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New Grocery Breaks Ground
The City of Albert Lea issued a building permit to DALO Construction of Ohio on April 23 for an ALDI grocery at 1406 Blake Ave. near the intersection with East Main Street. The permit lists the valuation at $2.5 million and square footage at 20,275. Contractors started groundbreaking this week at the 3-acre site, owned…
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Exceptions to the rules: Board hears appeals from builders, homeowners
Equity. Public health and safety. Neighborhood characteristics. The Albert Lea Board of Appeals weighs these factors and more when considering exceptions to zoning rules. These rules cover land use and development, usually related to the height, bulk and density of different building projects. To deviate from zoning rules, property owners need a variance, or permission,…
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Update: Award offered in Albert Lea Park vandalism case
The Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) continues its investigation into the recent act of vandalism at Fountain Lake Park, 100 Fountain St. In a significant development, an anonymous donor has committed to a $1,000 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and subsequent conviction of the individual(s) responsible for this vandalism. The ALPD encourages…
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ALPD lieutenant recognized for exceptional service as SWAT commander
Albert Lea Police Lt. Darin Palmer received the Meritorious Award for exceptional service as a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) commander from the Special Operations Training Association of the Upper Midwest on April 14. As part of his duties with the Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD), Palmer began his service with the SWAT team for…
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Albert Lea Police Department seeks community assistance in park vandalism investigation
The Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying witnesses and/or suspects involved in significant vandalism at Fountain Lake Park, 100 Fountain St. On April 3, 2025, at approximately 7 a.m., officers responded to a report of damage at Fountain Lake Park at the intersection of Broadway Avenue and Lakeview Boulevard.…
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Arena construction: Recreation Office moving to City Garage
Until construction is complete at the City Arena, 701 Lake Chapeau Drive, the Recreation Office is moving to the City Garage. The office will be closed Monday, April 14, while staff relocate. After that, residents can register for programs, rent a pavilion, pick up keys for pavilion rentals, or take care of other recreation business…
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ALPD releases more information on death investigation
On April 7, 2025, at approximately 6:16 a.m., officers from the Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) responded to a report of an individual found at the base of a building at 800 Fourth Ave. South. Upon arrival, officers located a male lying on the ground. Medical attention was provided to the male, but he was…
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Structure fire at Albert Lea house
Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to 712 Valley Ave. today, April 10, at 9:56 a.m. for a reported house fire. The resident came home, noticed smoke showing from the building, and called 911. Fire crews arrived on the scene and found smoke coming from the house on the second floor. The resident had heavy contents…
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Albert Lea Police Department investigating apparent fall from building
At approximately 6:16 a.m. today, April 7, officers from the Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) responded to a report of an individual found at the base of a building at 800 Fourth Avenue South. Upon arrival, officers located a 54-year-old male who appeared to have fallen from an upper-story window. Emergency medical personnel responded to…
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With 24,000 tons of trash last year, city and county encourage more recycling
With residents and businesses in Freeborn County throwing away almost 24,000 tons of trash in 2024, the City of Albert Lea and Freeborn County encourage everyone to reduce waste, recycle more and reuse items when possible. At 14,219 tons last year, recycling did increase slightly from past years, according to Freeborn County Environmental Services. The…
