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Make a splash safely this summer: City of Albert Lea shares pool regulations and safety tips
With the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that drowning is the leading cause of death for children 1 to 4 years old, the City of Albert Lea is urging residents to be aware of pool safety and local regulations. “Drowning can happen fast, even when children are not expected to be near…
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2 incumbents, 1 newcomer file for Albert Lea City Council

Three candidates – two incumbents and one newcomer – have filed for the three seats up for election on the Albert Lea City Council. All three will run unopposed in their wards. Rachel Christensen has filed for reelection for the Ward 1 seat. Voters elected Christensen in 2022 to finish the term of Rich Murray…
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Spraying for mosquito control starts Wednesday in Albert Lea
Albert Lea will resume its weekly mosquito control program Wednesday, June 5, after dusk. This year marks the return of spraying following a dry year in 2023. The City of Albert Lea has contracted Mosquito Control of Iowa to handle the spraying service. In case of rainy or windy weather, Thursdays will be the back-up…
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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…