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Albert Lea Police Department seeks community assistance in park vandalism investigation
The Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying witnesses and/or suspects involved in significant vandalism at Fountain Lake Park, 100 Fountain St. On April 3, 2025, at approximately 7 a.m., officers responded to a report of damage at Fountain Lake Park at the intersection of Broadway Avenue and Lakeview Boulevard.…
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Arena construction: Recreation Office moving to City Garage
Until construction is complete at the City Arena, 701 Lake Chapeau Drive, the Recreation Office is moving to the City Garage. The office will be closed Monday, April 14, while staff relocate. After that, residents can register for programs, rent a pavilion, pick up keys for pavilion rentals, or take care of other recreation business…
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ALPD releases more information on death investigation
On April 7, 2025, at approximately 6:16 a.m., officers from the Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) responded to a report of an individual found at the base of a building at 800 Fourth Ave. South. Upon arrival, officers located a male lying on the ground. Medical attention was provided to the male, but he was…
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Structure fire at Albert Lea house
Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to 712 Valley Ave. today, April 10, at 9:56 a.m. for a reported house fire. The resident came home, noticed smoke showing from the building, and called 911. Fire crews arrived on the scene and found smoke coming from the house on the second floor. The resident had heavy contents…
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Albert Lea Police Department investigating apparent fall from building
At approximately 6:16 a.m. today, April 7, officers from the Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) responded to a report of an individual found at the base of a building at 800 Fourth Avenue South. Upon arrival, officers located a 54-year-old male who appeared to have fallen from an upper-story window. Emergency medical personnel responded to…
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With 24,000 tons of trash last year, city and county encourage more recycling
With residents and businesses in Freeborn County throwing away almost 24,000 tons of trash in 2024, the City of Albert Lea and Freeborn County encourage everyone to reduce waste, recycle more and reuse items when possible. At 14,219 tons last year, recycling did increase slightly from past years, according to Freeborn County Environmental Services. The…
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Structure fire at Albert Lea house
Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to 809 Clark St. W. Wednesday, April 2, at 7 a.m. for a reported house fire. Employees of Jim and Dude’s noticed smoke coming from the building and called 911. Fire crews arrived on scene and found smoke coming from the house on all three levels. One person was in the…
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City proposes removal of 4 hazardous structures, including former downtown theater
The City of Albert Lea is proposing to remove four hazardous structures to protect public safety, including the downtown building that once housed the Broadway Theater. The other three structures are houses in residential areas. All four properties are vacant and owned by private parties. The Albert Lea City Council will hold public hearings at…
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Public safety director to retire, Albert Lea proposes changes to police and fire departments
After 28 years of dedicated service to Albert Lea, Public Safety Director J.D. Carlson has announced his intention to retire, effective June 27, 2025. He started as a patrol officer in 1997 and moved up to lieutenant and deputy director before taking the director position in 2018. “The City of Albert has been in good…
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Albert Lea crime rate lowest since 2018
The Albert Lea Police Department reports that the local crime rate dropped in 2024 to the lowest level since 2018, based on a statewide crime reporting system that went into effect in 2017. The 2024 rate continues a decreasing trend over the last 4 years. The overall crime rate – the percentage of population that…
