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…

The Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) is proud to recognize Andy Nelson for being nominated for the 2026 Property and Evidence Technician of the Year by the Minnesota Association of Property and Evidence Technicians. The association recently honored Nelson’s dedication and commitment to excellence in property and evidence management at its annual conference. Nelson serves…

ALBERT LEA, MN, Oct. 09, 2026 – The South Central Drug Investigation Unit (SCDIU), United States Postal Service (USPS), Albert Lea Police Department, SCDIU SWAT, Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office and Faribault County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search warrant operation in the City of Albert Lea. This investigation started in August of 2026. It has involved…

At its Oct. 12 meeting, the Albert Lea City Council voted to order a feasibility study to help determine whether to extend water and sewer services in the County Road 20/Richway Drive and Plaza Street area in 2027. Extending services would bring failing septic systems into compliance, improve overall water pressure, and provide water access…

To ensure enough room for emergency vehicles and snowplows, the Albert Lea City Council decided Oct. 12 to designate the north side of Janson Street as no parking. The change will take effect Oct. 30.  Parking became an issue on this narrow street after a business on First Avenue expanded and its employees started parking…

The Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) has completed the preliminary investigation phase of the vandalism at Albert Lea High School on Sept. 20 during homecoming week. The initial phase of the investigation is complete, and approximately 45 individuals have been referred to the appropriate prosecuting authorities for consideration of criminal charges. The individuals referred include…

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…