507-373-1310 115 West College Street Albert Lea, MN 56007
Tuesday, December 23, 2025 • Volume 51, No. 51
Holiday Savings Valid in-store only December 24 - 30, 2025 at your Albert Lea, Austin, Faribault and Owatonna Hy-Vee locations. Select varieties included.
LU 87906
NEW YEARS EVE BALLOON DROP
1 DAY ONLY! December 29, V2025 L SA
E U F
EARN
30
DECEMBER 31, 2025
OWATONNA 12 PM
¢
E R OFF G A L LO
FOR KID’S 12 & UNDER. NOT A MEMBER OF KIDS CLUB? SIGN UP WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE EVENTS.
N
AUSTIN 12 PM
P
ALBERT LEA 12 PM
ER
with $30 purchase Valid in store and online orders placed on Monday, December 29. Minimum $30 purchase required. Non-stackable. Some exclusions apply. See store for details. Limit 1. For online orders, use code: TCDEC2925
5.00
Have a Good Start to your day at
Good Start breakfast
2 eggs, 2 bacon or sausage, hashbrowns & toast
December 26, 2025 - January 11, 2026
Transfer your prescription and save!
1 LU 95598
25
$
FREE 25 Hy-Vee gift card
$
WHEN YOU TRANSFER & FILL A PRESCRIPTION
Valid through March 3, 2026. See Hy-Vee.com for restrictions.
2 LU 95599
25
$
FREE 3 $
25 Hy-Vee gift card
AFTER 2ND FILL OF TRANSFERRED PRESCRIPTION
Valid through June 3, 2026. See Hy-Vee.com for restrictions.
LU 95600
FREE 50 Hy-Vee gift card
$
AFTER 3RD FILL OF TRANSFERRED PRESCRIPTION
Valid through August 30, 2026. See Hy-Vee.com for restrictions.
Valid through August 30, 2026. See Hy-Vee.com for restrictions. Limit 1 offer per household. Purchase required. Restrictions apply. See store and Hy-Vee.com for details. Transfer of prescription from a non-Hy-Vee pharmacy is required. Beneficiaries of government-funded health care programs, including but not limited to Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE and SCHIP, are not eligible for this offer. Beneficiaries of the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program are eligible, unless transferring a controlled substance prescription. Controlled substances may not be eligible for this offer. No cash value. This coupon must be presented to pharmacist at time of prescription pick up. May not be applied towards prescription copays, coinsurance, or deductibles. Valid at your Albert Lea, Austin, Faribault and Owatonna Hy-Vee locations.
Page 2 • Tuesday, December 23, 2025 • FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER
Here’s What’s Happening at the Eagles
205 W. William St | Albert Lea | 373-1162
Members & Guests Email:albertleaeagles@eagles2258.com
Wednesday, December t Wednesday, December 24th
Christmas Eve Christmas Eve - Club Club Closes Closes at at 4 4 pm pm Club Closed Club Closed Christmas Christmas Day Day
Friday, December 26th Bar Opens 12 pm Meat Pack Raffles 4 pm
Saturday, December 27th
Bar Opens at 12 pm Bar Bingo 1pm - Public Welcome
Fri - Sun $5 Mon $4
Friday - Monday 7 pm Sunday Matinee 2 pm
SHOWING DEC 26 - 29
LIGHT OF THE WORLD RATED PG · 1 HRS 31 MIN SPECIAL SHOWING: Christmas Day - 2 pm Text “theflametext” to 77948 for movie updates
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.
Wednesday, December 31st New Year’s Eve Party Wednesday, December 31st
New Year’s Eve Party AAux ux Past Past President President Scholarship Scholarship Dinner Dinner Uncle Steve’s Uncle Steve’s Country Country Style Style Ribs Ribs Entertainment by Entertainment by The The Fiddler’s Fiddler’s Band Band
Thursday, January 1st
Club Opens at 9 am Tom & Jerrys Served 10 am - 12 pm Chicken Strip Baskets 12 - 1:30 pm Horse Races throughout the day until Band starts at 2 pm Entertainment by The Fiddler’s Band Sat, Jan 3rd Fri, Jan. 2nd Bar Opens at 12 pm Bar Opens 12 pm Bar Bingo 1pm Meat Pack Raffles 4 pm Public Welcome 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
HEARING CARE CENTERS Albert Lea American Legion Post 56
Riders Pancake Breakfast
Sunday, December 28th
Serving 8:00 am · 12:00 pm Serving pancakes, French toast, eggs, biscuits & gravy, sausage, potatoes, juice & coffee Cost $12.00 Take-out orders are available Call 373-7993 ALBERT LEA AMERICAN LEGION POST 56
OPEN MENU 4-7:30 PM TUE-FRI
Tuesday, December 23rd Burger Baskets · Shrim, Baskets
Wednesday, December 2 th CLUB OPEN 2 - ,m Kitchen Closed · NO Bingo
Thursday, December 2 th MERRY CHRISTMAS - CLUB CLOSED
Friday, December 2 th Salisbury Steak · Karaoke ,m
Sunday, December 2 th Riders Pancake Breakfast Ser1ing am – 2 ,m
CLUB OPEN Tues - Fri 4 pm - Close 142 N. Broadway, Albert Lea
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
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
Tuesday, December 23, 2025 • FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER • PAGE 3
Celebrate Safely! Make Sure it’s a
Happy New Year! This New Year’s Eve, make safety your first resolution. Please celebrate responsibly. Ring in the New Year with good cheer and safe travels.
Join Us New Year’s Day
20 26
Thursday, January 1st
Tom & Jerrys & Bloody Marys
Serving Starts at 9 am
CLAYTON COUNTY RECYCLING P YY PP H AP H Remember to Remember to W YYEE ARR Celebrate Safely! Celebrate Safely! NEE W N
Serving North Iowa at Two Locations:
Meat Raffles
1560 400th St, Kensett, IA · 641-845-2990 2792 130th St, Belmond, IA · 641-444-4633
Kitchen Opens at Noon with regular menu
Ron & Steve Unplugged 1 - 4 pm Come Join Us - Public Welcome! Pull Tabs Available Lic. No. A-00213
Cheers!
to the to the New New Year Year 505 E Main St, Albert Lea 373-0636
Weds, December 31st · 7:30 pm
NEW YEARS EVE
PLEASE PLEASE CELEBRATE CELEBRATE SAFELY SAFELY AND AND RESPONSIBLY. RESPONSIBLY.
Special Menu ENTRÉE 10oz Garlic Herb Prime Rib Au jus & creamy horseradish
($35)
Cracker Crumb Walleye
Buttery Ritz cracker crumb crust, lemon & pineapple tartar sauce
($30)
Albert Lea, Minnesota www.cargill.com/albert lea
Smoked Gouda Tortellini
Marinated grilled chicken, caramelized onions, sundried tomatoes
($25)
Give The Give The Gift Gift of of Go f Golf This This Christmas Christmas!!
STARCH
Buttery Yukon Gold Potatoes
VEGETABLE
Lemon Broccolini
DESSERT
Chocolate Chili Tort à la mode
2026 MEMBERSHIP RATES
Res Re serv ervatio ationnss Rec Recom omme mende nded d Eve Everyo r on ne e is is We Welcom lcome! e!
Regular Menu Also Available
2200 W 9th St | Albert Lea, MN 507-373-2007 | wedgewoodcove.com
Single (36 & over)..................................$1,175 Senior Single (62+ weekday only)......$1,075 Couple (married)...................................$1,650 Senior Couple (62+ weekday only)....$1,550 Family (dep. 22 & under).....................$1,800 Family (Parents 18-35).........................$1,400 Student (17 & under)................................$200 Junior (18-35)...........................................$725 Junior Couple (18-35).........................$1,250 end
Early Bird Special
SAVE 10% (Cash or Check Only) Pay by 12-31-25
GIVE A GIFT CARD!
Great for Golf Merchandise or Towards Memberships
101 Richway Dr · Albert Lea · 507-373-1061 www.greenlea.com
Page 4 • Tuesday, December 23, 2025 • FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER
FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER • Tuesday, December 23, 2025 • PAGE 3
Warm wishes for a
Merry Christmas from our team.
724 W. Clark, Albert Lea · 373-6161 www.jimandduddes.com
Merry Christmas!
We extend our warmest wishes for health, happiness, peace, and prosperity to our community this Christmas and in the year ahead.
Call 373-6161 today for your FREE in-home estimate!
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.
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
General Notices
ATTENTION MIX HARDWOODS FIREWOOD Due to the upcoming FOR SALE. holidays we will have early deadlines for classified FREE DELIVERY advertisements starting AUSTIN & the week of December 15, ALBERT LEA AREA 2025 and we will resume normal deadlines on CALL January 5, 2026. (507)438-9181
Machinery & Tools POWER WASHERS in Stock 507-448-3302 TRADING POST Gordonsville STIHL Products in Stock We’re your Stihl Dealer. 507-448-3302 TRADING POST Gordonsville
Sporting Goods 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
If you have question or concerns please contact us at 507-396-4617
Classifieds are an affordable way to advertise your business. Classifieds are an affordable way to advertise your business.
Apartments 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.
507-509-3144 or 507-451-8524 www.lifestyleinc.net TDD: 507-451-0704
Equal Housing Opportunity
FREEBORN COUNTY AND SURROUNDING AREAS FreebornCountyShopper.com 115 West College St• Albert Lea, MN 56007 • (507) 369-2742
Apartments 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. Classifieds are an affordable way to advertise your business. Classifieds are an affordable way to advertise your business.
Boats & Watercraft 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
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
Handyman Services 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
Classified deadline is Thursday at 5pm.
Junk Removal
Junk Removal - Old appliances, furniture, electronics, yard waste as well as any kind of Junk from Anywhere! Basements, ON THE SPOT attics, garages. APPLIANCE SERVICE Will Repair most Household Free Estimates. Appliances & Commercial Senior Discounts. Cooking Products. 30+ Years BEST PRICES Experience, Reasonable Rates. Call anytime: 507-219-0727 Call Orrin Mortensen at 507-214-8099 ANYTIME
Appliance Service
Sell your car, boat, RV, lawn mower or tractor in the classifieds.
The cost is $50 for one image and 25 words and the classified ad will run until it sells.
Tree Service
Linder Tree Service
Tree Trimming, cutting, and removal! Boom truck and insured. Call or Text Josh Linder 507-995-7081
Tuesday, December 23, 2025 • FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER • PAGE 5
Merry Christmas & appy e ear Wishing our customers and community a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with joy, peace, and prosperity.
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
Locally Owned - Owner Operated!
WE HAVE OVER 300 ROLL OFF DUMPSTERS In 12 yd, 30 yd, & 40 yd Sizes to Fit Your Needs!
THOMPSON SANITATION Office: 507-256-4370
108 N. Independence Ave, Clarks Grove MN 56016
EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE Deadline for the
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30TH
Happy Holidays! See how carefree your days can be! Call today for a tour of one of our beautifully appointed apartments.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24TH BY 9:00 AM THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25TH
Happy Holidays
Come see the difference at Thorne Crest.
1201 Garfield Ave, Albert Lea, MN, 56007 www.thornecrest.net
Freeborn County Shopper will be
Call Today! 507-373-2311
115 West College Street Albert Lea, MN 507-373-1310 www.freeborncountyshopper.com
Page 6 • Tuesday, December 23, 2025 • FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER
The Classifieds
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!
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
Olmsted Medical Center – Owatonna Clinic
Now Open Experience the Difference in Care
PLACE YOUR AD TODAY 507.373.5433 507.369.2742 HIGHWAY MECHANIC
Deadline: The Highway Mechanic is responsible forAdvertising maintaining and repairing Freeborn County vehicles and heavy equipment Thursday at 4:00PMand ensuring equipment are properly maintained according to County, for the following State and Federal regulations and guidelines. MustShopper. have a valid Tuesday’s Minnesota Driver’s License, and ability to Place obtainyour a Minnesota ad byforklift Commercial Driver’s License, MSHA classified Certification, emailing certification, and OSHA training. See complete job description on the classifieds@mowerFreeborn County website countyshopper.com http://www.co.freeborn.mn.us/Jobs.aspx. Completed applications or call us at along with cover letter and resume are due by 12:00 PM Friday, 507-369-2742 January 9th, 2026. to place your ad over
Services Available: • 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
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER the phone using a credit card.
PUBLIC HEALTH – FAMILY HOME VISITOR The Family Home Visitor performs paraprofessionalTHE services to client families with children from prenatal to preschool FREEBORN COUNTYand and/or kindergarten entrance identified through screening assessment to have some parenting risk SHOPPER factors. Works with
West Pearl Street family families to promote positive functional110and healthy Albert Lea relationships and assist families in becomingOffice: self-sufficient. 507.373.1310 507.369.2742 This position has a part in implementing Classified: the required Local Public www.freeborncountyshopper.com Health Activities that are organized according to the following areas: assure an adequate public health infrastructure; promote healthy communities and healthy behavior; prevent the spread of infectious disease; protect against environmental health hazards; prepare for and respond to disasters and assist communities in recovery; and assure the quality and accessibility of health services. Applications, job description, complete qualification listing available on the Freeborn County website at: www.co.freeborn.mn.us. Applications and resumes must be received no later than 12:00 p.m., Friday, January 2nd, 2026.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
FREEBORN COUNTY ASSESSOR Freeborn County is accepting applications for a full-time County Assessor. The County Assessor directs the administration of ad valorem property taxation prescribed by Minnesota Statutes and the Minnesota Department of Revenue to ensure that a uniform and equalized assessment of all property in Freeborn County is attained. The Assessor is responsible for the valuation, classification, and appeals of all property in Freeborn County. Pay range experience.
$99,857
-
$133,150
annually
based
on
Please go to the Freeborn County website for the full job description and qualifications required. Interested applicants must apply through the on-line application process available on the Freeborn County website http://www.co.freeborn.mn.us no later than 12:00 pm Friday, January 2nd, 2026. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Tuesday, December 23, 2025 • FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER • PAGE 7
Mason City Location - Next to Decker Sports
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
Business Directory
‘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 ‘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 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 507-448-3302 Hours: Mon-Fri 9 am - 5 pm
South of Main Don’t bolt it, when you can weld it!
· Retail Steel Sales· Welding Repair · Welding Supplies
507-373-5315 | 1126 S. Broadway, Albert Lea
P&L EXCAVATING Complete Septic Service Call Kyle! 507-415-3125 or 507-383-3385
www.pandlexcavating.com
Email: office@pandlexcavating.com
Page 8 • Tuesday, December 23, 2025 • FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER