First place: Paul Hanson and Bonnie Fritz Second place: Barb and Orrion Roisen Third place: Gail Schmidt and Dave Ring Fourth place: Larry Crowe and Jim Fisher Meet bridge master and teacher Patty ...

Community access days at the boathouse and rock climbing gym have officially kicked off in Albert Lea. People of all ages can enjoy paddling and exploring the beauty of Fountain Lake from 9 a.m. to ...

This week I walked into my office holding up three fingers. This is a technique I use to remind myself of things. I’ll be at the front desk and someone asks if we’ve heard back from the electrician, ...

I recently returned from a trip to Hawaii that included seven days aboard a cruise ship. As we sailed from island to island, something unexpected happened. After a few days at sea, whenever I stepped ...

Question: I have a new driver in my house. What advice should I give them when encountering a road rage type situation? Answer: Stay safe if you encounter an aggressive driver. You can only control ...

Every July Fourth, we celebrate freedom. In 2026, we mark 250 years since the American colonies declared independence from Great Britain through the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July ...

When we first learned about the Blue Zones initiative in Albert Lea, I was intrigued. Simply by lifestyle changes, could one really live a higher quality, longer life until the inevitable? The Blue ...

Up: To Larry Larson and Richard Olson. Hats off to Albert Lea residents Richard Olson and Larry Larson, who this week competed in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games and came out as gold medal winners ...

Deputies received a report of theft by fraud at 5:27 p.m. Wednesday on Freeborn County Road 45 in Clarks Grove. Deputies received a report of theft by fraud at 5:27 p.m. Wednesday on Freeborn County ...

The list of graduates of the class of 2026 from Minnesota State University, Mankato has been released. A total of 2,917 degrees were awarded. The number of degrees does not equal the number of ...

Store owners Kim Zenk and Katie Hebblewhite on Thursday began the grand opening for the new location of their sewing business, Granny’s Legacy Patterns. Store owners Kim Zenk and Katie Hebblewhite on ...

Voting in Minnesota’s Aug. 11 primary election began Friday. In the primary, voters choose candidates to appear on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. Voting in Minnesota’s Aug. 11 primary election ...