🌱 What Albert Lea’s 5.3% levy hike really means for your taxes

Good day Albert Lea! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• What Albert Lea’s 5.3% levy hike really means for your taxes
• How a new “Song Bird Trail” could reshape outdoor life here
• Which rock legends are headed to Albert Lea next August?

Also on today's calendar: A Nashville Christmas at The Broadway and 2 more events.

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Thursday: Cold; p.m. snow, up to 1", with a high of 19 and low of 15 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
• Friday: Cold, a.m. flurries; cloudy, temps: high: 19, low: -8.
• Saturday: A little snow in the morning, with a high of -1 and low of -14 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Council approves 5.3% levy increase for 2026 (albertleatribune.com) — Albert Lea homeowners will see the city’s overall tax levy rise 5.3% in 2026 after the City Council trimmed the increase from an earlier 8% proposal. Councilors described the decision as difficult amid rising property valuations but noted the city’s expanding tax base and upcoming projects, including a new officer, GIS position, and planning department reorganization.
   

• 'Song Bird Trail' to be constructed in Minnesota between Albert Lea and Hartland (northiowatoday.com) — Albert Lea and Freeborn County have secured a $1 million state grant to start building the new 15-mile Song Bird Trail along the former rail corridor between Albert Lea and Hartland. Initial work will cover 6.4 miles between Fountain Street and Manchester, with future phases dependent on more grants. The trail will link into the Blazing Star State Trail, enhancing local recreation options.
   

• Six Classic Rock Legends Collide on a Massive 2026 Tour (parade.com) — A major 2026 classic rock tour featuring Jefferson Starship and several other legacy bands is scheduled to stop in Albert Lea on August 7, giving local fans a rare chance to see six big-name acts together. The Runaway Again 2026 Tour spans North America and Europe, with more dates still to be announced and tickets going on sale December 12.
   

📸 Around Albert Lea

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Albert Lea

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Thursday December 11

• Albert Lea High School vs. United South Central High School
  Albert Lea High School, 2000 Tiger Ln, Albert Lea
  7:30 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Saturday December 13

• A Nashville Christmas at The Broadway
  Events at The Broadway , 201 S Broadway Ave , Albert Lea
  6:00 pm

Monday December 15

• SAIL – Albert Lea (M/W)
  Senior Court , Albert Lea
  9:00 am

Tuesday December 16

• Business After Hours
  Wedgewood Cove Golf Course & Restaurant , 2200 W 9th St , Albert Lea
  5:00 pm

Wednesday December 17

• SAIL – Albert Lea (M/W)
  Senior Court , Albert Lea
  9:00 am

📣 Albert Lea Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Thursday December 11

• SAIL – Alden
  Alden City Hall , 174 Water St , Alden
  9:00 am

Friday December 12

• 30th Annual Drive Thru Live Nativity
  New Life Christian Church , 1705 SE Marshall St , Albert Lea
  6:30 pm

Monday December 15

• BB: G/Junior High
  Good Counsel Campus Gymnasium
  4:30 pm

Tuesday December 23

• Albert Lea Tigers vs Cannon Falls Bombers
  Albert Lea High School , 2000 Tiger Ln , Albert Lea
  7:30 pm

Friday December 26

• Todd Michael Jameson Solo Acoustic
  Geneva Bar & Grill , 101 W Main St , Geneva
  5:30 pm
• Casi Joy: Three Oak Christmas Show
  Three Oak Vineyards and Winery , 73505 225th St , Albert Lea
  7:00 pm

Wednesday December 31

• SAIL – Emmons
  121 Main St , Emmons
  3:45 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Albert Lea Area Schools posted a job opening for Substitute Para-educator in Albert Lea. Apply here.
• Pentex Restaurant Group posted a job opening for Taco John's, FT / PT Shift Manager - Days in Albert Lea. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Albert Lea here.

🗞 Nearby News

Austin

• In Your Community: Austin Rotary honors Alice Holst as six-time Paul H... (austindailyherald.com)
• Packers tame the Tigers with big first half surge (austindailyherald.com)
• Freeborn County preps for white-out conditions amid Tuesday winter storm (kaaltv.com)

Waseca

• Holiday lights come to Waseca, bringing Christmas cheer (southernminn.com)

Ok Albert Lea! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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