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Beat the bin: Join the movement to out-recycle trash

Freeborn County officially recycled more than it trashed last year, diverting 22,280 tons of material away from landfills. While a major win for the environment, the community still sent 18,693 tons of garbage to landfills, a number that local officials are challenging residents and businesses to cut even more this year. To help increase recycling and preserve land for other uses, take advantage of the following resources. Recycling with no sortingWaste Management provides single-stream recycling carts to residents Acceptable items: Clean plastic, glass, metal, and paper. Note that paper and plastic cups are now accepted. No plastic bags: Plastic bags...

Nation of Patriots Tour May 16 in Albert Lea

ANNOUNCED AT MARCH 23 CITY COUNCIL MEETING: Glenville American Legion Post 264 makes history this May as the first Minnesota post to launch the Nation of Patriots motorcycle tour. This 115-day journey carries a single American flag through all 50 states to raise funds for veterans and their families. Join the festivities! Friday, May 15: Welcome party at the Glenville Legion at 5 p.m. Saturday, May 16: Kickoff ceremony at Bergdale Harley-Davidson in Albert Lea at 10 a.m. Hundreds of riders set off at 11 a.m. May 16, traveling down Bridge Avenue and Broadway Avenue toward Mason City. Organizers invite...

Albert Lea to celebrate 10 years of Blue Zones with community walk

Blue Zones Albert Lea invites local residents to keep stepping toward a longer, healthier life with a community walk on Saturday, April 18, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Marion Ross Theater, 147 N. Broadway Ave., Albert Lea. After a short program on Blue Zones healthy habits, participants will walk part of the Blue Zones Walkway along Fountain Lake and then head for lunch at First Lutheran Church. This event is free and open to all fitness levels. All ages are welcome as long as children are accompanied by an adult. To ensure enough food and T-shirts, please register at...

Assault arrest

On March 21, 2026, at approximately 5:08 p.m., Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) officers were dispatched to a residence on Broadway Avenue South for a reported assault. Initial reports indicated that a 77-year-old resident was bleeding from the head after being attacked. Upon arrival, officers confirmed the victim was suffering from a head wound. Witnesses stated the suspect had fled into a nearby wooded area wearing all black, had bloody hands, and was carrying a metal object. Officers located a male matching the description near Broadway Avenue South and Railroad Avenue. The subject, who had blood on his hands, was...

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Albert Lea receives grant to reduce chloride pollution

The City of Albert Lea has received a Chloride Reduction Grant $500,000 from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to help a local industry switch to a water-softening system that uses less salt. Chloride is a form of salt and thus…

Board of Appeals seeks volunteer

The Albert Lea Board of Appeals, photo above, plays an important role in reviewing requests for zoning variances, which are exceptions to rules that guide land use and development, including building height, size and setbacks. These rules are designed to…

City seeks proposals for developing affordable housing

The City of Albert Lea is inviting developers, builders and other interested parties to submit proposals for developing affordable housing on several properties owned by the city or the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency. This initiative is part of an…

Council to vote on cannabis registrations

After recently increasing its limit on cannabis businesses from two to four, the Albert Lea City Council will vote on registrations for two more applicants at its meeting on Monday: Jerry and Angie Collins of Albert Lea doing business as…

Officers commended for recovering kidnapped child

Chief Darren Hanson, left, honors Sgt. Alex Kunkel for his role in the life-saving rescue of an abducted child. Alex was recognized at Monday's City Council meeting for his tactical judgment and commitment to duty. Officer Josh Knudtson, right, receives…

Council opts for minimum maintenance of City Hall instead of remodel options

The Albert Lea City Council approved minimum maintenance items for City Hall at its March 9 meeting. The unanimous vote came after two motions for reduced remodeling options failed. The council approved $166,750 for re-keying the building, along with sealing…

House Fire

Albert Lea Fire Rescue (ALFR) responded to 418 Maurice Ave. today, March 10, at 6:57 a.m. for the report of a house fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found fire showing on two sides of the house. Firefighters advanced and extinguished the fire.…

Shed fire

February 24, 2026

Albert Lea Fire Rescue (ALFR) responded to 17617 760th Ave. on Monday, Feb. 23, at 10:42 p.m. for the report of a shed on fire. Fire crews arrived on scene and found an equipment and hay shed fully involved in fire.…

ALPD responds to threats of violence

February 13, 2026

On Feb. 12, 2026, at approximately 12:45 p.m., the Albert Lea Police Department received a report of threats made toward the emergency department at Mayo Clinic Health System-Albert Lea. Hospital employees reported that a male caller made statements threatening violence…

Arena projects nearing completion

February 13, 2026

The upgrades to the City Arena are nearing their final stages with contractors planning to complete the new refrigeration system for both the Nystrom and Colstrup rinks in early March. Approved by voters in a 2024 referendum, the refrigeration system…

Council appoints former officer to open seat

February 13, 2026

At its Feb. 9 meeting, the Albert Lea City Council appointed Ted Herman to serve as the Ward 3 city councilor for the remainder of 2026. In his application, he noted his skills in collaboration, problem-solving and decision-making. Also, as…

Council moves to raise limit on cannabis businesses

February 13, 2026

The Albert Lea City Council voted Feb. 9 to introduce changes to local cannabis ordinances, including raising the local limit from two to four registrations within City of Albert Lea limits. The city has registered two cannabis businesses so far,…

Albert Lea receives grant to reduce chloride pollution

The City of Albert Lea has received a Chloride Reduction Grant $500,000 from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to help a local industry switch to a water-softening system that uses less salt. Chloride is a form of salt and thus…

Board of Appeals seeks volunteer

The Albert Lea Board of Appeals, photo above, plays an important role in reviewing requests for zoning variances, which are exceptions to rules that guide land use and development, including building height, size and setbacks. These rules are designed to…

City seeks proposals for developing affordable housing

The City of Albert Lea is inviting developers, builders and other interested parties to submit proposals for developing affordable housing on several properties owned by the city or the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency. This initiative is part of an…

Council to vote on cannabis registrations

After recently increasing its limit on cannabis businesses from two to four, the Albert Lea City Council will vote on registrations for two more applicants at its meeting on Monday: Jerry and Angie Collins of Albert Lea doing business as…

Officers commended for recovering kidnapped child

Chief Darren Hanson, left, honors Sgt. Alex Kunkel for his role in the life-saving rescue of an abducted child. Alex was recognized at Monday's City Council meeting for his tactical judgment and commitment to duty. Officer Josh Knudtson, right, receives…

Council opts for minimum maintenance of City Hall instead of remodel options

The Albert Lea City Council approved minimum maintenance items for City Hall at its March 9 meeting. The unanimous vote came after two motions for reduced remodeling options failed. The council approved $166,750 for re-keying the building, along with sealing…

House Fire

Albert Lea Fire Rescue (ALFR) responded to 418 Maurice Ave. today, March 10, at 6:57 a.m. for the report of a house fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found fire showing on two sides of the house. Firefighters advanced and extinguished the fire.…

Shed fire

February 24, 2026

Albert Lea Fire Rescue (ALFR) responded to 17617 760th Ave. on Monday, Feb. 23, at 10:42 p.m. for the report of a shed on fire. Fire crews arrived on scene and found an equipment and hay shed fully involved in fire.…

ALPD responds to threats of violence

February 13, 2026

On Feb. 12, 2026, at approximately 12:45 p.m., the Albert Lea Police Department received a report of threats made toward the emergency department at Mayo Clinic Health System-Albert Lea. Hospital employees reported that a male caller made statements threatening violence…

Arena projects nearing completion

February 13, 2026

The upgrades to the City Arena are nearing their final stages with contractors planning to complete the new refrigeration system for both the Nystrom and Colstrup rinks in early March. Approved by voters in a 2024 referendum, the refrigeration system…

Council appoints former officer to open seat

February 13, 2026

At its Feb. 9 meeting, the Albert Lea City Council appointed Ted Herman to serve as the Ward 3 city councilor for the remainder of 2026. In his application, he noted his skills in collaboration, problem-solving and decision-making. Also, as…

Council moves to raise limit on cannabis businesses

February 13, 2026

The Albert Lea City Council voted Feb. 9 to introduce changes to local cannabis ordinances, including raising the local limit from two to four registrations within City of Albert Lea limits. The city has registered two cannabis businesses so far,…

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