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Albert Lea House Fire

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…
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Look for Blue Zones at Wind Down Wednesday

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…
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Step into a police officer’s shoes: ALPD Citizens Academy

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…
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Vehicle pursuit

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…
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City seeking proposals for Senior Center

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…
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Update on cannabis registration

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…
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Get active and social with Thursday walking group
Blue Zones Albert Lea invites residents of all ages to join a group that will walk from Eastgate Park to Fountain Lake Park for the free concert series, Thursdays on Fountain. Participants will meet at Eastgate Park, 1108 Eastgate Road, at 4:45 p.m. Thursdays, starting July 24, to walk to Fountain Lake Park, 100 Fountain…
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Albert Lea set to register first cannabis retailer
The City of Albert Lea is set to register its first cannabis retailer. 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 completed his city registration shortly afterwards. The registration is subject to approval by the Albert Lea…
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In Honor of Parks and Recreation Month

A big thank you to the members of the Parks and Recreation Board who volunteer their time every month to advise the City Council on park amenities, recreation programs and so much more. Mayor Rich Murray recently visited the board to recognize their efforts. In the top row, from left, are Board Chair Steve Ball,…