The Albert Lea Parks Department recently found a burr oak tree that was illegally cut down on public property along Blackmer Avenue. The unknown person who cut down the 14-inch-diameter tree left it lying in Dane Bay of Fountain Lake. The department removed the tree from the water and is working to replace it. The city…

On June 23, 2026, at approximately 9:18 p.m., officers from the Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) responded to the intersection of Broadway Avenue South and William Street for a reported vehicle-versus-bicycle crash. The preliminary investigation indicates that a pickup truck driven by a 17-year-old Albert Lea male was traveling northbound in the 200 block of…

On June 21, 2026, at approximately 7:39 a.m., an Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) officer took a stolen vehicle report of a 2013 Toyota Tacoma that had been taken some time over the previous evening. On June 22, 2026, at approximately 7:33 p.m., ALPD officers were dispatched to the area of Front Street West and…

Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to 410 Pillsbury Ave. at 2:40 a.m. June 20 for the report of a house fire.  Upon arrival, firefighters found fire showing on the back side of the house and throughout the second story. Firefighters extinguished the fire and remained on scene for about two hours extinguishing hot spots. No one was…

Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to 730 Alcove St. on June 17 at 12:17 a.m. for the report of a house fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found fire showing on the north side of the home, coming out of a kitchen window. Firefighters extinguished the fire and remained on scene to cool any hot spots. No…

Dan Buettner, founder of Blue Zones, and Ellen Kehr, long-time project lead for Blue Zones Albert Lea, will serve as co- grand marshals for the July 3 parade in Albert Lea, announces the local Chamber of Commerce. With Albert Lea celebrating 10 years as the first certified Blue Zones community in the United States, the…

The Albert Lea City Council will vote Monday on ending the half-cent sales tax implemented in 2005 to fund watershed projects. The city expects the sales tax to reach its maximum amount of $30 million late this summer so is proposing to end the tax on Sept. 30. This schedule gives the State of Minnesota…

At its meeting Monday, the Albert Lea City Council will vote on approving a plat change for 4 acres at 1822 Viking Avenue. The council will also vote on changing the zoning from residential to industrial. The property owners are requesting the changes for potential sale to Vortex Cold Storage in the Jobs Industrial Park.…