In the Nov. 3 general election, Albert Lea voters chose a new member for their city council: Joey Neely will represent Ward 4. Neely was elected with 721 votes (68.7%), compared to challenger Charles Alkula, who received 325 votes (30.9%). The current councilor, Reid Olson, opted to step down at the end of his current…

Captain Kurt Wallace of Albert Lea Fire Rescue recently returned from the Firefighter World Championship in Las Vegas with three medals, a new Minnesota state record, and a top-tier standing on the global stage. The elite competition brought together athletes representing more than 21 countries with 381 medals awarded across all divisions. “The grueling nature…

At its Oct. 26 meeting, the Albert Lea City Council approved a joint powers agreement with the Shell Rock River Watershed District to restore the channel between Fountain and Albert Lea lakes. The watershed district has secured more than $5.5 million in state funding for the project and aims to: As part of the project,…

Albert Lea voters will decide on the following city council seats in the general election on Nov. 3: What’s on your ballot? Where do you vote? How do you register? Visit the Secretary of State website. How can you learn more about the candidates?

The Albert Lea City Council will vote at its meeting Monday on a joint powers agreement with the Shell Rock River Watershed District for restoring the channel between Fountain and Albert Lea lakes.The watershed district has received $5.9 million in state funding, from the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council and Legislative-Citizens Commission on Minnesota Resources, for…

On Oct. 22, 2026, at approximately 11:15 p.m., Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) officers were dispatched to the Albert Lea Inn and Suites, 2301 East Main St., in regards to an active assault with a weapon. Initial reports indicated that a male subject was going after another male subject with a knife, who was reportedly…

Albert Lea Chief Jeff Laskowske (center) accepts the Fire Officer of the Year award from Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association President Greg Peterson (left) and Vice President Justin Sherwood (right). Albert Lea Fire Chief Jeff Laskowske recently received the Fire Officer of the Year award, for cities with  populations over 10,000, at the Minnesota State…

The Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) is proud to recognize Andy Nelson for being nominated for the 2026 Property and Evidence Technician of the Year by the Minnesota Association of Property and Evidence Technicians. The association recently honored Nelson’s dedication and commitment to excellence in property and evidence management at its annual conference. Nelson serves…

ALBERT LEA, MN, Oct. 09, 2026 – The South Central Drug Investigation Unit (SCDIU), United States Postal Service (USPS), Albert Lea Police Department, SCDIU SWAT, Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office and Faribault County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search warrant operation in the City of Albert Lea. This investigation started in August of 2026. It has involved…

At its Oct. 12 meeting, the Albert Lea City Council voted to order a feasibility study to help determine whether to extend water and sewer services in the County Road 20/Richway Drive and Plaza Street area in 2027. Extending services would bring failing septic systems into compliance, improve overall water pressure, and provide water access…