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Four young boys sit in a row on a green playground slide, with climbing equipment and trees visible in the background.

Summer fun to sizzle in Albert Lea

May 29, 2026

With school out for summer, the Albert Lea Recreation Department offers several recreational programs for kids and families to have fun, stay safe and try new activities. On Sunday, May 31, at 2 p.m., kids of all ages can try hockey for free at the City Arena, 701 Lake Chapeau Drive. The Albert Lea Hockey Association will provide equipment at no charge. This is a great way to try the sport with no financial commitment. To register, visit the hockey association website at www.albertleahockey.org/program/try-hockey-for-free/33155. Four neighborhood parks will offer free supervised activities for grade-schoolers, starting Monday, June 1: Academy, 910...

City News

Council updates pet regulations, including new limit

May 27, 2026

At its May 26 meeting, the Albert Lea City Council introduced updates to its animal ordinance, including a new limit allowing up to 4 animals of any combination of dogs and cats per household. The measure passed on a 4-3 vote. The previous limit was 2 dogs and 2 cats. Other changes include: Dogs and cats must remain under their owner’s physical control and not roam freely off property Feeding of feral cats is prohibited unless part of a trap and neuter program The changes are intended to better align city regulations with enforcement practices while continuing to address nuisance...

City News

Solar installation at City Hall begins May 26

May 22, 2026

Contractors will begin installing solar panels on City Hall on Tuesday, May 26. On Tuesday, crews will stage equipment and materials in the parking area in front of the old fire station doors on Fountain Street. On Thursday, May 28, a crane will arrive on-site to lift equipment to the roof. Crews will also park a scissor lift at the front of the building, which will block the left-hand entrance door for the duration of the project. The City expects the installation to take 7 to 10 days. The City of Albert Lea advises the public to exercise caution when...

City News

Albert Lea house fire

May 17, 2026

Albert Lea Fire Rescue (ALFR) responded to 1700 Eberhart St on May 17 at 12:52 a.m. for the report of a house fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found a small fire in the kitchen on-top of the stove and nearby cupboards. The residents were all out of the home. Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire and kept the damage to the immediate area. The damage was all to contents and is estimated at $6,000. Albert Lea Fire Rescue investigated the fire and determined the cause to be accidental. Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service and Albert Lea Police Department assisted at the scene. ALFR...

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Aerial view of a church with a scaffolding-covered tower, nearby streets, parked cars, trees, and buildings in the background.

Public Works

Church roof replacement: Clark Street detour to start Monday

September 06, 2024

Clark Street along Central Park in Albert Lea, from St. Mary to West Avenue, will be closed starting Monday, Sept. 9, for a roofing project at First Lutheran Church. Motorists and pedestrians will need to detour around this section of…

Public Works

Brookside boat landing closed Sept. 3-5 for equipment removal

August 28, 2024

With the habitat project completed for Fountain Lake, the Brookside boat landing, 623 Richway Drive, will be closed Tuesday through possibly Thursday, Sept. 3-5, for equipment removal. Brennan Company, the contractor for the habitat project, has finished installing rock reefs…

Aerial map view showing a road closure and work area on Bridge Ave near businesses including McDonald's, Walgreens, and China Buffet, next to a river.

Public Works

Public dock prep: Bridge Avenue detour to start Monday

August 22, 2024

Bridge Avenue from Katherine to Fountain Street in Albert Lea will be closed starting Monday, Aug. 26, as crews prepare the area for installation of a public dock. This section of Bridge Avenue will likely be closed through Sept. 11.…

Building Department

Public hearing Tuesday on zoning for adult-focused businesses

August 02, 2024

Planning Commission to review draft law on cannabis, off-sale liquor, tobacco and sexually-oriented entities The Albert Lea Planning Commission will hold a public hearing Aug. 6 on a draft zoning law that would limit the locations for new cannabis, off-sale…

Public Works

Albert Lea wastewater spill contained, long-term repairs underway

June 24, 2024

The City of Albert Lea has contained a spill of wastewater from a break in the sewer main along South Shore Drive that carries wastewater from Albert Lea to its treatment plant. While the Public Works Department is evaluating long-term…

Building Department

Make a splash safely this summer: City of Albert Lea shares pool regulations and safety tips

June 13, 2024

With the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that drowning is the leading cause of death for children 1 to 4 years old, the City of Albert Lea is urging residents to be aware of pool safety and…

City Council Candidates for Albert Lea: Rachel Christensen (Ward One), Jason Howland (Ward Three), and Keith Van Beek (Ward Five), each shown in individual portrait photos.

City Clerk

2 incumbents, 1 newcomer file for Albert Lea City Council

June 05, 2024

Three candidates – two incumbents and one newcomer – have filed for the three seats up for election on the Albert Lea City Council. All three will run unopposed in their wards. Rachel Christensen has filed for reelection for the…

Public Works

Spraying for mosquito control starts Wednesday in Albert Lea

June 04, 2024

Albert Lea will resume its weekly mosquito control program Wednesday, June 5, after dusk. This year marks the return of spraying following a dry year in 2023. The City of Albert Lea has contracted Mosquito Control of Iowa to handle…

City News

Draft zoning law would limit locations for new adult-focused businesses

May 20, 2024

May 22 open house: Learn more and provide input The City of Albert Lea is proposing a zoning law that would limit the locations for new cannabis, off-sale liquor, tobacco and sexually-oriented businesses. The community is invited to learn more…

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…

Public Works