507-373-1310 115 West College Street Albert Lea, MN 56007
Tuesday, January 6, 2026 • Volume 52, No. 1
Page 2 • Tuesday, January 6, 2026 • FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER ALBERT LEA AMERICAN LEGION POST 56
Fri - Sun $5 Mon $4
Friday - Monday 7 pm Sunday Matinee 2 pm
SHOWING JAN 9 - 12
Tuesday, January 6th
THE HOUSEMAID
Garlic Chicken Bites in Pasta · Burger Baskets
RATED R · 2 HR 11 MIN
PET OF THE MONTH
Wednesday, January 7th
Pulled Pork Sandwich / FF Auxiliary Meat affle pm · Bingo 6 pm
UPCOMING! Avatar: Fire and Ash
Thursday, January th
Text “theflametext” to 77948 for movie updates
Chicken Strip Basket Wine & Wings · Line Dancing 6:30 pm
Friday, January th
Meat Loaf Dinner · Karaoke 7 pm CLOSED SATURDAY, SUNDAY & ONDAY
Downtown Wells, MN 507-553-5713 Movies are subject to change due to Box Office scheduling conflicts. Please check Facebook and CityofWells.net for changes.
Bev’s Friends & Family Tours
BEST VALUE FOR YOUR TRAVEL DOLLAR GUYS & DOLLS
A VALENTINE CELEBRATION Wednesday, February 18, 2026 Chanhassen Dinner Theatre
For the first time in over 35 years Chanhassen Dinner theatre brings you a thrilling and electric staging of Guys and Dolls! From the gritty streets of New York to the colorful cafes of Havana, Guys and Dolls is a grand spectacle of music and comedy to delight you!
AM
Say hello to Missy. Missy is a 10 year old, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. She is a breeder release. She is a gentle, loving, beautiful dog. She has never had a family of her own to love. Check out Missy and apply to adopt!
freeborncountyhs.org SPONSORED BY:
$154 pp includes motorcoach transportation, lunch and performance. Departure: Albert Lea Walmart 9:00 am
Contact Bev for More Information:
507-451-8695 · bev@bevstours.com
Here’s What’s Happening at the Eagles
One Block West off Northbridge Mall Albert Lea · 1-507-373-2464
Friday, January 9th Bar Opens 12 pm Meat Pack Raffles 4 pm
Saturday, Jan 17th
Bar Opens at 12 pm Bar Bingo 1pm - Public Welcome Cancer Meals - Hot Dogs & Chips Serving 11 am - 2 pm Cancer Supper - Baby Back Ribs Serving 5 - 7 pm 6TH AVENUE BAND 7 - 10 PM
Friday, January 16th Bar Opens at 12 pm Meat Pack Raffles 4 pm Burger Baskets 5 pm Saturday, January Saturday, January 17th 17th Bar Opens Bar Opens at at 12 12 pm pm Bar Bin Bar Bingo o 1pm 1pm - bli Public el ome Welcome Celebration of Celebration of Life Life for for Craig Lestrud Crai Lestr 4 pm pm BAR HOURS: MON-THURS 1 PM - CLOSE FRI NOON - UNTIL CLOSE, SAT NOON - UNTIL CLOSE Happy Hour: M-F 4-7 pm - Sat 4-6 pm Support Local Charities - MN Lic# 00060 Pull Tabs & E-Tabs Available
Alden American Legion Post 404
STEAK FRY
Saturday, January 10th 5 - 8 pm or Until Gone To-Go Orders Available Call 507-874-3679 After 4:45 pm Dinner Incl. 10 oz Ribeye, Baked Potato, Coleslaw & Garlic Toast
$
25
00
Pull Tabs Available LIC#00983
HEARING CARE CENTERS Hear For You!
Dr. Frank has worked with 3 of the Top Hospital Systems in MN · Free Hearing Exam · Repairs & Service · Hearing Aids for All Budgets · Accept Most Insurance Plans We service ALL MANUFACTURERS Call for an Appointment
507-594-9087
125 W Clark St, Albert Lea
To Host Major Community Event
Coming Events
Saturday, January 10th
US
CLUB OPEN Tues - Fri 4 pm - Close 142 N. Broadway, Albert Lea
Albert Lea American Legion Post 56
205 W. William St | Albert Lea | 373-1162
Members & Guests Email:albertleaeagles@eagles2258.com
OPEN MENU 4-7:30 PM TUE-FRI
Galactic Cowboy Orchestra – Original Fusion Jazz Rock 7:30 p.m. ($20 Adult + $4 all-in Fees)
Nunsense - Feb. 19, 20, 21, 22(M), 25, 26, 27 & 28(M), 2026
Happy New Year!
Thank you for your continued support of Albert Lea Community Theater!
“Living With PTSD and Preventing Suicide” Free to the General Public, All Veterans, First Responders, and Families
Thursday, January 22, 2026
10 am - 11:30 am | 2 pm - 3:30 pm | 6 pm - 7:30 pm American Legion Post 56 142 N. Broadway, Albert Lea, MN A light lunch will be provided/served by Post 56 Auxiliary members from 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. (A Free Will Donation will be accepted for lunch) Col. Wayne Quist and Dr. Steve Lansing, licensed mental health professionals with more than 50 years of experience, will share insight into living with PTSD. As authors, speakers, and counselors, they support individuals and families through their Rochester-area nonprofit. This community event is especially beneficial for veterans, first responders, and anyone impacted by PTSD—personally or through a loved one.
Tuesday, January 6, 2026 • FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER • PAGE 3
Page 4 • Tuesday, January 6, 2026 • FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER
Happy
NEW YEAR NEW YEAR 2026
y t om n y r r n yo om ort p n op We are r honored onor to to serve s rv our o r community omm n ty supporting s pport n you yo with wt compassion omp ss on and n care r inn every v ry season. s son May the Ma he c coming i g year ea bring b i g you comfort, c f , peace, eace, and a d hope. h e.
We a e h
ed
c
a
e e
i
e
i
i
c
e
g
i h
a
d ca e i
ea
.
507-373-4330
www.bayviewfuneral.com 1415 Hwy 13 N, Albert Lea, MN
To our neighbors, customers, ffriends, riends, and associates here in the community, than thank you and best wishes ffor or a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!
Year New GREETINGS
&
Tuesday, January 6, 2026 • FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER • PAGE 5
NEW YEAR, NEW SPACE OUT WITH OUT WITH THE THE OLD! OLD! IN IN WITH WITH THE THE ROOM! ROOM!
HAPPY
ew Ye
N
Warmest wishes to our community for a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year.
RESOLUTIONS
IT’S A NEW YEAR & TIME FOR A FRESH START!
Need aa Helping Need Helping Hand? Hand? We’re We’re Happy Happy to to Help! Help! Call Today Call Today to to Schedule Schedule! !
Helping Helping Hands Hands Junk Junk Removal Removal was was voted voted Small Small Business Business of the Year lbert Lea -Freeborn County of the Year by by the the AAlbert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber Chamber of of Commer Commercee
Mark Muilenburg, Owner
A new year brings a fresh start—and the perfect opportunity to set goals that support a happier, healthier life. New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be overwhelming to be meaningful. Simple intentions, like prioritizing time with family, staying active, managing finances wisely, or supporting local businesses, can make a lasting impact. The key to success is setting realistic goals and taking small steps toward them each day. Whether it’s committing to safer habits, improving wellness, or finding better balance in daily routines, every positive choice adds up over time. As we welcome the year ahead, let this be a season of renewal, motivation, and progress. Here’s to embracing fresh opportunities, building good habits, and making this year one to remember.
2026 desktop calendars are here!
NEW YEAR NEW YEAR NEW Y NEW YOU!!
Scan & Follow Me on Facebook to keep up with what we’ve been up to!
2026 2026
Junk Removal Estate Clean Up Old Appliance Pick Up Storage Unit Clean Out Foreclosure Clean up Furniture Removal Dump Trailer Rental Minor Demolition Moving Services AND More!
www.helpinghandsjr.com
Pay Pay NOTHING,
$0 to $0 to Get Get Started Started (limited time)
Freeborn County
SHOPPER
Memberships Starting Memberships Starting at at $37/Month or $ $37/Month or $21 i ee Bi-Weekly
WE’VE MOVED ck ! lo around the b
to: 115 West College St, Albert Lea
Come see us at our new location!
Back2Sanity Cleaning LLC House Cleaning (Weekly, Bi-Weekly, Monthly) One-Time Deep Cleaning Commercial Cleaning
2026 $10.00/month
CALL FOR ALL YOUR PAINTING AND RESTORING NEEDS!
BnB Turnovers/Services Move-Ins/Outs Special Projects - Like Organizing or Decluttering
Thinking of Something Else? Just Ask Us!
(507) 318-6742
OHNSTAD PAINTING RESTORE-REFINISH
507-826-3161
www.back2sanitycleaningllc.com
Or Email Us at Back2sanitycleaning2022@gmail.com
Page 6 • Tuesday, January 6, 2026 • FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER
Directory
BUSINESS
P&L EXCAVATING Complete Septic Service Call Kyle! 507-415-3125 or 507-383-3385
www.pandlexcavating.com
Email: office@pandlexcavating.com
Classifieds
Marketplace Antiques & Collectibles
ANTIQUES WANTED! TOYS, RED WING CROCKS, ADVERTISING SIGNS BEER, FOOD, MACHINERY GAS, OIL, ECT. & ADVERTISING TINS, CARPENTER TOOLS, GUNS, WWI WWII VIETNAM PHOTOGRAPHS, MEDALS, HELMETS, KNIVES, SWORDS, CAST IRON FRY PANS, FLOOR GRATES, PUMPS, POCKET WATCHES, JEWELRY, PADLOCKS, WEATHERVANES, CUPALAS, BARN PULLEYS, LICENSE PLATES, CLOCKS, BOTTLES, POTTERY, MAGAZINES, POSTCARDS, MARBLES, CHAUFFEUR BADGES, CATALOGS, BOOKS, ANYTHING PAPER, DECOYS, REELS, RADIOS, STERLING SILVER, COINS, TOKENS, OLD PHOTOGRAPHS, WOOD & PAPER SHELL BOXES, WOOD BOXES,SCALES, LANTERNS, LAMPS, CLOTHING, ANYTHING MADE BEFORE 1960 COUNTRYSIDE ANTIQUES 507-402-0880. Classified deadline is Thursday at 5pm.
FREEBORN COUNTY AND SURROUNDING AREAS FreebornCountyShopper.com 115 West College St• Albert Lea, MN 56007 • (507) 369-2742
Fuel and Wood
Sporting Goods
Apartments
Boats & Watercraft
MIX HARDWOODS FIREWOOD FOR SALE. FREE DELIVERY AUSTIN & ALBERT LEA AREA CALL (507)438-9181
For Sale •Antique .410 shotgun •New in box .22 VHPL DXWRPDWLF ULÀH $200 each, or will trade for a revolver Call Chuck 218-324-1821
IMMEDIATE OPENING Smoke free 1 bedroom apartments in Hollandale! Rent from $785 per/mo + heat & electric. Water & trash paid. Month to month leases & deposit pay plans.
20ft Riviera Cruiser Pontoon w/40 HP Yamaha motor Newer deck and furniture Includes Yacht Club Trailer Serviced annually, stored indoors, solid and very clean! For more info: call Rollie (507)383-2697
Classifieds are an affordable way to advertise your business.
Due to the upcoming holidays we will have early deadlines for classified advertisements starting the week of December 15, 2025 and we will resume normal deadlines on January 5, 2026.
Classifieds are an affordable way to advertise your business.
Machinery & Tools POWER WASHERS in Stock 507-448-3302 TRADING POST Gordonsville
General Notices ATTENTION
If you have question or concerns please contact us at 507-396-4617 Classified deadline is Thursday at 5pm.
507-509-3144 or 507-451-8524 www.lifestyleinc.net TDD: 507-451-0704
Equal Housing Opportunity
Classifieds are an affordable way to advertise your business. Classifieds are an affordable way to advertise your business.
Spacious 1 bedroom 15 minutes south of Albert Lea. $405/mo, utilities included except electric. Background checks required. No smoking! No animals! Call or text 507-456-9514.
Comm. Vehicles & Trailers 1977 ENCLOSED CARGO TRAILER USED AS GAME TRAILER 24FT, NEW TIRES, LIGHTS AND WIRING, WELL KEPT. $2,800 OBO. CALL BUTCH JENSEN 507-391-0418 OR STEVE 218-839-2838.
Recreational Vehicles 2020 Outback by Keystone 22ft, 1 slide-out, Very good condition Stored in winter, bath/shower never used Asking $20,000 (507)383-6251
Want To Buy Transportation Buying Junk Vehicles! Paying cash. Top $$ prices. Will pick up 7 days/week. 641-590-7068
Junk Removal Junk Removal - Old appliances, furniture, electronics, yard waste as well as any kind of Junk from Anywhere! Basements, attics, garages. Free Estimates. Senior Discounts. BEST PRICES Call anytime: 507-219-0727
Tree Service Linder Tree Service
Tree Trimming, cutting, and removal! Boom truck and insured. Call or Text Josh Linder 507-995-7081
Tuesday, January 6, 2026 • FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER • PAGE 7
Mason City Location - Next to Decker Sports
Run Your Ad In Our Business Directory & Get Results! You Can Reach Over 20,000 Readers!
Call 507-373-1310 Today
HIGHWAY MECHANIC The Highway Mechanic is responsible for maintaining and repairing Freeborn County vehicles and heavy equipment and ensuring equipment are properly maintained according to County, State and Federal regulations and guidelines. Must have a valid Minnesota Driver’s License, and ability to obtain a Minnesota Commercial Driver’s License, MSHA Certification, forklift certification, and OSHA training. See complete job description on the Freeborn County website http://www.co.freeborn.mn.us/Jobs.aspx. Completed applications along with cover letter and resume are due by 12:00 PM Friday, January 9th, 2026.
‘24 Ford Edge SEL AWD, 56k....................$23,900 ‘23 Buick Encore GX AWD, 5k...................$26,900 ‘23 Nissan Murano SV, 53k........................$24,900 ‘22 Lexus RX 350 AWD, 56k......................$35,900 ‘22 Ford Edge SEL, 53k...............................$22,900 ‘21 Subaru Forester LTD, 49k...................$23,900 ‘19 Buick Encore Essence AWD, 25k.......$19,900 ‘19 Chevy 1500 Reg Cab RWD, 101k.......$15,900 ‘18 Chrysler Pacifica Touring L, 87k.........$17,900 ‘18 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT, 87k.........$13,900 ‘18 GMC Acadia SLT AWD, 210k.................$6,995 ‘17 Buick Lacrosse Essence, 50k..............$21,900 ‘17 Chrysler Pacifica, 65k..........................$15,900 ‘16 Toyota Prius V, 77k...............................$16,900 ‘16 GMC Terrain SLT AWD, 87k.................$15,900 ‘16 Chrysler Town & Country, 112k.........$12,900 ‘15 Honda Odyssey EX-L, 104k................$16,900 ‘15 Honda CRV EX-L AWD, 128k...............$15,900 ‘15 Subaru Forester Touring, 79k.............$14,900 ‘15 Honda Crosstour AWD, 116k..............$11,900 ‘14 Honda CRV EX AWD, 118k...................$14,900 ‘14 Buick Lacrosse Leather, 107k.............$11,900 ‘14 Subaru Forester, 106k........................$10,900 ‘14 Ford Fiesta Titanium, 119k....................$4,995 ‘13 Lexus RX 350, 131k...............................$14,900 ‘13 Ford F150 Reg Cab, 97k.......................$11,900 ‘13 Chrysler Town & Country, 98k...........$10,900 ‘13 Kia Soul Plus, 183k..................................$3,495 ‘12 Lexus RX 350, 116k...............................$14,900 ‘12 Toyota Highlander SE AWD, 104k.....$13,900 ‘11 Lexus RX 350 AWD, 68k.......................$16,900 ‘11 Honda Pilot EX-L AWD, 127k...............$11,900 ‘11 Buick Lucerne CXL, 52k........................$11,900 ‘11 Honda CRV LX FWD, 111k....................$10,900 ‘11 Chevy Impala LT, 101k...........................$9,995 ‘11 Buick Regal CXL, 99k..............................$8,995 ‘09 Chrysler Town & Country, 79k.............$8,995 ‘08 Honda CRV EX-L AWD, 113k...............$11,900 ‘06 Toyota Avalon, 84k................................$8,995 ‘03 Chevy 1500 Ext Cab, 230k....................$3,995 end See Our Inventory at findcars.com
507-448-3302 Hours: Mon-Fri 9 am - 5 pm
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Public Safety Telecommunicator Freeborn County is accepting applications for a full-time (40 hrs./wk) Public Safety Telecommunicator and to establish an eligibility list for future employment. Duties include answering phones and radios, evaluating information, prioritizing and dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls. Shift work is required which includes evenings, weekends and holidays.
Starting minimum salary: $26.80/ hr. For more information, and to complete an application, please visit the Freeborn County website at www.co.freeborn.mn.us. Completed applications, along with a cover letter and resume are due by 12:00 PM on Friday, January 16th, 2026. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
5 Year Vehicle Loan Special 5
At an Annual Percentage Rate of At an Annual Percentage Rate of 4.99%
Minimum Advance is $7500 Minimum Advance is $7500 430 Bridge Ave, Albert Lea 507-377-1616 Toll Free 877-647-8666 www.unitedecu.com
Page 8 • Tuesday, January 6, 2026 • FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER
New Years Savings
Valid in-store only January 7 - 13, 2026 at your Albert Lea, Austin, Faribault and Owatonna Hy-Vee locations. Select varieties included.
LU 88080
LU 88081
3.48
3.99
16 oz.
16 oz.
Strawberries
Limit 2 with coupon. Limit 1 coupon per customer. Valid in-store only January 7 - 13, 2026 at your Albert Lea, Austin, Faribault and Owatonna Hy-Vee locations.
LU 88082
2.99
Cozy Spoon soups
Master English muffin bread 16 oz.
Limit 2 with coupon. Limit 1 coupon per customer. Valid in-store only January 7 - 13, 2026 at your Albert Lea, Austin, Faribault and Owatonna Hy-Vee locations.
Limit 2 with coupon. Limit 1 coupon per customer. Valid in-store only January 7 - 13, 2026 at your Albert Lea, Austin, Faribault and Owatonna Hy-Vee locations.
LU 88083
LU 88084
2.99
$
8 pk. cans 12 fl. oz.
traditional or thin crust
3 OFF
Polar seltzers
MIA Italian 14" pizza
Limit 2 with coupon. Limit 1 coupon per customer. Valid in-store only January 7 - 13, 2026 at your Albert Lea, Austin, Faribault and Owatonna Hy-Vee locations.
Limit 2 with coupon. Limit 1 coupon per customer. Valid in-store only January 7 - 13, 2026 at your Albert Lea, Austin, Faribault and Owatonna Hy-Vee locations.
January 7, 2026 January 11, 2026
3.98lb.
Hy-Vee Choice Reserve top round roast (limit 6 lb.)
5.00
Good Start breakfast
2 eggs, 2 bacon or sausage, hashbrowns & toast