert Lea Community Theatre (ACT) sold nearly 7,000…

Children play in swimsuits among water jets at a splash pad, while several adults sit on a nearby wall in the background.

City News

Restrooms for splashers, shoppers and more

April 01, 2024

The City of Albert Lea is asking voters on April 9 to approve up to $9.8 million in funding to improve rec facilities, including building restrooms near the Splash Pad at 107 Fountain St. One idea for the restroom building…

A group of young boys play an ice hockey game, skating and chasing the puck as a referee watches in the background.

Parks and Rec

Arena: Legacy of hockey, figure skating and even dog shows

March 29, 2024

What do hockey, figure skating and dog shows have in common? In Albert Lea, they’re all based at the City Arena, 701 Lake Chapeau Drive. For almost 50 years, the arena has supported a variety of recreation, proof of Albert…

Police Department

Too many distracted drivers send a dangerous message

March 28, 2024

Extra enforcement on Minnesota roads April 1 – 30 Distracted driving takes away hopes, dreams and lives across Minnesota, and can leave people with serious injuries that tragically affect their day-to-day living. With distracted driving still claiming lives and causing…

Police Department

Albert Lea crime rate continues to decline

March 19, 2024

The Albert Lea Police Department reports that the local crime rate continues to decline with a decrease of 2 percent from 2022 to 2023, based on a statewide crime reporting system. The overall rate decreased despite the reports of more…

Police Department

Into compliance: ALPD and health department inspect cannabis retailers

March 15, 2024

The Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) and Minnesota Department of Health recently brought several local retailers into compliance with regulations on selling cannabis products. No citations were issued because business owners were cooperative in taking corrective actions. In response to…

Query successful An elevated rendering shows a red trail bridge over a body of water, connecting two sections of a paved path. Two people walk on the path towards the bridge, and a train is visible in the distance on an elevated track.

City News

Trails in Albert Lea lead to fun

February 22, 2024

Blazing Star State Trail The Blazing Star State Trail runs about 6 miles from Frank Hall Park, 505 Frank Ave., in Albert Lea to Myre-Big Island State Park, 19499 780th Ave. The trail is open to hiking, biking, in-line skating…

Police Department