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Blue Zones founder, long-time project lead to serve as co-grand marshals for Albert Lea parade

June 12, 2026

Dan Buettner, founder of Blue Zones, and Ellen Kehr, long-time project lead for Blue Zones Albert Lea, will serve as co- grand marshals for the July 3 parade in Albert Lea, announces the local Chamber of Commerce. With Albert Lea celebrating 10 years as the first certified Blue Zones community in the United States, the Chamber chose “Red, White and Blue Zones” as this year’s parade theme. Buettner, a native of St. Paul, is a National Geographic Fellow, bestselling author, and internationally recognized expert on longevity and well-being. He is best known for identifying the world’s “Blue Zones”—regions where people...
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Council vote: Rezone land to make way for business expansion?

June 05, 2026

At its meeting Monday, the Albert Lea City Council will vote on approving a plat change for 4 acres at 1822 Viking Avenue. The council will also vote on changing the zoning from residential to industrial. The property owners are requesting the changes for potential sale to Vortex Cold Storage in the Jobs Industrial Park. The business is interested in the land for possible expansion. Vortex owns the adjacent land to the south. The property to the west is zoned as industrial with the property to the east developed as a church and residential. The Planning Commission, after holding a...
City News

Local sales tax ending, renewal up to Legislature

June 05, 2026

The Albert Lea City Council will vote Monday on ending the half-cent sales tax implemented in 2005 to fund watershed projects. The city expects the sales tax to reach its maximum amount of $30 million late this summer so is proposing to end the tax on Sept. 30. This schedule gives the State of Minnesota time to inform businesses that collect the tax to stop doing so on Sept. 30. The city and Shell Rock River Watershed District had hoped to renew the tax to fund continued lake improvement projects along with expanding the Albert Lea Public Library, building the...
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Incumbent withdraws from Albert Lea City Council race

June 04, 2026

Reid Olson withdrew his candidacy today for reelection to the Ward 4 seat on the Albert Lea City Council. This changes means the city will not hold a primary on Aug. 11 for the Ward 4 seat. On the Nov. 2 ballot for Ward 4 will be Charles Alkula and Joey Neely. For more information about elections, visit www.cityofalbertlea.org/election-information/. #

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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…
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Police Department

Get to know the Albert Lea Police Department: Applications open for 2024 Citizens Academy

February 05, 2024

The Albert Lea Police Department invites residents to participate in its upcoming Citizens Academy program, offering an inside look into the daily operations of local law enforcement. Classes are scheduled for Thursdays from 7 to 9:30 p.m. beginning March 14…
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Man arrested after stabbing in Albert Lea

January 09, 2024

At 10:25 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9, a reporting person contacted Freeborn County Dispatch indicating his 23-year-old brother was stabbed in the leg with a knife by their uncle. Albert Lea Police Department, Fire Rescue and Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service responded…