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City of Albert Lea – City Hall
MEET YOUR PLAY LEADERS AND JOIN THE FUN! Say hello to Layla and Kaylee, this summer's Play Leaders at Lakeview Park! They’ve lined up a fantastic calendar of free events running Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Whether your kids love getting creative with tie-dye and crafts, testing out cool STEM projects, or cooling off with water games, there is something for everyone. Activities run through July 30 at Lakeview Park, 102 Willamor Road, Academy Park, 910 Frank Hall Drive, Sondergaard Park, 806 17th St., and Valley Park, 611 Sheridan St.
There’s no fee and no registration—just drop in whenever you're ready to play! For more information, visit www.cityofalbertlea.org/summer-fun-to-sizzle-in-albert-lea/.
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READY, SET, PLAY! Meet your Valley Park Play Leaders, Josephine and Maria. Activities are running Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Valley Park, 611 Sheridan St., as well as Academy Park, Lakeview Park, and Sondergaard Park through July 30. Kids can enjoy a variety of free activities, including tie-dye, STEM projects, water games, and crafts.
Drop in anytime!
No fee or registration required.
Learn more at www.cityofalbertlea.org/summer-fun-to-sizzle-in-albert-lea/
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STILL SEEKING THE IDEAL CANDIDATE: The City of Albert Lea is looking for a proven leader to manage the Recreation Department. This manager provides vision and operational oversight for the department, its programming and facilities This role requires strong skills in budgeting, communication and collaboration. This position also requires knowledge of public recreation operations, safety regulations, and facility maintenance. Applications and more information are available at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/albertlea.
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With painting complete, the Albert Lea Aquatic Center will open Thursday, June 11, weather permitting. Season passes are available by visiting the Recreation Department at 701 Lake Chapeau Drive or calling 507-377-4370. Swim lessons are still available, but spots are filling fast. Call or stop in to register. Details in the Fun Guide: cityofalbertlea.org/departments/recreation
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Will they be offering discounts on season passes since the season was shorter?
Why is it opening so late?
So glad this isn't Hubby's problem anymore, but if it were, the pool would be opened by now.
In the meantime Glenville Beach is open if your looking for a place to go swimming!
I am glad the repairs are being done now and for the season pass holders, it should stay the same as there are so many things out of the pools control, like weather, just be happy they are fixing it now and there is a pool!
Candace Tovar-sorgatz did you see this?
It looks so nice!
Carlie Lozano
Are the classes that were supposed to start this weekend postponed?
Join Freeborn County 4-H at the Neighborhood Park buildings each week for engaging activities, learning opportunities, and plenty of fun!
📍 Tuesdays
• Academy Park: 10:00–11:00 a.m.
• Lakeview Park: 12:00–1:00 p.m.
• Valley Park: 2:00–3:00 p.m.
📍 Thursdays
• Sondergaard Park: 10:00–11:00 a.m.
We hope to see you there!
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The CVB has made the difficult decision to cancel tonight's concert, based on the latest forecast.
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SAY HELLO TO ALLONDRA AND MAGGIE, YOUR SONDERGAARD PARK PLAY LEADERS! Sondergaard Park, 806 17th St., plus Academy, Lakeview, and Valley parks just kicked off their free summer programs! Drop by any of these locations Monday through Thursday, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., for awesome crafts, games, water activities, tie-dye, and STEM projects.
There is no registration required—just show up and play!
Get all the details at www.cityofalbertlea.org/summer-fun-to-sizzle-in-albert-lea/
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RAINY DAY? BORED KIDS? Head for a neighborhood park! Park leaders are ready to engage grade-schoolers in crafts, games and other fun. No fee or registration required. Academy, Lakeview, Sondergaard and Valley parks offer activities Monday - Friday, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Drop in anytime! For details, go to www.cityofalbertlea.org/departments/recreation/.
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Macy Sonnek
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Four neighborhood parks will offer free supervised activities for grade-schoolers, starting Monday, June 1: • Academy, 910 Frank Hall Park • Lakeview, 102 Willamor Road • Sondergaard, 806 17th St. • Valley, 611 Sheridan St. Kids may drop in Monday – Thursday, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. While no registration is needed for daily activities, they need to have a parent or guardian complete a registration form for the season. Activities will include crafts, games, art, water activities and tie-dyeing T-shirts. Safety matters to us so all play park leaders have passed background checks. Freeborn County 4-H will also return to the neighborhood parks this summer, leading team-building exercises, STEM challenges, gardening and food demonstrations. Youth participants can even showcase their projects at the Freeborn County Fair.
This jacket was found at Snyder Fields yesterday. Please contact dispatch if it’s yours.
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**UPDATE: phone retrieved
Missing your iPhone? We have it and would love to return it to you.
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Bear with us for a moment as we paws to make an important announcement…
After visiting Freeborn County and taking a tour of Albert Lea, Todd the Bear has officially accepted a position with the Albert Lea Police Department.
Welcome Todd!
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I don’t think this is what we meant when we said we choose the bear lol
As a former ALPD Bike Patrol person, he should get a can of Alpo as a treat. Only those old enough will get the joke.
Someone have a class for Todd on combine avoidance. Don’t wanna end up like this fella: www.mprnews.org/story/2010/11/09/combine-kills-bear
Is Todd the bear a career politician?
Alpd: "come out with your hands up! Or we will send in the SWAT BEAR! " Criminals : " The WHAT?!?"
The Right to Arm Bears! 😂 Congratulations Todd, wherever you are!
Oh glad you recruited em!
Andrew Ryan Meet your new partner.
Is this the same bear or is they're more than one roaming
Awe! He seems to be Beary efficient at the new position. Welcome! He is Free born in Freeborn couny
David G Johnson look 🤣
He looks beary cute!!
Lieutenant Todd!
Too funny 😂
Can I pet that dawg? Can I pet that daawg?
Yay Todd has a new job! 🎊
Beary cute
YES!!!!! Congratulations Todd! Don’t forget your home 😉🫶🏻
Desmond Reis
Was there a grant covering this hire or did you let someone else go?
I wonder if he's found the cocaine stash they keep on hand. Now just train him to plant drugs in peoples cars and he'll be on payroll!
These are getting hard to bear honestly guys.... they're everywhere on my feed.
BUCKLE UP. EVERY SEAT. EVERY RIDE. Safety is a team effort! From now through May 31, Minnesota law enforcement is stepping up seat belt enforcement to keep our roads safe during daily commutes and summer travels. While over 95% of us buckle up, unbelted passengers still account for nearly a third of all traffic fatalities—a heartbreaking statistic we can change together. Remember, state law requires everyone in the vehicle to wear a seat belt properly, with the strap tight across the hips and chest. For children, prioritize the most protective option: keep little ones rear-facing as long as possible, use booster seats for ages 4–9 until they pass the safety test, and always seat kids under 13 in the back. Let’s protect each other and drive toward zero deaths.
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As the weather warms up, more of us are hitting the road on two wheels! Since May is National Bike Safety Month, it’s the perfect time to brush up on some essential habits to keep everyone safe—whether you’re in the bike lane or behind the wheel.
Check out these quick reminders on how we can all share the road responsibly this summer and work toward our goal of zero deaths. Stay safe and enjoy the ride!
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Will you tell the young man, that is always walking/walking his bike,on east bound main street, to get on the bike path that is 10 feet to his south?! What is he getting out of that daily, between 12-2 o clock?
UPDATED 2:35 PM - OWNER LOCATED!
Found Property:
The Albert Lea Police Department is looking for any local descendants of Robert E Garin of Selenas, California. His birth year would have been 1924. We have located some personal property that needs to be returned to its owner. Please contact Officer Bassett at 507-377-4489.
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Jonathan Valverde, do you know anyone from the Garin family in Salinas, CA?
Thank you Albert Lea police department for getting it back to my mom!
It sounds like there’s an interesting story behind this…
This is the kind of police I like the kind that actually help
Left a voicemail...I think I know who is the local relative:)
Great job!
Candy Neely you know any Garins from Salinas?
Family listed here? www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-obituary-for-robert-e-g/50806895/
Tornado Watch until 1:00 am CDT
Action Recommended
Attend to information sources as described in the instructions
Issued By
Minneapolis - MN, US, National Weather Service
Affected Area
Freeborn County
Description
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED TORNADO WATCH 216 IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM CDT MONDAY FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS
IN MINNESOTA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 9 COUNTIES
IN SOUTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA
BLUE EARTH BROWN FARIBAULT FREEBORN MARTIN NICOLLET STEELE WASECA WATONWAN
THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF ALBERT LEA, BLUE EARTH, FAIRMONT, MANKATO, NEW ULM, OWATONNA, ST JAMES, ST PETER, AND WASECA.
Weather Forecast and Conditions for Albert Lea, Minnesota 56007 | weather.com
weather.com
Today’s and tonight’s Albert Lea, Minnesota 56007 weather forecast, weather conditions and Doppler radar from The Weather Channel and weather.com0 CommentsComment on Facebook
On this Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15, 2026, the Albert Lea Police Department honors and remembers Albert Lea Special Policeman Judson H. Randall. On November 4, 1899, 51 year-old Officer Randall was assaulted while executing a court order commanding officers to move a smallpox patient to a quarantine hospital. Officer Randall died from his injuries two days later on November 6, 1899 leaving behind his wife and adult daughter. Officer Randall was laid to rest at Graceland Cemetery in Albert Lea.
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Bureaucrats are still quick to order brave men to do dangerous things. Tasks they want no part of. I'd bet there was no member of the Board of Heath anywhere near the ordered incident. They might have caught smallpox. BTW, smallpox vaccination developed in May, 1796.
Smokey the Bear preaches about wildfires, but Black Bear Todd here wants to remind you that YOU can prevent house fires.
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Looks like your new engine arrived? How does Dennis like the Q?
Good job Todd!! 😁
Thank you Todd
Tonight’s training we are out at the City Arena running through our CEVO (Coaching the Emergency Vehicle Operator) course.
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That's awesome
Today we got to visit with students at Sibley Elementary. We talked about fire safety and the kiddos got to see what the inside of the fire engine looks like.
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Krystal Paulson🥰
Awesome!
Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to 1700 Eberhart St. at 12:52 a.m. May 17 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 reminds residents to keep stove areas clear of items. A two-foot buffer is a great start.
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🙏🏻❤️🚒🙏🏻❤️
Thankful that it wasn’t any worse…
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Photos from Blue Zones Project Albert Lea's post
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I still can't figure out why Albert Lea is promoting a social engineering project whose sole purpose is converting the population to a plant based diet. Do some research. Blue Zones flies in the face of everything we are. It is a fraudulent sales scheme.
There's something for everyone this week at the Albert Lea Public Library! Join us for early literacy programs, tween and teen hangout, B.Y.O. Lunch and Learn, and more!
Full details about these and all our events can be found on our online calendar: alplonline.org/events-calendar/
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If your TBR pile is already towering but you still can't resist checking out "just one more" book, you're in good company. 🙂
Tell us, how many unread books do you have waiting for you at home?📚
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These books are officially the main characters of June! 📚
Our top holds list is packed with the titles everyone’s talking about, recommending, and racing to place on hold along with one item in our collection that constantly has a waitlist. 👀
If you’ve been wondering what readers can’t get enough of lately… here’s your sign to add these to your TBR!
linkly.link/2jyZD
Which one are you most excited to read?!
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Who says the library is only for books? ☀️🌿
Our Outdoor Discovery Kits are packed with everything you need for your next adventure. Whether you want to try pickleball, play disc golf, go birdwatching, explore local trails, or set up a croquet match with friends and family.
It’s the perfect way to try something new, spend time outside, and make the most of summer, all with your library card!
linkly.link/2jr6C
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Due to a scheduled update for our library system, our online catalog and digital services, including the SELCO app, Libby, and Hoopla, will be unavailable from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. tonight.
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Congratulations to Rhett, Levi, and Maren!👏 They reached their first 100 books of our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program! Way to go readers!📚
If you have a child that has not started Kindergarten yet and would like to join, stop by the Children's Library to pick up your packet and get started today!
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Congratulations Rhett, Levi, and Maren!📚⭐⭐⭐
Looking great kids!
Join us TODAY from 1-3 p.m. at the Edgewater Pavilion to kick off our first StoryWalk® of the summer!
The Albert Lea Public Library and Albert Lea Recreation are teaming up to bring StoryWalks® to locations around our area this summer to encourage families to spend time together outdoors while engaging with a story.
To see our full schedule, visit the link below!
linkly.link/2ji8V
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Love this idea! We will check it out for sure.
Summer programs begin this week at the Albert Lea Public Library! Join us for Storytime, Science Blast, Art Zone and more! Our summer reading programs for all ages begin on Monday, June 1. Stop by the library or head to our website for more information and to sign up.
Full details about all our programs can be found on our online calendar: alplonline.org/events-calendar/
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Can you guess the book from these emojis?
🤖🌱❤
Drop your guess below ⬇️
Hint: this story follows an unexpected hero learning how to survive in the wild… and maybe finding a little family along the way.
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The Wild Robot
HALF-CENT SALES TAX ENDING: The Albert Lea City Council will vote Monday on ending the half-cent local sales tax in place since 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 it 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.
While plans to seek voter approval for extending the tax did not advance during the 2026 legislative session, the City of Albert Lea and Shell Rock River Watershed District plan to pursue legislative approval again in 2027.
In the meantime, they and several partners continue to raise funds and seek grants for community projects.
Read more about the sales tax issue on the Minnesota Public Radio website: www.mprnews.org/story/2026/06/04/minnesota-lawmakers-reject-all-local-sales-tax-requests. ... See MoreSee Less
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Can ever stop.....end it....
ON THE AGENDA: At its meeting Monday, the Albert Lea City Council will vote on final adoption of changes to pet regulations. The council will also vote on agreements with the Minnesota DNR to bring Myre-Big Island State Park into the city’s wastewater treatment system. In addition, the council will vote on issuing a 15-year bond of $5.3 million to finance several street projects in 2026.
For details, read the:
- Week-Lea at mailchi.mp/ae2856620368/albertweek-lea6-5-26
- Agenda packet at www.cityofalbertlea.org/wp-content/uploads/Final-Packet-06-08-2026.pdf.
To provide input and ask questions:
- Contact your city councilor at www.cityofalbertlea.org/government/city-council
- Attend the city council meeting on June 8 at 7 p.m. on the top floor of City Hall, 221 E. Clark St.
The meeting is also available on YouTube: www.youtube.com/cityofalbertlea ... See MoreSee Less
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REZONE TO MAKE WAY FOR EXPANSION? At its meeting Monday, the Albert Lea City Council will vote on subdividing a 10-acre parcel at 1822 Viking Ave. into two lots, a 6-acre lot that would remain residential and a 4-acre lot that could be sold and developed.
If the plat change is approved, then the council will also vote on changing the zoning of the 4-acre lot from residential to industrial. The property owners are requesting the changes for potential sale to and expansion of Vortex Cold Storage in the Jobs Industrial Park.
The Planning Commission, after holding a public hearing June 2 on the proposed changes, recommends approval.
How to learn more and provide input?
- Contact your city councilor: www.cityofalbertlea.org/government/city-council/
- Read the agenda packet: Agenda packet at www.cityofalbertlea.org/wp-content/uploads/Final-Packet-06-08-2026.pdf.
- Attend the city council meeting on June 8 at 7 p.m. on the top floor of City Hall, 221 E. Clark St.
- Watch the meeting on YouTube: www.youtube.com/cityofalbertlea ... See MoreSee Less
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Need a better detail map. Like a street view that shows the street names around the proposed agenda of the land. Acres involved and why this is being done. Thankyou
Take out that shithole trailer park
This will be an excellent move!
So the gas station and truck center be torn down for the freezer building be destroying people's property to be the largest freezer building in U.S. Why they want to expand? Where did they come from?
Why is that even needed 🤨🤨🤨🤔🤔🧐🧐
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STREET PROJECT UPDATES: Saint Mary Avenue reconstruction (photo above): Crews completed the temporary water service lines for impacted properties and replacement of the sanitary sewer. Work next week will focus on replacing the watermain and then storm sewer lines.
14th Street reconstruction: The contractors have replaced the watermain to the east end of 14th Street. A water shutdown affecting Ventura Foods is scheduled for Saturday, June 6, to replace and install water valves and make connections to the new watermain. Crews expect to keep working on storm sewers next week along with removing the remaining pavement and installing the rock base for the road.
Valley Avenue and Marshall Street reconstruction: With the temporary water service ready for impacted properties, crews plan to work next week on sanitary and storm sewer piping on Marshall Street west of Bridge Avenue. As part of this work, the traffic signal at Bridge and Marshall will shift to flashing red in all directions to accommodate construction. ... See MoreSee Less
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Bad idea to have flashing lights in that intersection i would reconsider.
Check out the latest edition of the Albert Week-Lea. Discover topics for the upcoming city council meeting, get updates on the local sales tax, and read other news. mailchi.mp/ae2856620368/albertweek-lea6-5-26. Sign up to receive the Week-Lea in your inbox at www.cityofalbertlea.org/about-us/news. ... See MoreSee Less
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NO PRIMARY: Reid Olson has withdrawn his candidacy for reelection to the Ward 4 seat on the Albert Lea City Council. This means no primary Aug. 11 for this seat. On the Nov. 3 ballot for Ward 4 will be:
- Charles Alkula
- Joey Neely
For more information about elections, including absentee voting, visit www.cityofalbertlea.org/election-information/. ... See MoreSee Less
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Thank you for serving the community, Reid! I have a lot of respect for you, Sir!
THANK YOU Reid Olson 👊😎🎉 Great Service Sir!!!
Thank you, Councilor, for your work.
This breaks my heart you are such a good guy. Thank you for your service
Thank you, Reid Olson for your many years of service to our great community. We are lucky to have you and your family here. Much respect to you, sir.
Much respect councilor
Thank you Reid for your years of service!
Blessings on you, Reid, as you reflect on the years of commitment to Albert Lea.
Thank you for your work on the city council sir.
Thank you Reid for your commitment to the community.
Thank you Reid Olson, it has been a pleasure serving with you.
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Let's cross our fingers for better weather next week! ... See MoreSee Less
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CONGRATULATIONS to the Albert Lea Daybreakers Kiwanis Club for 50 years of service in Albert Lea! At a recent city council meeting, Mayor Rich Murray, center in the photo, thanked club members and proclaimed June 4 as Daybreakers Kiwanis Day at the May 26 City Council meeting. If looking to make a difference and meet new people, consider joining a local service club. Explore volunteer opportunities here: www.cityofalbertlea.org/volunteering ... See MoreSee Less
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ROCK OUT AND WIND DOWN: The lineup for the season's FIRST Wind Down Wednesday is officially here! Organizers have packed June 10th with non-stop entertainment. Attendees can catch great live acts and activities throughout the afternoon and evening:
• 3–4 p.m.: Rockin' Woody kicks off the day with magic and music.
• 3:30–4 p.m.: The YMCA hosts a mobility training session (participants should bring a mat!).
• 4-5:30 p.m.: Jeff Reinartz takes the stage with acoustic rock.
• 6-8 p.m.: Indigo Moon closes out the night with indie rock.
Between sets, festival-goers can explore a dunk tank, mini train rides, face painting, bounce house, food vendors and free swag bags. Event details at: www.facebook.com/events/927900039883007 ... See MoreSee Less
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