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City News

Bike riders to Rock-n-Roll the Lakes in Albert Lea

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025 For immediate release Media contact: Cathy Malakowsky, engagement and enrichment director, at 507-377-4316 or cmalakowsky@ci.albertlea.mn.us Bike riders to Rock-n-Roll the Lakes in Albert Lea The Albert Lea Area Cyclists and Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota  are gearing up for the Rock-n-Roll the Lakes bike ride on Saturday, Aug. 16. This is a family-friendly event open to all ages. Riders will pass by the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center, named for the actress who played Mrs. C in the hit TV series “Happy Days” that focused on the fictional Cunningham family in the early days of rock music. Ross...
An image shows an adult and a young child walking away from the camera, their legs and feet visible. The adult is on the right, wearing dark pants and white sneakers with blue accents. The child is on the left, wearing light-colored pants with patterns and pink shoes. The ground is a light-colored asphalt or paved surface, with sunlight creating shadows. Below them, a dark blue banner reads
City News

Blue Zones Albert Lea invites families to take a Sunday stroll

July 14, 2025

For immediate releaseJuly 11, 2025Media contact: Cathy Malakowsky, Blue Zones Albert Lea project lead, at 507-377-4316 or cmalakowsky@ci.albertlea.mn.us Blue Zones Albert Lea invites families to take a Sunday stroll Connecting people and reinforcing healthy habits are two goals of joining a moai, which is a Japanese word for a group that provides a sense of belonging, purpose and assistance. Blue Zones Albert Lea invites families to join a moai that will meet Sundays, starting July 13, at 6:30 p.m. at United Preschool, 702 U.S. Highway 69. Children can hit the playground or join their families walking laps in the parking...
City News

Albert Lea house fire

July 01, 2025

For immediate releaseJuly 1, 2025Contact for fire operations: Fire Chief Jeff Laskowske at 507-377-4311 or jlaskowske@ci.albertlea.mn.usContact for fire investigation during business hours: Albert Lea Fire Rescue at 507-377-4341 Albert Lea House Fire Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to 940 Jefferson Ave. on Tuesday July 1, at 10:21 a.m. for the report of smoke coming from the home. Employees of the Albert Lea Public Works Department noticed the smoke and called 911.  Fire crews responded and found a two-story home with light smoke coming out a first-floor window. The home consists of two apartments with one on the main level and one...
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City News

Proven leaders take helm of Albert Lea public safety

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025For immediate release:Media contacts: Police Chief Darren Hanson at  507-377-5669 or DHanson@ci.albertlea.mn.us Fire Chief Jeff Laskowske at 507-377-4311 or jlaskowske@ci.albertlea.mn.us Proven leaders take helm of Albert Lea public safety With Albert Lea Public Safety Director JD Carlson retiring, the City of Albert Lea announces a series of leadership changes within its police and fire departments, effective today, June 30. The city promoted Deputy Police Chief Darren Hanson to police chief. Hanson began his career with the Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) in 1995. He earned a promotion to lieutenant in 2007 and then to deputy chief in 2018....

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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Fire Department

Structure Fire

February 12, 2024

Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to 110 11th St. E. Monday at 7:40 a.m. for fire coming out of the basement. Upon arrival fire crews entered the basement area and extinguished the fire quickly. The homeowner was on scene outside…
Albert Lea Logo
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…
Albert Lea Logo
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…
Albert Lea Logo
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…
Albert Lea Logo
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…
Albert Lea Logo
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…
Albert Lea Logo
Fire Department

Structure Fire

February 12, 2024

Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to 110 11th St. E. Monday at 7:40 a.m. for fire coming out of the basement. Upon arrival fire crews entered the basement area and extinguished the fire quickly. The homeowner was on scene outside…