Feedback

News

The Latest

Keeping You Connected with the Latest News from Albert Lea

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 representing more than 21 countries with 381 medals awarded across all divisions. “The grueling nature of this competition directly mirrors real-life emergency scenarios,” said Fire Chief Jeff Laskowske. “Kurt’s success builds elite endurance and strength that translate directly to on-scene performance. Having him train alongside our crew sparks healthy competition, mentors our firefighters, and ensures our team is even better...

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 in state funding for the project and aims to: Improve stream health Enhance wildlife habitat Support fish and other aquatic life Expand recreational access for fishing, canoeing and kayaking As part of the project, planned for 2027, the watershed district and city are evaluating replacement of the dam on Fountain Lake, which was installed in 1911.The agreement outlines each party’s...

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 Reid Olson deciding to step down at the end of his term in December, voters will decide between Charles Alkula and Joey Neely. Incumbents Ted Herman and Brian Anderson are running unopposed for the Ward 3 and Ward 6 seats, respectively. What’s on your ballot? Where do you vote? How do you register? Visit the Secretary of State website.How can...

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 Officer of the Year award, for cities with populations over 10,000, at the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs annual conference. In his acceptance speech, Laskowske expressed his gratitude for the men and women of Albert Lea Fire Rescue. He commended the team for their hard work, sleepless nights, continuous training, and unwavering commitment to the community. "Thank you for your trust,...

Sign Up For News

Stay informed by signing up for the free Week-Lea newsletter emailed to subscribers every Friday.

LinkedIn

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Name

Email(Required)

News archive

✕ Reset

Sort

How to increase jobs? Expand industrial park

December 12, 2025

With both the south and north industrial parks in Albert Lea both nearly full, local leaders are taking steps to attract more businesses and the jobs that come with them. The south industrial park has few open properties for new or…

Council: Phase in some license increases

December 10, 2025

At its Dec. 8 meeting, the Albert Lea City Council decided to phase in higher fees for on-sale liquor licenses. The decision came after hearing from business owners at a Nov. 24 public hearing. The fee increase will be the…

Council lowers tax levy

December 09, 2025

The Albert Lea City Council lowered its property tax levy for 2026 by more than $200,000, from $9.5 million proposed in September to $9.3 million. While still proposing a levy increase, it would be lower than first proposed, from 8.0%…

Council OKs plan for major projects

December 09, 2025

At its Dec. 8 meeting, the Albert Lea Council approved a Capital Improvement Plan that outlines major projects over the next 5 years. The council adopts a Capital Improvement Plan every year, which helps identify needs, allocate resources and set…

On the agenda: Expanding industrial park

December 05, 2025

To plan for expanding the Jobs Industrial Park, the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency (ALEDA) is requesting the Albert Lea City Council rezone 12 acres from residential to industrial. ALEDA owns the land at 11th Street and Viking Avenue, along…

Garage fire

December 03, 2025

Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to 2046 Paradise Road West on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 3:18 a.m. for the report of an attached garage on fire. Fire crews responded and found a 3-stall attached garage with a pile of material burning…

Reducing pollution: Small actions add up to big impact

November 26, 2025

It takes only 1 teaspoon of salt to pollute 5 gallons of water – forever! Protect local lakes by using de-icer the smart way: Shovel and scrape before using salt. Use salt sparingly. A coffee cup of salt should be…

Welcome Officer Thorson

November 26, 2025

Albert Lea Police Officer Andrew Thorson took the oath of office at the Nov. 24 city council meeting. He began working for the Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) in July and recently finished field training. He holds a bachelor of…

City proposes lower levy

November 26, 2025

The City of Albert Lea has decreased expenses for 2026 and lowered its proposed tax levy by $153,000. While still proposing a levy increase, it would be lower than first proposed, from 8.00% to 6.25%, as presented at the Nov.…

Proposed park on Adams Avenue: Public favors a mixed use area or full trailhead

November 14, 2025

The Albert Lea community favors either a mixed use of business and greenspace or a full trailhead for a proposed park on Adams Avenue, according to input received from surveys and comments on the project. The City of Albert Lea…

Garage fire

November 12, 2025

Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to 1525 Elm St. on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 6:31 p.m. for the report of a garage on fire. Fire crews responded and found a 2-stall detached garage fully involved in fire. The fire was beginning to…

Hotel fire

November 11, 2025

Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to 2301 East Main St. (Ramada Inn) on Monday, Nov. 10, at 11:30 a.m. for the report of a fire. Fire crews found smoke and fire coming from the first floor of the 3-story east wing…

How to increase jobs? Expand industrial park

December 12, 2025

With both the south and north industrial parks in Albert Lea both nearly full, local leaders are taking steps to attract more businesses and the jobs that come with them. The south industrial park has few open properties for new or…

Council: Phase in some license increases

December 10, 2025

At its Dec. 8 meeting, the Albert Lea City Council decided to phase in higher fees for on-sale liquor licenses. The decision came after hearing from business owners at a Nov. 24 public hearing. The fee increase will be the…

Council lowers tax levy

December 09, 2025

The Albert Lea City Council lowered its property tax levy for 2026 by more than $200,000, from $9.5 million proposed in September to $9.3 million. While still proposing a levy increase, it would be lower than first proposed, from 8.0%…

Council OKs plan for major projects

December 09, 2025

At its Dec. 8 meeting, the Albert Lea Council approved a Capital Improvement Plan that outlines major projects over the next 5 years. The council adopts a Capital Improvement Plan every year, which helps identify needs, allocate resources and set…

On the agenda: Expanding industrial park

December 05, 2025

To plan for expanding the Jobs Industrial Park, the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency (ALEDA) is requesting the Albert Lea City Council rezone 12 acres from residential to industrial. ALEDA owns the land at 11th Street and Viking Avenue, along…

Garage fire

December 03, 2025

Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to 2046 Paradise Road West on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 3:18 a.m. for the report of an attached garage on fire. Fire crews responded and found a 3-stall attached garage with a pile of material burning…

Reducing pollution: Small actions add up to big impact

November 26, 2025

It takes only 1 teaspoon of salt to pollute 5 gallons of water – forever! Protect local lakes by using de-icer the smart way: Shovel and scrape before using salt. Use salt sparingly. A coffee cup of salt should be…

Welcome Officer Thorson

November 26, 2025

Albert Lea Police Officer Andrew Thorson took the oath of office at the Nov. 24 city council meeting. He began working for the Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) in July and recently finished field training. He holds a bachelor of…

City proposes lower levy

November 26, 2025

The City of Albert Lea has decreased expenses for 2026 and lowered its proposed tax levy by $153,000. While still proposing a levy increase, it would be lower than first proposed, from 8.00% to 6.25%, as presented at the Nov.…

Proposed park on Adams Avenue: Public favors a mixed use area or full trailhead

November 14, 2025

The Albert Lea community favors either a mixed use of business and greenspace or a full trailhead for a proposed park on Adams Avenue, according to input received from surveys and comments on the project. The City of Albert Lea…

Garage fire

November 12, 2025

Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to 1525 Elm St. on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 6:31 p.m. for the report of a garage on fire. Fire crews responded and found a 2-stall detached garage fully involved in fire. The fire was beginning to…

Hotel fire

November 11, 2025

Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to 2301 East Main St. (Ramada Inn) on Monday, Nov. 10, at 11:30 a.m. for the report of a fire. Fire crews found smoke and fire coming from the first floor of the 3-story east wing…

Prev 910 11 12 13 Next