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Structure fire at Albert Lea house
Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to 809 Clark St. W. Wednesday, April 2, at 7 a.m. for a reported house fire. Employees of Jim and Dude’s noticed smoke coming from the building and called 911. Fire crews arrived on scene and found smoke coming from the house on all three levels. One person was in the…
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City proposes removal of 4 hazardous structures, including former downtown theater
The City of Albert Lea is proposing to remove four hazardous structures to protect public safety, including the downtown building that once housed the Broadway Theater. The other three structures are houses in residential areas. All four properties are vacant and owned by private parties. The Albert Lea City Council will hold public hearings at…
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Public safety director to retire, Albert Lea proposes changes to police and fire departments
After 28 years of dedicated service to Albert Lea, Public Safety Director J.D. Carlson has announced his intention to retire, effective June 27, 2025. He started as a patrol officer in 1997 and moved up to lieutenant and deputy director before taking the director position in 2018. “The City of Albert has been in good…
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Albert Lea crime rate lowest since 2018
The Albert Lea Police Department reports that the local crime rate dropped in 2024 to the lowest level since 2018, based on a statewide crime reporting system that went into effect in 2017. The 2024 rate continues a decreasing trend over the last 4 years. The overall crime rate – the percentage of population that…
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Albert Lea seeks applicants for Human Rights Commission
The City of Albert Lea is seeking 7 members for its Human Right Commission after putting this volunteer board on pause since the pandemic in 2020. City leaders are reactivating the commission in response to residents expressing interest in serving. Members usually serve 4-year terms, but these initial appointments may be staggered to prevent all…
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Albert Lea Charter Commission seeks new member
The City of Albert Lea seeks candidates for one open seat on its Charter Commission. This volunteer commission reviews the City Charter to ensure its compliance with all applicable state and federal laws. The commission also works to make sure the charter responds to the needs of Albert Lea residents. It meets annually in May…
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Albert Lea, Freeborn County encourage a greener Christmas
The City of Albert Lea and Freeborn County encourage residents to reuse and recycle holiday materials instead of throwing them in the trash. The City of Albert Lea and Freeborn County encourage residents to embrace a more sustainable holiday season by reducing waste, reusing items and recycling holiday materials. The average Minnesotan throws away an…
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Albert Lea police arrest Austin resident for solicitation of a minor
The Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) announces the arrest of Gerardo Noe Guerrero, a 31-year-old resident of Austin, Minn., for solicitation of a minor and communication of sexually explicit material to children. This arrest was made on Nov. 5, 2024, as part of an ongoing investigation by the ALPD. The charges involve allegations of solicitation…
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41 Albert Lea businesses pass compliance checks for tobacco and alcohol
On Nov. 1 the Albert Lea Police Department conducted its most recent wave of tobacco and alcohol compliance checks throughout the city. Officers supervised decoys under age 21 who attempted to purchase tobacco and alcohol products in 46 establishments, resulting in five violations. Employees of The 112 on Broadway, Cento Wood-Fire Pizzeria + Café, Eastside…
