The Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) is recognizing 44 local retailers for successfully passing recent state-required compliance checks for alcohol and tobacco sales. Officers conducted compliance checks at 47 licensed establishments throughout the city to ensure retailers are following laws that prohibit sales of alcohol and tobacco products to individuals younger than 21 years old.…

Fire Chief Jeff Laskowske introduced two full-time firefighters, Blair Bonnerup and Kyo Htoo, at the Oct. 27 City Council meeting for an official swearing-in ceremony. Bonnerup started with Albert Lea Fire Rescue in May 2024 after serving with the Hollandale Fire Department. Laskowske noted that even as a full-time member in Albert Lea, Bonnerup continues…

With stricter pollution limits in place and changes in state grants, the City of Albert Lea has decided to take a phased approach to upgrading its wastewater treatment plant. Built in 1981, the plant needs to replace aging infrastructure while meeting a stricter limit on phosphorus, the nutrient that grows algae, in its state permit.…

The Albert Lea City Arena, closed to the public for several months due to construction, is back open with a bigger lobby, remodeled offices and revamped skate rental area. Ice in the Nystrom Rink is ready for use! Work continues on the Colstrup Rink. After moving back from the City Garage last week, the Recreation…

At its Oct. 13 meeting the Albert Lea City Council voted to accept the low bid of $374,000 for demolition of the former Broadway Theater at 338 S. Broadway Ave. Dulas Excavating of Wells will remove the hazardous building along with the foundation walls at adjacent properties, 324 and 332 S. Broadway Ave. The city…

The Albert Lea Police Department is releasing information pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 244.052 and 253D regarding a Level 3 predatory offender who has relocated within the Albert Lea community. These statutes authorize law enforcement to share information about individuals required to register as predatory offenders when such information is believed to enhance public safety. Mark…

Albert Lea Police Sgt. David Miller was recently honored as “Investigator of the Year” by the Minnesota Sex Crimes Investigators Association (MNSCIA). He earned the award for his exceptional work and attention to detail when handling difficult criminal sexual conduct cases. Assistant Freeborn County Attorney Abby Ehret nominated Miller for the honor. She noted that…

The City of Albert Lea plans to apply for a $1.25 million federal grant to help remove hazardous buildings and their contents – known as the Merrick facility – at 620 Adams Ave. The city would like to gauge public support for the following three options for the site.