News Releases

Too many distracted drivers send a dangerous message, March 28, 2024
Distracted driving takes away hopes, dreams and lives across Minnesota, and can leave people with serious injuries that tragically affect their day-to-day living.

Albert Lea crime rate continues to decline, March 19, 2024
The Albert Lea Police Department reports that the local crime rate continues to decline with a decrease of 2 percent from 2022 to 2023, based on a statewide crime reporting system.

Into compliance: ALPD and health department inspect local retailers, March 15, 2024
The Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) and Minnesota Department of Health recently brought several local retailers into compliance with regulations on selling cannabis products. No citations were issued because business owners were cooperative in taking corrective actions.

Structure Fire in Albert Lea, March 5, 2024
Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to 1331 Louis St. Tuesday at 6:15 a.m. for a structure on fire that was called in by a neighbor. Upon arrival fire crews found a detached single stall garage fully involved in flames and fire impinging on the primary residence.

Structure Fire, Feb. 12, 2024
Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to 110 11th St. E. Monday at 7:40 a.m. for fire coming out of the basement. Upon arrival fire crews entered the basement area and extinguished the fire quickly. The homeowner was on scene outside the home at the time of arrival.

Get to know the Albert Lea Police Department: Applications open for 2024 Citizens Academy, Feb. 5, 2024
The Albert Lea Police Department invites residents to participate in its upcoming Citizens Academy program, offering an inside look into the daily operations of local law enforcement.

Serve your community and learn about elections: Become an election judge in Albert Lea, Jan. 22, 2024
Albert Lea is seeking applications for election judges for the upcoming 2024 election. This is a great opportunity for citizens to learn more about the election process and serve their community. The city of Albert Lea is encouraging all eligible voters who can read, write, and speak English to apply for the position.

Shape the future of fun: Volunteer for Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Jan. 19, 2024
The City of Albert Lea is seeking candidates for an open seat on its Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. This is a great way to volunteer and shape the community’s recreational opportunities, park amenities and overall image.

Albert Lea Public Library seeking volunteers for advisory board, Jan. 18, 2024
The Albert Lea Public Library is seeking applicants to fill an open seat on its advisory board. This group helps the library connect residents with books they want, the information they need and the community they live in.

DEED announces cleanup grant for Blazing Star Landing in Albert Lea, Jan. 10, 2024
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced today that nearly $2.15 million in Contamination Cleanup and Investigation grants were awarded to six communities statewide. The grants will help the awarded communities assess and clean up contaminated sites for private or public redevelopment and create or retain more than 100 jobs.

Man arrested after stabbing in Albert Lea, Jan. 9, 2024
At 10:25 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9, a reporting person contacted Freeborn County Dispatch indicating his 23-year-old brother was stabbed in the leg with a knife by their uncle. Albert Lea Police Department, Fire Rescue and Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service responded to 1014 Garfield Ave. Upon arrival, responders located the 23-year-old male victim outside the residence and administered first aid. A tourniquet was applied to the victim, and the victim was transported to Mayo Clinic Health System-Albert Lea for apparent non-life-threatening injuries.

Don’t let Christmas cheer turn invasive: Dispose of trees responsibly, Dec. 28, 2023
As the holiday season comes to an end, it’s time to dispose of natural Christmas trees responsibly.

Fountain Lake Bookstore: A treasure trove of gifts for readers, Dec. 15, 2023
With the holiday season underway, the Fountain Lake Bookstore is a great place to find affordable gifts for readers of all ages.

In it for the long game: Albert Lea seeks to sustain rec facilities, Dec. 11, 2023
To sustain its recreation facilities for current and future generations, the City of Albert Lea is considering $10.9 million in projects for long-term maintenance and energy savings at the City Arena, Aquatic Center and Marion Ross Performing Arts Center. In addition, the city would add restrooms near the Splash Pad at the north end of Broadway Avenue. With federal funding of $2.5 million available for the energy-savings projects, the net cost to taxpayers would be $8.4 million.

35 Albert Lea businesses pass compliance checks, Dec. 1, 2023
On Nov. 28 the Albert Lea Police Department conducted its most recent wave of tobacco and alcohol compliance checks throughout the city. Officers supervised decoys under age 21 who attempted to purchase tobacco and alcohol products in 39 establishments, resulting in three violations. Employees of Green Mill, Skyline Liquor and Korner Mart conducted illegal sales. Police issued a warning to one additional establishment for an inoperable driver’s license reader.

Albert Lea, Freeborn County encourage residents to reuse, recycle holiday materials, Nov. 30, 2023
The City of Albert Lea and Freeborn County encourage residents to reuse and recycle holiday materials instead of throwing them in the trash.

Ductwork Fire, Nov. 18, 2023
Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to Jake’s Pizza at 126 Clark St. W. Friday evening for fire coming out of the oven’s exhaust fan. Upon arrival fire crews found fire coming from the fan and in the ductwork for the pizza oven inside the restaurant. The owner had used a fire extinguisher on the fire prior to the fire crew’s arrival and that assisted in slowing down the fire.

Survey: Albert Lea police seeking input for improving services, Nov. 1, 2023
The Albert Lea Police Department is asking local residents and workers to take a survey to help improve its community services. The department will use the responses to establish priorities and allocate resources.

Pumpkins after Halloween: Compost, plant seeds or feed animals, Oct. 27, 2023
Every year, millions of pumpkins are carved for Halloween, but what should be done with them when the holiday is over? Instead of tossing them into the garbage, consider environmentally-friendly and wildlife-boosting alternatives.

Unwanted medications? Take them to the box to protect people and the planet, Oct. 25, 2023
The Albert Lea Police Department encourages residents to bring their unwanted medications to a collection program Saturday, Oct. 28, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the parking lot of Wal-Mart, 1550 Blake Ave.

No injuries reported in Albert Lea shed fire this morning, Oct. 23, 2023
No injuries were reported in a fire this morning in a small building next to the Elbow Room at 310 E. Eighth St in Albert Lea. Upon arrival, Albert Lea Fire Rescue attacked the fire and found that the shed was a small cooler used by the restaurant, along with a large tote full of used oil that had melted and was burning. Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire and began putting out hot spots.

Albert Lea police, fire seek information in arson case, Oct. 13, 2023
ALBERT LEA, Minn. — On Oct. 6, 2023, at 8:33 p.m. Albert Lea Fire Rescue and the Albert Lea Police Department were dispatched to a garage fire at 819 Garfield Ave. The structure fire was quickly contained and extinguished. The origin of the fire was determined to be suspicious.

Jacobson Building: Restored and ready for development, Oct. 10, 2023
The Jacobson Building in downtown Albert Lea will mark its 100th birthday with its rare terra-cotta façade restored and new owners planning extensive redevelopment.

Albert Lea water tower in Tank of the Year contest, Oct. 9, 2023
The new downtown water tower in Albert Lea is in the running for Tank of the Year, a contest held by Tnemec, a Kansas City company that specializes in protecting surfaces and structures from corrosion with high-performance coatings and linings.

Albert Lea encourages residents to reduce, reuse and recycle ahead of fall clean-up day, Oct. 4, 2023
As the leaves change and the air gets crisp, it’s time for fall clean-up in Albert Lea. The City of Albert Lea encourages residents to consider reusing and recycling before resorting to using the city’s Transfer Station, 2506 Richway Drive, for disposal.

No injuries reported in crash of pickup into Fountain Lake, Sept. 20, 2023
No injuries were reported after a pickup crashed into Fountain Lake Wednesday morning. Albert Lea Police were dispatched at 9:49 a.m. Sept. 20 to a traffic crash on Harriet Lane. Upon arrival, officers observed a pickup truck sinking about 30 feet from shore. Two people in a boat came to the aid of the pickup driver, removing him from the truck and bringing him to shore.

Due to drought, Albert Lea urges residents to reduce outdoor water use, Sept. 18, 2023
Due to extreme drought conditions, the City of Albert Lea is urging residents to reduce outdoor water use in order to sustain underground drinking water supplies.

Preventing sewer backups: Smoke testing reveals where to repair system, Sept. 18, 2023
As part of a long-term plan to improve Albert Lea’s stormwater system, the City of Albert Lea will conduct smoke testing of the sanitary sewer system in part of the city today through Thursday. Smoke testing identifies areas where stormwater enters the sanitary sewer system, overwhelming the capacity of the system which could lead to sewage backing up into basements or being discharged to the environment without treatment. Identifying the illicit connections allows the city to plan repairs to improve the system.

Council votes to save historic downtown building, Sept. 8, 2023
The City of Albert Lea is acting to save the historic building at 137 E. Clark St. after the city council voted Aug. 28 to stabilize the structure.

No injuries reported in motorcycle fire in Albert Lea, Sept. 3, 2023
No injuries were reported in a motorcycle fire early this morning in Albert Lea. At 3:37 a.m. Sept. 3, Albert Lea Fire Rescue was dispatched to a vehicle fire in front of 800 S. Fourth Ave. Upon arrival, firefighters found a motorcycle fully involved in flames with the fire impinging on a passenger vehicle. Fire crews extinguished the fire.

No injuries reported in vehicle-trailer fire, Sept. 2, 2023
No injuries were reported in a fire this morning in a trailer being pulled by a truck in Albert Lea. At 11:29 a.m. Sept. 2, Albert Lea Fire Rescue was dispatched to 2808 Bridge Ave. Crews found the trailer had been disconnected from the towing vehicle with flames coming out of the front half of the trailer roof.

Watch for Albert Lea’s few moments of fame in Netflix series, Aug. 30, 2023
Starting Aug. 30, an official Blue Zones documentary will be available on Netflix. Called “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones,” the series will take viewers around the world with author Dan Buettner to discover five communities where people live extraordinarily long and vibrant lives.

No injuries reported in Albert Lea garage fire early this morning, Aug. 29, 2023
No injuries were reported in a fire today at 702 Garfield Ave. Albert Lea Fire Rescue was dispatched at 1:10 a.m. Aug. 29 to the home, where crews found fire coming from the two-stall detached garage. Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire, and remained on scene for about an hour to put out hot spots.

State Aid Overlay work to continue this week in downtown Albert Lea, Aug. 15, 2023
Street work will begin this week in the downtown area. The process will start with Ulland Brothers milling the top two inches off the streets on Thursday and Friday. Next week, they will adjust the manhole and water valve covers to the finished road level. While the work is being done, streets will be closed, and on-street parking will be limited. Once the milling process is complete, on-street parking will be reopened.

11-year-old Albert Lea child dies in car/bicycle crash, Aug. 11, 2023
On Aug. 11, 2023, at 5:13 p.m., the Albert Lea Police Department and Fire Rescue were dispatched to a car versus bicycle crash at the intersection of Bridge Avenue and Marshall Street. Units responded along with Mayo Ambulance.

No injuries reported in Albert Lea garage fire, July 28, 2023
No injuries were reported in a fire at 110 Ermina Ave. N., Albert Lea, Thursday afternoon. Albert Lea Fire Rescue was dispatched at 3:24 p.m. July 27 to the home, where crews found the detached garage engulfed in flames. They confirmed no one was inside the garage and the resident was standing outside the home.

No injuries reported in Albert Lea house fire Sunday, July 10, 2023
No injuries were reported in a fire at 1219 Clark St. W., Albert Lea, Sunday afternoon. Albert Lea Fire Rescue was dispatched at 4:24 p.m. July 9 to the home, where crews found smoke coming from roof vents. They confirmed no one was inside the house.

Albert Lea man faces homicide charges in death of a child, July 7, 2023
On July 6, 2023, at 11:43 a.m., the Albert Lea Police Department and Fire Rescue were dispatched to 504 James Ave., Apartment 104, in support of a 2-year-old child reported as unresponsive. Follow-up communications indicated that the child had fallen down the apartment stairs. Upon arrival, responders determined that the child was breathing. The child was later identified as Ahziyas Bellemy Solo-Dampha, age 2.

No injuries reported in Albert Lea house fire, July 1, 2023
No injuries were reported in a fire at 507 Commercial St., Albert Lea, Friday evening. Albert Lea Fire Rescue was dispatched at 8:21 p.m. June 30 to the home, where crews found fire coming from both levels of the house. They confirmed no one was inside the house.

Join the Planning Commission and shape the community’s growth, June 9, 2023
Serving on the Planning Commission is a great way to contribute to Albert Lea’s growth and development.

Minor injury reported in Albert Lea house fire, June 5, 2023
A firefighter was treated for a minor injury at the scene of a house fire at 1316 S. Broadway Ave., Albert Lea, early today. Albert Lea Fire Rescue and Police Department were dispatched to the report of large fire in the area of South Broadway and Seventh Avenues at 12:18 a.m. Monday, June 5.

Join the Charter Commission and shape the future of Albert Lea’s government, April 27, 2023
If interested in shaping the future of the City of Albert Lea’s government, then consider joining the Charter Commission. The charter is like the city’s constitution. The 7-member commission is responsible for reviewing and recommending changes to the charter, which includes items like the powers and duties of elected officials, procedures for elections and appointments, and regulations for city departments.

Blazing Star Landing in Albert Lea: From vacant and contaminated to developed and award-winning, April 24, 2023
The City of Albert Lea recently won a Community Impact Award for the Front Street Apartments project at the Blazing Star Landing. The award highlights the success of the $1.26 million cleanup of 3.4 acres that cleared the way for a private developer to build a $5.9 million apartment complex.

Work to resume on new water tower in downtown Albert Lea, April 14, 2023
Work will soon resume on the new water tower at the corner of Fountain Street and Newton Avenue. Along with some construction noise and dust, the public can expect occasional closings of Newton Avenue from Clark to Fountain. The goal is to keep Newton Avenue open until the project is complete in mid-July, weather permitting.

Home Town Pride Clean-up Day scheduled for April 29, April 13, 2023
The City of Albert Lea is sponsoring its annual spring clean-up day on Saturday, April 29, 2023, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Albert Lea Police Department: Hands free is hands free, April 5, 2023
Extra enforcement of texting and driving law on Minnesota roads in April
Hands free means hands free – except for the steering wheel – when driving. Drivers in Albert Lea and Freeborn County will see increased enforcement of Minnesota’s “hands free” law in April. Distracted driving is as great of a concern as impaired driving and speeding, according to the Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD), which reminds drivers that holding your phone while driving is illegal.

City urges dog and cat licensing to protect pets and community, March 23, 2023
Licensing pets in Albert Lea is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of both the pets and the community. If a pet gets lost, license tags can assist police officers in safely returning the pet to its owner. Licensing also requires proof of vaccinations. Vaccinations prevent diseases that are harmful to pets and people.

Albert Lea police report lowest crime rate in 5 years, March 20, 2023
The Albert Lea Police Department reports that local crime continues to decrease, and in 2022 dropped to the lowest rate in 5 years, based on a statewide crime reporting system.

Albert Lea 2040: City plans for growing in people, jobs, housing and amenities, March 10, 2023
The City of Albert Lea – already facing a shortage of workers and housing options – is ready to adopt a long-range plan to guide future growth and development. The Albert Lea City Council will vote on an update to the community’s Comprehensive Plan at its meeting March 13.

Study: Pedestrians need to ‘push the button’ when crossing Bridge Avenue at Hawthorne, March 9, 2023
“Push the button to alert drivers” – that’s the advice for pedestrians crossing Bridge Avenue at Hawthorne Street, where they can activate a flashing beacon to signal vehicles to stop while they cross. The Albert Lea Police Department is issuing that advice based on a pedestrian-crossing and vehicle speed study of Bridge Avenue between Hawthorne and Sheridan streets in late 2022.

Logo refresh for Albert Lea? Public invited to presentation, Feb. 15, 2023
The City of Albert Lea invites local residents to a presentation Thursday on refreshing its logo – adopted in 1977 – with a modern font, warmer colors and updated design. City Manager Ian Rigg will give the presentation at 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, in the City Council chambers on the top floor of City Hall, 221 E. Clark St.

Albert Lea Fire Rescue respond to house fire, cause appears to be battery failure during charging, Jan. 24, 2023
Albert Lea Fire Rescue and Police Department were dispatched at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, to a house fire at 203 Giles Place. Upon arrival, fire crews found the occupants outside the home with smoke coming from the west side of the house. The occupants said they had returned home, after being away for about 4 hours, to find thick black smoke coming from the home. They were able to retrieve one dog, but two dogs and one cat remained in the home. They opened the doors to let out the remaining pets, but none came out.

No injuries reported in fire at cold-storage warehouse, Jan. 18, 2023
No injuries were reported in a roof fire at Vortex Cold Storage, 311 14th St. East, Albert Lea, on Tuesday afternoon. Albert Lea Fire Rescue and Police Department were dispatched at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 17 to the warehouse facility. Upon arrival, fire crews learned from Vortex personnel that a small area of the roof, which was under repair, was on fire.

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