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Albert Lea house fire at 410 Pillsbury Ave.

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…
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Albert Lea house fire: 730 Alcove St.

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…
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Blue Zones founder, long-time project lead to serve as co-grand marshals for Albert Lea parade

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…
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Local sales tax ending, renewal up to Legislature

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…
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Council vote: Rezone land to make way for business expansion?

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.…
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Filings close for Albert Lea City Council: 3 face challengers, 2 unopposed
Albert Lea will hold a primary on Tuesday, Aug. 11 for the Ward 4 city council seat with three residents filing for the office: Charles Alkula, Joey Neely and incumbent Reid Olson. On the Nov. 3 general election ballot, Mayor Rich Murray will face challenger Tiffany Fearing and Ward 2 Councilor Larry Baker will face…
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City of Albert Lea invites residents to serve as election judges for 2026 elections
The City of Albert Lea is accepting applications for election judges for the upcoming 2026 election cycle. Serving as an election judge offers residents a meaningful opportunity to give back to the local community, ensure fair and accurate voting, and gain firsthand insight into the democratic process. To qualify, applicants must be eligible to vote…
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Summer fun to sizzle in Albert Lea

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…
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Council updates pet regulations, including new limit

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…