The Albert Lea City Council lowered its property tax levy for 2026 by more than $200,000, from $9.5 million proposed in September to $9.3 million. While still proposing a levy increase, it would be lower than first proposed, from 8.0% to 5.3%. The council lowered the levy from the original proposal because the final numbers…

At its Dec. 8 meeting, the Albert Lea Council approved a Capital Improvement Plan that outlines major projects over the next 5 years. The council adopts a Capital Improvement Plan every year, which helps identify needs, allocate resources and set priorities for improving infrastructure and capital purchases. The plan includes the following projects for 2026.…

To plan for expanding the Jobs Industrial Park, the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency (ALEDA) is requesting the Albert Lea City Council rezone 12 acres from residential to industrial. ALEDA owns the land at 11th Street and Viking Avenue, along with industrial land immediately to the south. The Planning Commission held a public hearing Dec.…

Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to 2046 Paradise Road West on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 3:18 a.m. for the report of an attached garage on fire. Fire crews responded and found a 3-stall attached garage with a pile of material burning in the garage. The fire had not impinged on the building and firefighters extinguished it…

It takes only 1 teaspoon of salt to pollute 5 gallons of water – forever! Protect local lakes by using de-icer the smart way: For more tips, visit the Smart Salting website.

Albert Lea Police Officer Andrew Thorson took the oath of office at the Nov. 24 city council meeting. He began working for the Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) in July and recently finished field training. He holds a bachelor of science degree in Criminal Justice from St. Mary’s University in Winona, Minn., and has experience…

The City of Albert Lea has decreased expenses for 2026 and lowered its proposed tax levy by $153,000. While still proposing a levy increase, it would be lower than first proposed, from 8.00% to 6.25%, as presented at the Nov. 24 city council work session. The impact to individual homeowners depends on the property valuation…

The Albert Lea community favors either a mixed use of business and greenspace or a full trailhead for a proposed park on Adams Avenue, according to input received from surveys and comments on the project. The City of Albert Lea is applying for a federal grant to clean up a contaminated industrial site at 620…

Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to 1525 Elm St. on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 6:31 p.m. for the report of a garage on fire. Fire crews responded and found a 2-stall detached garage fully involved in fire. The fire was beginning to impinge on the home and everyone was evacuated. Fire crews were able to gain control of…

Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to 2301 East Main St. (Ramada Inn) on Monday, Nov. 10, at 11:30 a.m. for the report of a fire. Fire crews found smoke and fire coming from the first floor of the 3-story east wing of the hotel. Maintenance personnel and guests of the hotel had been trying to use extinguishers…