City of Albert Lea - City Hall

09/04/2026

PROJECT UPDATES: Marshall almost ready for paving
Valley Avenue and Marshall Street reconstruction (photo): This past week, crews completed replacements of water and sewer services on Valley Avenue from Johnson to High Street. The rock base for the new pavement is complete on Marshall and Johnson. The contractor plans to place new curb, gutter and concrete pavement on Marshall next week. Crews also plan to replace the storm sewer on Valley from Johnson to High Street.

Residential streets: Concrete sidewalk and driveway replacements are complete in the area of Clark Street, Water Street and Adams Avenue. Crews are replacing sidewalks on St. Joseph, James and Frank avenues, and concrete work should be done this week. Crews plan to replace sod next week.

Sorensen Road watermain replacement: Crews plan to continue watermain replacement north of Hammer Road.

Keep following us for updates.

09/04/2026

📰 This week in the Week-Lea! 📰

Catch up on the latest local news and updates in Albert Lea:

🚲 Greener Rides: The Wastewater plant adds e-bikes for taking water samples.

🏠 Renter’s Rights: The Library is hosting an informative community program.

🚧 Project Updates: Marshall Street is almost ready for paving!

⛷️ End of Summer Fun: Bayside Skiers perform their final show of the season this Labor Day.

👉 Read the full newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/a65e11ee74e6/albertweeklea9-4-26

📬 Never miss an update! Get it delivered straight to your inbox: https://www.cityofalbertlea.org/about-us/news/

09/04/2026

The Albert Lea Public Library invites the public to Bring Your Own Lunch and Learn on Thursday, Sept. 10, with the program, “Renter’s Rights” presented by Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services.

Renters can learn about their rights from an attorney from SMRLS. The presentation will review basic tenant rights in Minnesota including information about leases, reasonable accommodations, and tips on how tenants can communicate with their landlord.

The program will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Sept. 10 in the Council Chambers on the top floor of City Hall, 221 E. Clark St. There is no registration or fee required.

For more library offerings, visit https://alplonline.org/events-calendar/

09/03/2026

🚲 GREENER RIDE AROUND THE WASTEWATER PLANT:

Thanks to a $3,150 grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Albert Lea’s Wastewater Treatment Plant has added two e-bikes for staff to use when conducting inspections, water sampling and minor repairs across the 40-acre complex.

The e-bikes can replace many trips in gas-powered vehicles, helping the city save on fuel and maintenance costs while reducing emissions. The grant covers 75% of the $4,200 purchase, with the city contributing the remaining $1,050.

It’s a cleaner, more efficient way to keep operations moving at the plant, which processes 4 million gallons of wastewater on average every day.

Read the full story on the city’s website: www.cityofalbertlea.org/e-bikes/

Martins Cycling & Fitness

09/03/2026

Happy Labor Day! City Hall Offices, the Recreation Department, Transfer Station and the Library will be closed Monday, Sept. 7 in observance of Labor Day.

The Library will also be closed on Sunday, Sept. 6.

Las oficinas de la ciudad y la biblioteca estarán cerradas el lunes 7 de septiembre en conmemoración del Día Laboral.

La Biblioteca también estará cerrada el domingo 6 de septiembre.

09/02/2026

SAVOR SUMMER MOMENTS WITH THESE EVENTS AND PLACES: Daisy Fest in Central Park, Bayside Skiers Waterski Shows at Edgewater Park, Albert Lea Farmers Market at the North Lot, and the Splash Pad at the North Lot. Looking for more? Check out the Community Calendar at https://www.cityofalbertlea.org/community-calendar/

09/01/2026

Close out the summer with Freeborn Jazz at the final Thursdays on Fountain! 🎶
Bring your lawn chairs, pick up takeout from a local spot, and enjoy incredible live music by the lake with your friends and neighbors. Thursday, Sept 3, from 5:30-7 p.m. Fountain Lake Park, 100 Fountain St. 100% FREE!

Experience a great night of community, music, and summer fun before it's gone!

08/31/2026

Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to 509 Minnesota Ave. today at 4:56 a.m. for the report of a garage fire.

Upon arrival, firefighters found a three-stall garage fully involved in fire along with a boat sitting in front of the garage near the alley on fire.

Fire crews worked to extinguish the fire and search the area for anyone related to the incident. The homeowner was home at the time of the fire and was not injured. No other buildings were affected by the fire.

The garage, boat and contents are a total loss.

The Minnesota State Fire Marshal's Office was contacted and informed of the fire, but did not respond to the scene as Albert Lea Fire Rescue personnel conducted the fire investigation.

The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time.

Anyone with information related to the fire is requested to call Albert Lea Fire Rescue at 507-377-4341.

Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service and Albert Lea Police Department assisted at the scene.

08/31/2026

Fall programs are kicking off this week at the Albert Lea Public Library!
Here is a quick look at what’s coming up:
• Nighttime Storytime: Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 6:30 p.m. (This one is moving to a monthly spot on the calendar!)
• Needles, Pins and More: Thursday, Sept. 3 at 10 a.m. (A great setup for adults looking to work on craft projects.)
• DIY Spirit Tees for Tweens and Teens: Thursday, Sept. 3 at 4 p.m. (Get ready for homecoming by making your own shirt! Registration is required for this one.)

You can find all the details and sign up for the Spirit Tee workshop on the library's online calendar alplonline.org/events-calendar

Also, keep in mind that the library will be closed on Sunday, September 6 and Monday, September 7 for the holiday weekend.

Fall programs start this week at the Albert Lea Public Library! Join us for our now monthly Nighttime Storytime on Tuesday, September 1 at 6:30 p.m. Adults can join us for Needles, Pins and More on Thursday. Tweens and teens - get ready for homecoming by making your own spirit tee! Registration is required.

Full details and registration information can be found on our online calendar: Spirit Tees - 4 p.m., registration required.

As a reminder, the library will be closed on Sunday, September 6 and Monday, September 7.