507-373-1310 115 West College Street Albert Lea, MN 56007
Tuesday, December 16, 2025 • Volume 51, No. 50
STOP IN AND CHECK OUT OUR BUY 1 GET 1 50% OFF GLASS SALE (ALBERT LEA STORE)
Page 2 • Tuesday, December 16, 2025 • FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER
New Ye s ve ve
Fri - Sun $5 Mon $4
’
Friday - Monday 7 pm Sunday Matinee 2 pm
Wednesday, December 31st 4:00 - 7:00 pm Your Choice Your Choice of of Steak Steak && Shrimp Shrimp $25.00 $25.00 $21.00 Shrimp $18.00 SSteak teak $ 21.00 ·· Sh rimp $ 18.00 Chicken Kiev $17.00 Chic ken Kie v$ 1 .00
SHOWING DEC 19 - 22
Wednesday, December 31st
WICKED: FOR GOOD
4:00 - 7:00 pm
RATED PG · 2 HRS 18 MIN UPCOMING! Light of the World
Includes Baked Includes Baked Potato, Potato, Vegetable, Vegeta le, & & Dessert Dessert
Text “theflametext” to 77948 for movie updates
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED by Dec 26th
Call 507-373-7993
Pull Tabs Available Lic. No. A-00213 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.
ALBERT LEA AMERICAN LEGION POST 56
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! $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
Weds, December 31st · 7:30 pm
OPEN MENU 4-7:30 PM TUE-FRI
Tuesday, December 16th
PIZZA
Chicken & Dressing Casserole Burger Baskets · L RY B K S L
And Sandwiches Dining Room Piping Hot Delivery
Wednesday, December 17th
Chicken Strip Baskets Legion Meat Raffle 5 pm · Bingo 6 pm
$1.00 OFF
Thursday, December 1 th
ANY LARGE PIZZA
Cooks Choice Wine & Wings · Line Dancing 6:30 pm
M-F 11 am-2 pm, M-Th 4:30 pm-9 pm Fri-Sat 4:30 pm-10 pm, Sun 4:30 pm-9 pm
NO Quilts of Valor · F SH FRY Karaoke 7 pm CLOSED SATURDAY, SUNDAY & ONDAY
Expires December 30, 2025
Friday, December 1 th
126 W. Clark • Albert Lea • 373-7350
WE DELIVER
CLUB OPEN Tues - Fri 4 pm - Close 142 N. Broadway, Albert Lea
ALANO SOCIETY OF ALBERT LEA
Breakfast
Olmsted Medical Center – Owatonna Clinic
Sunday, Dec. 21st
Now Open
8 am - 12 pm
$10 All You Can Eat
Experience the Difference in Care
Pancakes, French Toast, Eggs, Toast, Sausage, Juice & Coffee
1005 N. ULSTAD AVE, ALBERT LEA
BEST AVAILABILITY IN JANUARY! PICTURED: MICHAEL GRUBER, ANN MICHELS, ANDREA MISLAN, TONY VIERLING. PHOTO BY: RICH RYAN
Services Available:
952.934.1525 ChanhassenDT.com
• Primary Care & Family Medicine • Women’s Health • Mammograms • On-Site Laboratory Services • Specialty services including cardiology, gynecology, dermatology, psychiatry, and more!
210 Oak Avenue North Owatonna, MN 507.935.5601 olmstedmedicalcenter.org
Tuesday, December 16, 2025 • FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER • PAGE 3
Holiday Savings Valid in-store only December 17 - 23, 2025 at your Albert Lea, Austin, Faribault and Owatonna Hy-Vee locations. Select varieties included.
CRAB & SEAFOOD SALE
10% OFF 6 bottles or more of wine
Dec. 1, 2025 - Jan. 4, 2026
10% OFF
Holiday Store Hours: Albert Lea, Austin, Faribault and Owatonna will all be operating with the following hours: Closing at 5 PM Christmas Eve Closed on Christmas Reopen at 6 AM Friday
Merry Christmas from your local
Page 4 • Tuesday, December 16, 2025 • FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER
GET 8
PICTURE PERFECT, NOW
Take it EZ!
FREE
· Blacktop Seal Coating · Commercial Parking Lot Cleaning · Pothole Repair · Line, Stencil, Handicap, & Hazard Painting
BURGERS A $22 value!
Contact Shay Nelson (507) 460-0018 · ezsealllc.com
PICKEREL LAKE TOWNSHIP - NOTICE OF FILING Pickerel Lake Township will be accepting filings for the office of one (1) Supervisor for a three (3) year term, and one (1) Clerk for a two (2) year term. Filings will be accepted at the office of the Township Clerk from 8:00 am Tuesday, December 30, 2025 until Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 5:00 pm. Contact Kathleen M. Toenges - Pickerel Lake Township Clerk 68708 Co. Rd. 46, Alden, MN 56009 | Phone: 507-383-1492
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
YOU TASTE IT Butcher’s Classic Pack
SAVE 57%
4 Butcher’s Cut Filet Mignons (5 oz.) 4 Air-Chilled Boneless Chicken Breasts (5 oz.) 4 PureGround® Filet Mignon Burgers (6 oz.) 4 Gourmet Jumbo Franks (3 oz.) 4 Individual Scalloped Potatoes (3.8 oz.) 4 Caramel Apple Tartlets (4 oz.) 1 Omaha Steaks Seasoning (3 oz.) 8 FREE Omaha Steaks Burgers (4 oz.) 78237XDS separately $300.93 SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE
Order Now!
Scan Now To Order
12999
$
OmahaSteaks.com/ClassicPack7199 | 1.833.897.4133 Ask for your FREE burgers with offer 78237XDS
Savings shown over aggregated single item base price. 8 free 4 oz. burgers will be sent to each shipping address that includes 78237. Limit 2. Standard S&H added per address. While supplies last. Items may be substituted due to inventory limitations. Some products may not be available for sale in your area. Sales are subject to OmahaSteaks.com/terms-of-use. Expires 12/31/25. 24M7165 | Omaha Steaks, LLC
Tuesday, December 16, 2025 • FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER • PAGE 5
Christmas Church Services 315 E. Clark St., Albert Lea
Christmas Masses
Come Together This Holiday Season to Celebrate Faith, Family, and the Joy of Christmas!
Christmas Eve
Wednesday, December 24th 4:00 pm (Children’s Pagent) 7:30 pm (Española) 9:30 pm Christmas Music 10:00 pm
Christmas Day
Thursday, December 25th 9:00 am
Albert Lea Albert Lea
Vineyard Church 6:00 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 9:00 am Sunday Services pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service am Sunday Services
507-377-1412 · 18358 US-69 , Albert Lea, MN alvineyardchurch@gmail.com · www.alvineyard.org
Freeborn County
SHOPPER
ound r a D E V O M E ’V WE the block ! to 115 West College St, Albert Lea
Come see us at our new location!
Christmas Eve Service
Wednesday, December 24th 5 pm · Candlelight Service with Holy Communion ~ Live-Streamed Join Us for Weekly Worship Sundays: 8:45 am Service 10 am Sunday School
Annual Winter Outerwear Drive Jack Frosts Closet, a partner program of AZ-One, is seeking new or clean/gently used WINTER OUTERWEAR and new packages of SOCKS for Freeborn County Area Families in need. Don't have a coat to give? Consider giving a monetary donation! Send to: 72058 Phillip Drive, Albert Lea (mail only) **checks payable to: AZ-One FBO: Jack Frost** or stop by Jack Frost's Closet Distribution site.
Do you know Someone in need? Pick your own winter gear!
Skyline Plaza Sat: Dec: 6, 13, 20, 27 - 10 am-3 pm Tues: Dec: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 - 2-7 pm Thurs: Dec: 4, 11, 18 - 2-7 pm Distribution Dates subject to change EXTENDED MONTHS TO BE ANNOUNCED. OTHER APPOINTMENTS CALL: 507-509-3466 All Children Must Be Present. Not affiliated with any School District.
Tuesday, December 16, 2025 • FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER • PAGE 7
Page 6 • Tuesday, December 16, 2025 • FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER
Kids - You Still Have Time to Get Your Letters to Santa!
Please join us for our Holiday Open Houses on Friday, December 19th at the following locations:
Celebrating the joy of Christmas with warm greetings from the hometown businesses that are proud to serve you all year long.
Thursday, Dec. 18th & Friday, Dec. 19th 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
FOOD RESOURCES IN FREEBORN COUNTY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Wishing you a joyous and festive Merry Christmas filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments with loved ones.
Christmas is a time for family, food and fellowship. Wishing you all the joy and blessings this wonderful season brings!
FOOD PANTRIES
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season
May this Christmas bring peace, joy, and togetherness to your hearts and homes and a New Year filled with health, happiness, and cherished moments.
Ready to Serve You at our Two Locations: 1560 400th St, Kensett, IA 641-845-2990 2792 130th St, Belmond, IA On-Site 641-444-4633 Pick Up Available
From all of us at the
Freeborn County
SHOPPER
Come see us at our new location! (507) 373-1310 · 115 West College St, Albert Lea
Merry Christmas!
We extend our warmest wishes for health, happiness, peace, and prosperity to our community this Christmas and in the year ahead.
Alden Area Food Shelf – (507) 383-6913 – Redeemer Lutheran Church at 191 Water Street, Alden MN 56007 – Tuesday 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Ecumenical Food Pantry – (507) 373-2035 - First Presbyterian Church at 308 Water Street, Albert Lea, MN 56007 – Tuesday and Friday 9:00 am - 11:45 am – eligibility once per month – bring bags or boxes Salvation Army Food Pantry – (507) 373-8776 – The Salvation Army Church at 302 Court Street, Albert Lea, MN 56007 – Monday through Thursday 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm - eligibility once per month United Way Welcome Pantry - (507) 373-8670 – 411 1st Avenue South, Albert Lea, MN 56007 - Appointments available on the web Wednesday - 4 - 6 pm or Thursday - 12 - 2 pm and 4 - 6 pm. Calls are limited to technical assistance only 507-320-3712. Visit the website for more information. Shoppers are welcome to shop once a month. (https://www.unitedwayfc.org/welcomepantry) Little Free Pantry - Salem Lutheran Church at 115 N. Washington Ave, Albert Lea MN 56007. 24/7 cupboard located outside. Find them at Albert Lea Little Free Pantry on Facebook. (https://www.facebook.com/LittleFreePantryAL) Little Free Pantry - Hayward Lutheran Church at 200 Main Street, Hayward, MN 56043. The cupboard located outside is accessible 24/7.
READY-TO-EAT MEAL PROGRAMS
Salvation Army Meal Site – (507) 373-8776 – The Salvation Army Church at 302 Court Street, Albert Lea, MN 56007 – Monday through Friday 11:30 am-12:30 pm Loaves & Fishes – (507) 373-1545 - St Theodore Catholic Church at Marian Hall, 315 E Clark St, Albert Lea, MN 56007 - Monday evenings from 4:45 pm–5:30 pm. Hot meals to-go. Please come to our Marian Hall doors located in the back alley. Trinity Lutheran Church – (507) 373-2466 – 501 South Washington Avenue, Albert Lea Wednesday 5:00 - 5:30 pm or as supplies last. Meals every Wednesday. First Lutheran Church - (507) 373-6424 - 301 W Clark St, Albert Lea, MN 56007 Thursday 4:45 pm drive- through style for hot meals to-go.
Page 8 • Tuesday, December 16, 2025 • FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER
12 Cats of Christmas The
HILLARY
BUTTERBEAN
PUDDIN
SMOKEY
TATE
ELLIOT
DOLL
INKY
BREEZE
TOES
SKIP
HOPE
Now through January 1st, 2026
All Cats and Kittens Adoption Fee Just $25.00 All Dogs Adoption Fee Just $75.00
Wagging Tails Never Disappoint! Give Us a Home Today! For all your pets needs, visit
803 18th Ave NW, Austin 2014 E Main St, Albert Lea
Classifieds
Marketplace
Merchandise Antiques & Collectibles NEED CASH
I give free appraisals of your coins 1964 and older. I am also looking to buy older coins such as silver dollars, halves,quarters,dimes and Indian head cents. &DOO 5RQ IURP +D\¿HOG 507-477-2427 or 507-259-6460
Fuel and Wood
Machinery & Tools STIHL Products in Stock We’re your Stihl Dealer. 507-448-3302 TRADING POST Gordonsville POWER WASHERS in Stock 507-448-3302 TRADING POST Gordonsville
Notices
Apartments
Boats & Watercraft
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
Buying Junk Vehicles! Paying cash. Top $$ prices. Will pick up 7 days/week. 641-590-7068
Put your ad here call 507.369.2742.
MIX HARDWOODS Due to the upcoming FIREWOOD holidays we will have early deadlines for classified FOR SALE. advertisements starting FREE DELIVERY the week of December 15, AUSTIN & 2025 and we will resume normal deadlines on ALBERT LEA AREA January 5, 2026. CALL (507)438-9181 If you have question or Put your ad here call 507.369.2742.
Want To Buy Transportation
Equal Housing Opportunity
ATTENTION
concerns please contact us at 507-396-4617
FREEBORN COUNTY AND SURROUNDING AREAS FreebornCountyShopper.com 115 West College St• Albert Lea, MN 56007 • (507) 369-2742
Transportation
Rentals
507-509-3144 or 507-451-8524 www.lifestyleinc.net TDD: 507-451-0704
General Notices
Tuesday, December 16, 2025 • FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER • PAGE 9
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.
Looking for a home? Look in our classifieds section and learn of great deals for you and your family.
Services Appliance Service
Comm. Vehicles & Trailers
ON THE SPOT APPLIANCE SERVICE
Will Repair most Household Appliances & Commercial Cooking Products. 30+ Years Experience, Reasonable Rates.
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.
Call Orrin Mortensen at 507-214-8099 ANYTIME
Handyman Services
Recreational Vehicles
E.L.K. CONSTRUCTION HANDYMAN SERVICES: Update or replace windows, egress windows & doors. Home repair, remodeling & construction, decks, garages, siding, roof repair, drywall & texturing, concrete. Call Ernie at 438-4307. 27 years experience, bonded. License #BC 710064
2020 Outback by Keystone 22ft, 1 slide-out, Very good condition Stored in winter, bath/shower never used Asking $20,000 (507)383-6251
LICENSE #EA006621
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 Raise your hand if you want your business to make LESS money next year. We didn’t think you would. Do you need to successfully market on a tight budget? Freeborn County Classifieds has customizable programs available to fit any budget.
DON’T WAIT! SUNDAY Call TODAY 507.369.2742.
Burglar Alarms & Fire Alarms & Commercial Fire Alarms. Digitally Recorded Camera Systems w/full 3 yr. replacement warranty.
Sales • Service • Installation • 27 Years Experience
HOURS: Mon - Sat: 9 am - 9 pm Sunday: 11 am - 6 pm
FREE
2314 Hendrickson Rd, Albert Lea
Across from Walmart · 507-377-2773
Pooleys Sarah
LOCALLY OWNED • LOCALLY OPERATED
404 Old Hwy. 65 S. 507-383-1958 Clarks Grove, MN struesdell9@hotmail.com THE QUOTES ARE FREE, THE PEACE OF MIND IS PRICELESS
Independent Living for Active Adult 55+
villagecooperative.com 2201 Stevens St., Albert Lea, MN
Call 507-373-3039 to see what makes us different!
HIGHEST ALUMINUM CAN PRICE! BEST PRICES ON SCRAP IRON & ALL METALS!!
6
NEW RICHLAND, MN PH. 507-465-3789 | FAX 507-465-3258 www.pooleysscrapiron.com Hours are 8am-4:30pm – Monday thru Friday
KA Lawn Care, LLC and Snow Removal (507) 383-7267
www.kalawncarellc.com
Residential and Commercial Services Available
EZ Seal, LLC
Call, Text, or Visit Website For A Free Estimate We seal the EZ Way, so you don’t have to
• Asphalt Seal Coating • Asphalt Cleaning • Striping • Minor Patchwork
Take it EZ
13
MO
Page 10 • Tuesday, December 16, 2025 • FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER
Business Directory The Classifieds
FREEBORN-MOWER TREE SERVICE TRIMMING & REMOVAL Call or Text
507-383-9428 Licensed & Insured
COME JOIN OUR TEAM!
· FRONT DESK RECEPTIONIST · Skills require running social media accounts, marketing ads, customer relations, billing and receiving. Hours 8 am -5 pm · Monday - Friday Pay Dependent on Experience To Apply: Call DALTON at 507-320-7770 8 am - 5 pm or Call for Appointment
1940 Sorenson Rd, Albert Lea, MN 56007
RIGHT ON THE MONEY!
IN NEED OF EMPLOYEES? Trade your unwanted The Freeborn County Shopper items for fast cash with the reaches over Classifieds. 16,000 households & over 30,000 readers in our area!
PLACE YOUR AD TODAY 507.373.5433 507.369.2742 Advertising Deadline:
P&L EXCAVATING
Thursday at 4:00PM for the following Tuesday’s Shopper. Place your classified ad by emailing classifieds@mowercountyshopper.com or call us at 507-369-2742 to place your ad over the phone using a credit card.
Complete Septic Service Call Kyle! 507-415-3125 or 507-383-3385
www.pandlexcavating.com
Email: office@pandlexcavating.com
Run Your Ad In Our Business Directory & Get Results! You Can Reach Over 20,000 Readers!
Call 507-373-1310 Today
THE FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER
110 West Pearl Street Albert Lea Office: 507.373.1310 Classified: 507.369.2742 www.freeborncountyshopper.com
115 West College Street • Albert Lea, MN
Real Estate
FARM LAND
Tuesday, December 16, 2025 • FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER • PAGE 11
FOR SALE LAnL
Manchester Twp - Freeborn County MN
161.7 +/- Acres 143.1 +/- Tillable
Mason City Location - Next to Decker Sports
85.7 CPI
$8500/ Acre
Extensive Drain Tile
Available to farm in 2026
FARM - HOME - COMMERCIAL
JOSH ADAMS
‘24 Chevy Blazer 3LT AWD V6, 44k.........$29,900 ‘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 Chrysler Pacifica Touring L, 71k.........$15,900 ‘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 ‘17 Buick Lacrosse Essence, 50k..............$21,900 ‘17 Chrysler Pacifica, 65k..........................$15,900 ‘17 Ford Explorer XLT AWD, 101k.............$14,900 ‘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 Subaru Forester Premium, 72k..........$12,900 ‘14 Buick Lacrosse Leather, 107k.............$11,900 ‘14 Subaru Forester, 106k........................$10,900 ‘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 ‘12 Chrysler Town & Country, 169k............$2,995 ‘11 Lexus RX 350 AWD, 68k.......................$16,900 ‘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 ‘09 Chevy Impala LT, 67k.............................$8,995 ‘08 Honda CRV EX-L AWD, 113k...............$11,900 ‘07 Toyota RAV4 AWD, 78k..........................$9,995 ‘06 Toyota Avalon, 84k................................$8,995 ‘03 Chevy 1500 Ext Cab, 230k....................$3,995 end See Our Inventory at findcars.com
REALTOR
507-383-4970
& Auctions
Find Buyers and Sellers in our Weekly Real Estate Directory. Reach over 10,000 Homes Every Week with Low, Low Weekly Prices .
Run Your Ad In Our Real Estate Directory and Get Results!
Contact: Sarah Thelen (507) 373-5433
sarah.thelen@freeborncountyshopper.com
507-448-3302 Hours: Mon-Fri 9 am - 5 pm
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
FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER
WEEKLY DEADLINE Thursday by 5 pm
Deadline for ALL Display Ads is 5 pm the Thursday prior to the following Tuesday’s publication of the Freeborn County Shopper.
Page 12 • Tuesday, December 16, 2025 • FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER