With school out for summer, the Albert Lea Recreation Department offers several recreational programs for kids and families to have fun, stay safe and try new activities. On Sunday, May 31, at 2 p.m., kids of all ages can try hockey for free at the City Arena, 701 Lake Chapeau Drive. The Albert Lea Hockey…

At its May 26 meeting, the Albert Lea City Council introduced updates to its animal ordinance, including a new limit allowing up to 4 animals of any combination of dogs and cats per household. The measure passed on a 4-3 vote. The previous limit was 2 dogs and 2 cats. Other changes include: The changes…

Contractors will begin installing solar panels on City Hall on Tuesday, May 26. On Tuesday, crews will stage equipment and materials in the parking area in front of the old fire station doors on Fountain Street. On Thursday, May 28, a crane will arrive on-site to lift equipment to the roof. Crews will also park…

Albert Lea Fire Rescue (ALFR) responded to 1700 Eberhart St on May 17 at 12:52 a.m. for the report of a house fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found a small fire in the kitchen on-top of the stove and nearby cupboards.  The residents were all out of the home.  Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire and kept…

Filings open Tuesday, May 19 for five of the seven seats on the Albert Lea City Council. The following seats are open: Mayor and Ward 2, 4 and 6 city council seats, now held by Rich Murray, Larry Baker, Reid Olson and Brian Anderson, respectively. These seats are for 4-year terms. Voters will also elect…

After much discussion at its May meeting, the Albert Lea City Council decided to seek more information from the police department on pet complaints, along with more public feedback, before deciding on proposed changes to dog and cat regulations. The proposed changes aim to promote responsible pet ownership, prevent nuisance and safety concerns, and strengthen…

In honor of Screen-Free Week May 4-10, a time to take a break from entertainment screens for more connection and fun, the City of Albert Lea is holding the following events. To help families register for summer programs, the Albert Lea Public Library and Recreation Department will hold an open house on Monday, May 4,…

At its April 27 meeting, the Albert Lea City Council proclaimed May as Motorcycle Awareness Month to highlight road safety. Mayor Rich Murray joined members of the Flatlanders chapter of American Bikers Aimed Toward Education (A.B.A.T.E.) in the photo above to help advocate for rider safety and education. Three motorcyclists have already died on Minnesota…

To help young bicyclists learn how to ride safely, Albert Lea Recreation has teamed up with Blue Zones and the Freeborn County Trail Association to offer a free bike rodeo on Thursday, May 7. The event will take place from 4 – 6 p.m. at the Edgewater Bay Pavilion, across from the Inclusive Playground, at…