At its Aug. 11 meeting, the Albert Lea City Council approved two of three cannabis retailer registrations on its agenda: Christopher Gracia of Matchbox Farms, plans to open a retail business at 2316 Hendrickson Road. Cristina Aranguiz of Black Husky, plans to open a retail business at 2706 Ekko Ave. The council took no action…

Community members have created beautiful 3×3-inch canvases for the Albert Lea Public Library’s Tiny Art Show. Check out the exhibit now through Sunday, Aug. 17, in the Fiction and Children’s Libraries at 211 E. Clark St.

Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to 702 St. Thomas Ave. on Friday, Aug. 8, at 11:30 p.m. for the report of a bedroom on fire. Fire crews and law enforcement responded and found a single-story home with fire coming out the front side of the home. The residents were outside with a few pets. Fire crews were…

Look for the Blue Zones Albert Lea Project at Wind Down Wednesday on Aug. 13, from noon – 8 p.m., in the historic downtown. Blue Zones is partnering with other groups to talk about all modes of transportation, including walking and biking, along with local health concerns. Partners include the Freeborn County Trail Association, Albert…

In the Aug. 8, 2025, edition of the Week-Lea: Read all this and more in the August 8, 2025 edition of the Week-Lea. Subscribe to our free email newsletter: https://www.cityofalbertlea.org/about-us/news/

The Albert Lea Police Department invites residents to participate in its upcoming Citizens Academy program, offering an inside look into the daily operations of local law enforcement. Participants meet once a week, learning in-depth information on the department’s policies and procedures. Classes will be held on Monday evenings Sept. 8 through Nov. 10, from 6:30…

On July 30, 2025, at approximately 3:40 p.m., an Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) officer was dispatched to a residence to take a report of a 2015 Honda Civic stolen earlier in the morning from the home. Prior to that officer arriving to take the report, an off-duty Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) deputy contacted…

The City of Albert Lea is conducting a holistic evaluation of its Senior Center, including its location at Skyline Plaza, 1739 W. Main St., Albert Lea, MN. The city convened a team of several community partners to conduct the evaluation, following a process set by the National Council On Aging/National Institute of Senior Centers. In…

The first local registration for a cannabis retailer came before the Albert Lea City Council for approval at its July 28 meeting. Jacob Schlichter of Albert Lea, owner of The Smoking Tree, received a cannabis microbusiness license from the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management on July 17 and submitted his city registration shortly afterwards. The…