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Council approves permit for Kwik Trip expansion

At its July 13 meeting, the Albert Lea City Council approved a conditional use permit for Kwik Trip at 906 W. Front St. to remodel and expand its convenience store. The project would include an expansion of almost 2,000 square feet on the back side of the store to improve fueling operations, food preparation, service areas and restrooms. After holding a public hearing June 9, the Planning Commission recommended approval as long as Kwik Trip consolidates its three lots, adds landscaping, and screens equipment and dumpsters.The council also approved the following items: Financing several street projects by borrowing $4.91 million...

Local fire captain sets records in Firefighter Challenge, set to compete in national and world competitions

Two members of Albert Lea Fire Rescue recently competed in the Firefighter Challenge Midwest Region Classic in Valparaiso, Ind. Captain Kurt Wallace (in photo at left) and Firefighter Kyo Htoo represented the department, with Wallace earning four medals and setting new state and regional timing records. The Firefighter Challenge tests competitors' physical fitness and job-specific skills. This obstacle course requires participants to complete five timed tasks that simulate real-life emergency scenarios: Carrying a 42-pound hose pack up a 5-story tower Hoisting a 42-pound hose roll up the 5-story tower using a rope Driving a 160-pound steel beam 5 feet along...

Spraying for mosquito control starts this week in Albert Lea

To protect public health and enhance outdoor enjoyment, the City of Albert Lea has contracted Mosquito Control of Iowa to begin weekly treatments. Weather permitting, spraying will begin at dusk on today, July 15. In case of rainy or windy weather, Thursdays will be the back-up days for the remainder of the summer. The company uses a product called Evoluer 4-4, which includes permethrin, a pesticide that is safe yet effective against mosquitoes and gnats. This product has quick knockdown, low odor, and is non-corrosive. This product is registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Minnesota Department of Agriculture....

Council to vote on permit for business expansion

At its meeting on Monday, the Albert Lea City Council will vote on whether to approve a conditional use permit for Kwik Trip at 906 W. Front St. to remodel and expand its convenience store. The project would include an expansion of almost 2,000 square feet on the back side of the store to improve fueling operations, food preparation, service areas and restrooms.After holding a public hearing June 9, the Planning Commission voted to recommend approval as long as Kwik Trip consolidates its three lots, adds landscaping, and screens equipment and dumpsters.The council will also vote Monday on the following...

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Regional designation paves way for Songbird Trail’s next phases

The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC) recently designated the Songbird Trail as a regional trail, marking a major milestone for this project. The trail will eventually run along a former rail corridor for 50 miles from Albert…

Council to serve as additional economic development authority

At its June 22 meeting, the Albert Lea City Council voted to create an Economic Development Authority (EDA) to complement the existing Port Authority and Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA). The EDA will help address economic development opportunities that fall between…

Police officer in uniform stands with his right hand up in front of a woman giving the oath of office

Albert Lea welcomes new officer

The Albert Lea City Council recently welcomed Albert Lea Police Officer Joe Johnson, who was sworn in at the June 22 city council meeting (photo above). His experience includes several years with the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office. Johnson earned his…

Leave the trees for water quality, habitat

The Albert Lea Parks Department recently found a burr oak tree that was illegally cut down on public property along Blackmer Avenue. The unknown person who cut down the 14-inch-diameter tree left it lying in Dane Bay of Fountain Lake.…

Injury crash

On June 23, 2026, at approximately 9:18 p.m., officers from the Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) responded to the intersection of Broadway Avenue South and William Street for a reported vehicle-versus-bicycle crash. The preliminary investigation indicates that a pickup truck…

Vehicle pursuit

On June 21, 2026, at approximately 7:39 a.m., an Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) officer took a stolen vehicle report of a 2013 Toyota Tacoma that had been taken some time over the previous evening. On June 22, 2026, at…

Albert Lea house fire at 410 Pillsbury Ave.

Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to 410 Pillsbury Ave. at 2:40 a.m. June 20 for the report of a house fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found fire showing on the back side of the house and throughout the second story. Firefighters extinguished the…

Albert Lea house fire: 730 Alcove St.

Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to 730 Alcove St. on June 17 at 12:17 a.m. for the report of a house fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found fire showing on the north side of the home, coming out of a kitchen…

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

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…

Council vote: Rezone land to make way for business expansion?

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…

Local sales tax ending, renewal up to Legislature

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…

Incumbent withdraws from Albert Lea City Council race

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.…

Regional designation paves way for Songbird Trail’s next phases

The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC) recently designated the Songbird Trail as a regional trail, marking a major milestone for this project. The trail will eventually run along a former rail corridor for 50 miles from Albert…

Council to serve as additional economic development authority

At its June 22 meeting, the Albert Lea City Council voted to create an Economic Development Authority (EDA) to complement the existing Port Authority and Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA). The EDA will help address economic development opportunities that fall between…

Police officer in uniform stands with his right hand up in front of a woman giving the oath of office

Albert Lea welcomes new officer

The Albert Lea City Council recently welcomed Albert Lea Police Officer Joe Johnson, who was sworn in at the June 22 city council meeting (photo above). His experience includes several years with the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office. Johnson earned his…

Leave the trees for water quality, habitat

The Albert Lea Parks Department recently found a burr oak tree that was illegally cut down on public property along Blackmer Avenue. The unknown person who cut down the 14-inch-diameter tree left it lying in Dane Bay of Fountain Lake.…

Injury crash

On June 23, 2026, at approximately 9:18 p.m., officers from the Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) responded to the intersection of Broadway Avenue South and William Street for a reported vehicle-versus-bicycle crash. The preliminary investigation indicates that a pickup truck…

Vehicle pursuit

On June 21, 2026, at approximately 7:39 a.m., an Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) officer took a stolen vehicle report of a 2013 Toyota Tacoma that had been taken some time over the previous evening. On June 22, 2026, at…

Albert Lea house fire at 410 Pillsbury Ave.

Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to 410 Pillsbury Ave. at 2:40 a.m. June 20 for the report of a house fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found fire showing on the back side of the house and throughout the second story. Firefighters extinguished the…

Albert Lea house fire: 730 Alcove St.

Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to 730 Alcove St. on June 17 at 12:17 a.m. for the report of a house fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found fire showing on the north side of the home, coming out of a kitchen…

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

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…

Council vote: Rezone land to make way for business expansion?

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…

Local sales tax ending, renewal up to Legislature

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…

Incumbent withdraws from Albert Lea City Council race

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.…

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