The Albert Lea Police Department responded to the local Minnesota National Guard Armory in response to a peddler scam concern. 

It was reported that someone was going through several neighborhoods, soliciting financial donations in support of Blue Star Moms. It was reported that the money obtained was to go towards the purchase of backpacks for troops overseas.

A person matching the description given was located near 506 Ulstad Avenue – the 20 year old, white male, 601”, 180 lbs, short Sandy Blonde Hair, provided Arkansas identification. 

The Reporting Person’s check was recovered and returned. 

The City of Albert Lea does not currently have a Peddler’s License requirement. If citizen’s have concerns regarding peddlers soliciting, it is recommended they do their research before donating &/or purchasing items. 

If you're heading to the Rochester Area Builders Home Show this year, make sure you stop by "Once Upon a Playhouse."

Family Service Rochester is once again raffling off four custom built playhouses. They all have two stories and are finished both inside and out. But each one has its own theme.

     "People who have young kids know they want to get down here. They know they want to see them. They know their kids want to see them. But I would tell other people, if you didn't have kids, you still want to check this out because I guarantee you were a kid once and it brings you back to this happy place in childhood where you just think about, oh that would be so much fun!" says Brenda Walker.

Last year the event raised $40,000, all of which went to Family Service Rochester's domestic violence programs.

Information from Alliant Energy:

With the forecasted large snowfall and drifting snow over the next few days, Alliant Energy reminds customers not to forget about clearing snow and ice from their gas meter as well as their furnace vents and other vents around their home.

It’s important to remember heavy snow accumulation can cover natural gas meters as well as other vents around your home. Natural gas meters have regulators and a vent to allow gas to escape. If the vent is blocked, your gas system could malfunction.

Customers should also be aware of the dangers and risks of carbon monoxide (CO). The risk of illness or death from carbon monoxide increases in the winter. Every home should have at least one working CO monitor in the home.