Former Albert Lea Police Officer Jacob Gibson has been charged in Waseca County District Court with one misdemeanor count of willfully violating the Government Data Practices Act or Rules, in violation of Minnesota Statute § 13.09(a). The criminal complaint was filed on Sept. 21, 2026. According to the criminal complaint, the charge alleges that Gibson…

The Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD), in coordination with Albert Lea Area Schools (District 241 administration), continues to investigate the vandalism reported at Albert Lea High School on Sept. 21, 2026. The investigation began after an officer patrolling near the school shortly after midnight observed a door to the building propped open. Officers subsequently discovered…

The Albert Lea Public Library is seeking a volunteer to fill an open seat on its 7-member Library Advisory Board. To ensure the entire county’s voice is heard, the library – the only public library in the county – is specifically seeking a volunteer who lives in Freeborn County but outside the city limits of…

On Sept. 21, 2026, shortly after midnight, an Albert Lea Police Department officer was patrolling near Albert Lea High School when he observed a door to the building propped open. Additional officers responded and entered the school to search for anyone who may have been inside. No one was located during the search. Officers discovered…

The Albert Lea City Council, Hayward City Council and Freeborn County Board all voted the week of Sept. 14 to send a joint letter that urges the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to complete the remaining half-mile gravel section of the Blazing Star State Trail. Leaders emphasize that the trail has been 20-plus years…

On Sept. 15, 2026, at approximately 9:11 p.m., officers with the Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) were dispatched to the 1000 block of South Broadway Avenue following a report of a possible stabbing. Initial information indicated that a man had entered a nearby business to report that a stabbing may have occurred at a nearby…

As contracted by the City of Albert Lea, the Front Street bridge is undergoing repairs (map below). Workers are chipping away deteriorated concrete around the bridge pilings and will then apply a high-performance epoxy coating to help prevent wave and ice damage. Look for traffic changes over the next 2-3 weeks. Follow the City of…

At its Sept. 14 meeting, the Albert Lea City Council will consider a resolution  to send a joint letter with Freeborn County and City of Hayward calling on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to pave the remaining half-mile gravel section of the Blazing Star State Trail. The trail reached a major milestone in…

Lane Ohl, WWTP maintenance worker, tests out one of the e-bikes. At Albert Lea’s Wastewater Treatment Plant, getting around the 40-acre facility is looking a little different. Instead of firing up a four-wheeler or climbing into a pickup, wastewater staff can now hop on an electric bike, thanks to a state grant. The City of…