Albert Lea Fire Rescue (ALFR) responded to 418 Maurice Ave. today, March 10, at 6:57 a.m. for the report of a house fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found fire showing on two sides of the house. Firefighters advanced and extinguished the fire. The residents were located at a neighbor’s and found to have suffered smoke inhalation from…

Albert Lea Fire Rescue (ALFR) responded to 17617 760th Ave. on Monday, Feb. 23, at 10:42 p.m. for the report of a shed on fire. Fire crews arrived on scene and found an equipment and hay shed fully involved in fire. Crews worked to make a fire attack, but were forced out of the building when…

On Feb. 12, 2026, at approximately 12:45 p.m., the Albert Lea Police Department received a report of threats made toward the emergency department at Mayo Clinic Health System-Albert Lea. Hospital employees reported that a male caller made statements threatening violence if his family member was transferred to a different facility. The call was received through…

The upgrades to the City Arena are nearing their final stages with contractors planning to complete the new refrigeration system for both the Nystrom and Colstrup rinks in early March. Approved by voters in a 2024 referendum, the refrigeration system is the largest part of the project. It will serve both rinks and improve energy…

At its Feb. 9 meeting, the Albert Lea City Council appointed Ted Herman to serve as the Ward 3 city councilor for the remainder of 2026. In his application, he noted his skills in collaboration, problem-solving and decision-making. Also, as a retiree, Herman said he offers flexibility in taking on more civic responsibilities.  He served…

The Albert Lea City Council voted Feb. 9 to introduce changes to local cannabis ordinances, including raising the local limit from two to four registrations within City of Albert Lea limits. The city has registered two cannabis businesses so far, neither of which has opened yet due to issues with product availability. Other changes would…

On Feb. 12, 2026, at approximately 9:29 a.m., the Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) assisted the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) Fugitive Apprehension Unit in locating and apprehending a wanted supervised releasee. The fugitive was a passenger in a vehicle being followed by Minnesota DOC agents. ALPD initiated a traffic stop near Fountain Street and…

The Albert Lea City Council will vote Monday on appointing a resident of Ward 3 to serve on the council for the remainder of 2026. After receiving many applications and interviewing six candidates, Mayor Rich Murray is recommending Ted Herman, a former school resources officer with the Albert Lea Police Department. Herman also served as…

Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to 923 Lakewood Ave. on Monday, Feb. 2, at 3:41 a.m. for the report of a space heater on fire. Fire crews arrived on scene and found the resident had extinguished the fire by unplugging the space heater and pouring a cup of water on it. Both residents received smoke inhalation and…