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As Temps Drop Problems Come with Garage Doors

As Temps Drop Problems Come with Garage Doors

As temperatures begin to drop – albeit slowly – the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) is offering some tips on choosing a garage door repair company. Though there are many reputable firms to choose from, the garage door industry has historically had some issues; typically with non-local businesses claiming a local connection.

“Most business owners know that many customers prefer to deal with a local company,” said Dana Badgerow, president and CEO of the BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota. “To capitalize on that, some out of state firms purchase local phone numbers which re-direct to call centers elsewhere. While this practice is not uncommon, we prefer it when companies are upfront about their location and clear in regard to their local presence.”

To help consumers avoid problems and find reputable companies, the BBB offers these tips on hiring a garage door repair firm: 

Broadway Avenue Streetscape Meeting Planned

Broadway Avenue Streetscape Meeting Planned

The Broadway Avenue Streetscape Committee will meet again next Wednesday.

The subcommittee visited several different cities that have recently completed downtown improvement or streetscaping projects.  They will take that information and their observations and report what they learned at this meeting.

This will be the main topic of discussion.

The Streetscape Design Committee meeting is scheduled for next Wednesday, August 29th at 7:00 pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

Bolton & Menk, an engineering firm from Mankato, and Jones, Haugh & Smith, an Albert Lea engineering and surveying firm were chosen by the City Council to prepare construction plans for the Broadway Avenue reconstruction and streetscape project.

Backpacks Distributed To Freeborn County Kids In Need

Backpacks Distributed To Freeborn County Kids In Need

Backpacks that are filled with school supplies will be given to kids in need in Albert Lea this week.

The Salvation Army of Freeborn County is helping to make the start of school better for all children.

Starting on Monday, low income parents can sign up for back to school assistance.

When you arrive at the Salvation Army in Albert Lea, you must bring proof of income and proof that your kids attend school in Freeborn County.

The backpacks will be given out all week.
 

Freeborn County Fair Begins

Freeborn County Fair Begins

The Freeborn County Fair begins Tuesday, July 31st.  At this year's fair, expect to see live musical acts and crafts on display.

It begins with entry day on Tuesday.  Wednesday is Senior Citizens Day.  Saturday is Kids Day at the fair.

New in the Fairlane Building this year, "Touch Of Broadway Shows."  This new event features local talent that will perform on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

2012 Live Music At Grandstand: All Shows Start at 8:30 p.m.

  • Tuesday - Colt Ford
  • Wednesday - Kip Moore
  • Thursday - Thompson Square
  • Friday - Charley Pride
  • Saturday - Lonestar

If you go:

Give Your Thoughts On Albert Lea's "Bump-Out" Plan

Give Your Thoughts On Albert Lea's "Bump-Out" Plan

Based on public input, the Broadway Avenue Streetscape design team is advancing the intersection bump-out configurations that were presented at public meetings.

City public works staff  have marked the outline of the bump-outs at the Broadway Avenue/William Street intersection with cones so that business owners, drivers and pedestrians can better visualize the area that they will encompass.

More information can be found on the project's website

If you have any comments on the plan, please contact Director of Public Works, Steven Jahnke, 507-377-4325 or email sjahnke@city.albertlea.org

Albert Lea Could Create Director Of Public Safety Position

Albert Lea Could Create Director Of Public Safety Position

Albert Lea City Manager Chad Adams is recommending the City Council appoint Police Chief Dwaine Winkels as Director of Public Safety.

Chief Winkels has been with the City of Albert Lea for 27 years, the past seven as Chief of Police. He has been serving as Interim Fire Chief for the past 13 months.

City Manager Adams says, "Over the past year I have taken the opportunity to meet with the Fire and Inspection department members, take part in the Fire Services study, evaluate different leadership structures for the department, as well as work with Interim Fire Chief Dwaine Winkels on Fire and Inspection Department needs and issues.  I believe that Mr. Winkels has provided strong leadership, communication, interpersonal, team-building, and strategic planning skills that are needed to lead the Fire and Inspections Department and to implement a number of recommendations outlined in the Fire Services Study."

Albert Lea To Hold First Wind Down Wednesday

Albert Lea To Hold First Wind Down Wednesday

Albert Lea's first Wind Down Wednesday Summer Market and Music Festival is Wednesday, June 18.

There will be food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, and local entertainment with live music throughout the day.

If you go:

  • 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
  • Broadway Avenue, downtown Albert Lea

Entertaiment on June 18th includes:

  • Andrea Jietz
  • Paul Christian
  • Indescrepency
  • Megan Kirsch, Oceanna Snyder
  • Bob Tewes
  • Lille Nielsen
  • Riptide
  • Adam Wollenburg
  • Steve Sullivan & The Factory

The next Wind Down Wednesday Summer Market and Music Festival will be August 15.