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Draft zoning law would limit locations for new adult-focused businesses
May 22 open house: Learn more and provide input The City of Albert Lea is proposing a zoning law that would limit the locations for new cannabis, off-sale liquor, tobacco and sexually-oriented businesses. The community is invited to learn more and provide input about the proposal at an open house Wednesday, May 22, from 4:30…
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Traffic crash in Albert Lea
On May 19, 2024 at approximately 1:12 p.m., the Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) was dispatched to a vehicle versus motorcycle crash near the intersection of Bridge Avenue and Westron Street. Officers arrived on scene and located the motorcycle driver lying in the roadway injured. Medical attention was provided and the driver was later transported…
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Emerald ash borer confirmed in Albert Lea
City urges residents to have trees assessed The City of Albert Lea urges residents to have their ash trees assessed for emerald ash borer damage after the Minnesota Department of Agriculture confirmed this destructive insect in many areas of the community this spring. Emerald ash borers kill ash trees by tunneling under the bark and…
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Structure Fire in Albert Lea
Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to 1201 Southview Lane today, May 7, at 9:30 a.m. for smoke coming from a bedroom window. Upon arrival fire crews found smoke coming from the back side of the home. Crews made a fire attack and extinguished the blaze quickly. Crews worked on the scene for about an hour…
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Dive into fun – and water safety – with Albert Lea’s Aquatic Center
The original Albert Lea city pool opened at 321 James Ave. on Memorial Day in 1977 with the official dedication ceremony later on June 12. At that ceremony, then-Mayor O.H. Hagen and former Mayor Niles Shoff cut a ribbon to open the pool with dozens of eager swimmers jumping in right afterward. The pool measured…
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Marion Ross Performing Arts Center showcases talent
Theater’s history continues to unfold The Marion Ross Performing Arts Center in downtown Albert Lea continues a rich and compelling history with plays, concerts and other events throughout the year. In fact, Albert Lea Community Theatre (ACT) sold nearly 7,000 tickets to events during the 2022-’23 season. The City of Albert Lea owns this historic…
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Restrooms for splashers, shoppers and more
The City of Albert Lea is asking voters on April 9 to approve up to $9.8 million in funding to improve rec facilities, including building restrooms near the Splash Pad at 107 Fountain St. One idea for the restroom building is to use a model similar to the pavilion at Pioneer Park. Restrooms would be…
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Arena: Legacy of hockey, figure skating and even dog shows
What do hockey, figure skating and dog shows have in common? In Albert Lea, they’re all based at the City Arena, 701 Lake Chapeau Drive. For almost 50 years, the arena has supported a variety of recreation, proof of Albert Lea’s commitment to recreation for all generations. The city converted the former Lea College Field…
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Too many distracted drivers send a dangerous message
Extra enforcement on Minnesota roads April 1 – 30 Distracted driving takes away hopes, dreams and lives across Minnesota, and can leave people with serious injuries that tragically affect their day-to-day living. With distracted driving still claiming lives and causing life-changing injuries statewide, law enforcement agencies are reminding drivers about the dangers of not paying…
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Albert Lea crime rate continues to decline
The Albert Lea Police Department reports that the local crime rate continues to decline with a decrease of 2 percent from 2022 to 2023, based on a statewide crime reporting system. The overall rate decreased despite the reports of more serious crimes increasing by 11 percent. These types of crime include larceny-theft, burglary, motor vehicle…
