ALLETE has entered an agreement to be acquired by a partnership led by Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and Global Infrastructure Partners and start the process to become a private company. Learn more at www.ALLETEforward.com.

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, DC 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 DATE OF REPORT (DATE OF EARLIEST EVENT REPORTED) - JANUARY 23, 2002 ALLETE, INC. A Minnesota Corporation Commission File No. 1-3548 IRS Employer Identification No. 41-0418150 30 West Superior Street Duluth, Minnesota 55802-2093 Telephone - (218) 279-5000

ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS. Reference is made to the 2000 Form 10-K of ALLETE, Inc. (ALLETE) for background information on the following update. Ref. Page 37 - Executive Officers of the Registrant Ref. 8-K dated and filed August 29, 2001 On January 23, 2003 the ALLETE Board of Directors elected David Gartzke to the positions of chairman of the board and chief executive officer of ALLETE. Mr. Gartzke retains his current title as president of ALLETE. Arend Sandbulte stepped down from the position of chairman of the board and will be retiring from the board in May 2002 pursuant to the board's retirement policy. ALLETE Form 8-K dated January 25, 2002 1

SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. ALLETE, Inc. January 25, 2002 James K. Vizanko --------------------------------------------- James K. Vizanko Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer 2 ALLETE Form 8-K dated January 25, 2002