Local legislators lobby to keep driver’s test exam station in Freeborn County open

State District 27A Representative Peggy Bennett, a Republican from Albert Lea and District 27 Senator Gene Dornink, a Republican from Hayfield have been in contact with Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington concerning the possible closure of the driver’s test exam station in Albert Lea.  Representative Bennett spoke with KAUS News and stated that she and Senator Dornink have been stressing to Commissioner Harrington that the need for the station to remain open is certainly there…

The Albert Lea exam station was closed in March 2020 at the onset of the pandemic, and officials reopened 15 regional stations in May 2020.  Others were added through the fall, including one in Austin in November 2020.  Albert Lea’s office was not among those stations that reopened.  

Freeborn County Registrar Pat Martinson stated that rumors of a possible permanent closure was the result of a recent visit by Richard Pike, regional supervisor with the Driver and Vehicle Services Division.  Martinson and state officials have both stated that no permanent decisions have been made.  At the Registrar’s Office in the Freeborn County Government Center and by appointment, residents can still renew licenses, IDs and permits and complete Department of Natural Resources transactions.  Bennett stated that Freeborn County residents should forward their thoughts on the issue to Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington ([email protected]) or DVS Director Emma Corie ([email protected]).