Using a State of Minnesota grant to cover 70% of the costs, the City of Albert Lea is completing installation of rooftop solar panels on four of its facilities: Combined, the four solar installations will save a total of nearly $25,000 in electrical costs in their first year of operation. Over their life expectancy of…

As households settle into autumn routines, the City of Albert Lea and Freeborn County encourage residents to manage household waste by reducing, reusing and recycling before throwing items into the trash. Two places to start with reducing waste are food and compostable paper, which make up 25% of everything thrown in the trash in Minnesota,…

For the health and safety of occupants, the City of Albert Lea closed the Quality Inn and Suites at 2306 E. Main St. on Sept. 29. Fire Chief Jeff Laskowske, in cooperation with the City of Albert Lea Building Official and the hotel owner, made the decision to close the hotel after an inspection found…

Albert Lea Fire Rescue (ALFR) responded to 718 ½ Cedar Ave. on Oct. 1 at 12:11 a.m. for the report of heavy smoke coming from a room in the home. Upon arrival, firefighters found smoke coming from the basement apartment of the home and the Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) on scene dealing with a subject…

Former Albert Lea Police Officer Jacob Gibson has been charged in Waseca County District Court with one misdemeanor count of willfully violating the Government Data Practices Act or Rules, in violation of Minnesota Statute § 13.09(a). The criminal complaint was filed on Sept. 21, 2026. According to the criminal complaint, the charge alleges that Gibson…

The Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD), in coordination with Albert Lea Area Schools (District 241 administration), continues to investigate the vandalism reported at Albert Lea High School on Sept. 21, 2026. The investigation began after an officer patrolling near the school shortly after midnight observed a door to the building propped open. Officers subsequently discovered…

The Albert Lea Public Library is seeking a volunteer to fill an open seat on its 7-member Library Advisory Board. To ensure the entire county’s voice is heard, the library – the only public library in the county – is specifically seeking a volunteer who lives in Freeborn County but outside the city limits of…

On Sept. 21, 2026, shortly after midnight, an Albert Lea Police Department officer was patrolling near Albert Lea High School when he observed a door to the building propped open. Additional officers responded and entered the school to search for anyone who may have been inside. No one was located during the search. Officers discovered…

The Albert Lea City Council, Hayward City Council and Freeborn County Board all voted the week of Sept. 14 to send a joint letter that urges the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to complete the remaining half-mile gravel section of the Blazing Star State Trail. Leaders emphasize that the trail has been 20-plus years…