507-373-1310 115 West College Street Albert Lea, MN 56007
Tuesday, December 30, 2025 • Volume 51, No. 52
Page 2 • Tuesday, December 30, 2025 • FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER
Bev’s Friends & Family Tours
Fri - Sun $5 Mon $4
BEST VALUE FOR YOUR TRAVEL DOLLAR GUYS & DOLLS
Friday - Monday 7 pm Sunday Matinee 2 pm
SHOWING JAN 2 - 5 NOW YOU SEE ME: NOW YOU DON'T RATED PG-13 · 1 HR 53 MIN UPCOMING! The Housemaid Text “theflametext” to 77948 for movie updates
PIZZA
A VALENTINE CELEBRATION Wednesday, February 18, 2026 And Sandwiches Dining Room Piping Hot Delivery
$1.00 OFF
ANY LARGE PIZZA Expires January 13, 2026
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
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.
126 W. Clark • Albert Lea • 373-7350
WE DELIVER
ALBERT LEA AMERICAN LEGION POST 56
OPEN MENU 4-7:30 PM TUE-FRI
Tuesday, December 30th
Goulash w/ Side Salad · Burger Baskets
Sunday, January 4th
8:00 am-12:00 pm Everyone Welcome! Your Choice of Belgium Waffles, Regular or Blueberry Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs, Sausage Links, Milk, Juice Coffee.
Questions call 507-874-3679 or 507-383-2687
10 00
$
Under Age 6 is FREE
Freeborn County
Contact Bev for More Information:
507-451-8695 · bev@bevstours.com
HEARING CARE CENTERS Hear For You!
Friday, anuary nd
CLUB OPEN Tues - Fri 4 pm - Close 142 N. Broadway, Albert Lea
125 W Clark St, Albert Lea
NEW YEARS EVE DINNER by Reservation only Regular Menu in Bar · NO Bingo
Thursday, anuary st
BREAKFAST
$154 pp includes motorcoach transportation, lunch and performance. Departure: Albert Lea Walmart 9:00 am
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
Wednesday, December 3 st
Weds, December 31st · 7:30 pm
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!
TOM & ERRYS am – noon Kitchen Opens at Noon · Open Menu Ron & Steve nplugged - pm Chicken Parmesan · Karaoke pm
507-594-9087
Olmsted Medical Center – Owatonna Clinic
Now Open Experience the Difference in Care
SHOPPER
k! c o l b e h t d n ou E’VE MOVED ar
W
Services Available: • Primary Care & Family Medicine • Women’s Health • Mammograms
to 115 West College St, Albert Lea
Come see us at our new location!
• 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 2025 • FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER • PAGE3 3 FREEBORN COUNTY30, SHOPPER • Tuesday, December 30, 2025 • PAGE
BEST AVAILABILITY IN JANUARY!
FOOD RESOURCES IN FREEBORN COUNTY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON PICTURED: MICHAEL GRUBER, ANN MICHELS, ANDREA MISLAN, TONY VIERLING. PHOTO BY: RICH RYAN
FOOD PANTRIES
952.934.1525 ChanhassenDT.com
NOTICE The Freeborn County Shopper office will be
CLOSED
From
115 West College Street • Albert Lea, MN 507-373-1310 • www.freeborncountyshopper.com
NEW YEARS DAY THURSDAY JANUARY 1st
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.
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, December 30, 2025 • FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER • PAGE 5
Page 4 • Tuesday, December 30, 2025 • FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER
Wishing you Wishing you a a successful successful and and prosperous 2026. prosperous 2026. We We truly truly appreciate your appreciate your continued continued support. support.
HAPPY
ew Ye
HAPPY
New Year
N
Ready to Serve You at our Two Locations:
PH. 507-465-3789 FAX 507-465-2358 www.pooleysscrapiron.com
2026
Warmest wishes to our community for a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year.
May your New Year shine with positivity, happiness, good health, and countless blessings. 1560 400th St, Kensett, IA 641-845-2990 2792 130th St, Belmond, IA On-Site 641-444-4633 Pick Up Available
appy New Rea !
H
May your home be filled with warmth and your and your year year with with happiness. happiness.
May your home be filled with warmth
Wishing our Wishing our community community aa New Year New Year filled filled with with health, health, happiness, peace, happiness, peace, and and prosperity. prosperity.
Here's to a new year filled with delicious moments and shared meals. Thank you for trusting us to bring quality and flavor to your table. Wishing you a prosperous and joyful New Year!
NEW YEAR NEW YEAR NEW Y NEW YOU!!
2026 2026
Call 373-6161 today for your FREE in-home estimate!
appy N ew R ea !
Happy New Year!
We can We can’t t thank thank you you enough enough for for all all of of your support your support this this year. year.
We want We want to to
wish you you a a Happy, Happy, Healthy, Healthy, and and wish Prosperous New Prosperous New Year! Year!
From All of Us at
TTiffany iffany Ca Carlson, rlson K Kelly elly R Reichl, eichl C Corey orey R Renchin enchin ,
,
505 E Main St, Albert Lea 373-0636
H HAPPY PPY NEW NEW YE YEAR! R A
A
!
Thank You to our Customers now and throughout the New Year!
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!
$0 to $0 to Get Get Started Started
Memberships Memberships Starting Starting at at $37/Month $37/Month or or $ $21 i ee Bi-Weekly 1705 SE 1705 SE Broadway Broadway Ave, Ave, Albert Albert Lea Lea
H
Pay Pay NOTHING, (limited time)
373-6161 ·· www.jimandduddes.com 373-6161 www.jimandduddes.com
Alden, MN · 507-265-3251
$10.00/month
We look forward to another year of care, compassion, and creating meaningful moments. Wishing you and your loved ones a year filled with health, happiness, and peace.
We look orward to serving you in 2026! We look fforward to serving you in 2026!
Page 6 • Tuesday, December 30, 2025 • FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER
Business Directory
115 West College Street • Albert Lea, MN
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.
P&L EXCAVATING Complete Septic Service Call Kyle! 507-415-3125 or 507-383-3385
www.pandlexcavating.com
Email: office@pandlexcavating.com
$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
PUBLIC HEALTH – FAMILY HOME VISITOR
The Family Home Visitor performs paraprofessional services to client families with children from prenatal to preschool and/or kindergarten entrance identified through screening and assessment to have some parenting risk factors. Works with families to promote positive functional and healthy family relationships and assist families in becoming self-sufficient. This position has a part in implementing the required Local Public 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
Tuesday, December 30, 2025 • FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER • PAGE 7
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. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Mason City Location - Next to Decker Sports
FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER
WEEKLY DEADLINE Thursday by 5:00 pm
Deadline for ALL Display Ads is 5 pm the Thursday prior to the following Tuesday’s publication of the Freeborn County Shopper.
‘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 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 ‘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 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
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
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
Page 8 • Tuesday, December 30, 2025 • FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER
New Years Savings
Valid in-store only December 31, 2025 - January 6, 2026 at your Albert Lea, Austin, Faribault and Owatonna Hy-Vee locations. Select varieties included.
LU 88080
1.28
Dole shredded lettuce 8 oz., garden salad 12 oz., or colelsaw 14 oz.
LU 88081
6.00
5.00
one entrée, rice or noodles, one appetizer and fortune cookie
California or spicy California only 10 ct.
Limit 2 with coupon. Limit 1 coupon per customer. Valid in-store only December 31, 2025 - January 6, 2026 at your Albert Lea, Austin, Faribault and Owatonna Hy-Vee locations.
LU 88083
EL SAVER FU
Nori Sushi standard rolls
HyChi one entrée meal
Limit 2 with coupon. Limit 1 coupon per customer. Valid in-store only December 31, 2025 - January 6, 2026 at your Albert Lea, Austin, Faribault and Owatonna Hy-Vee locations.
LU 88082
Limit 2 with coupon. Limit 1 coupon per customer. Valid in-store only December 31, 2025 - January 6, 2026 at your Albert Lea, Austin, Faribault and Owatonna Hy-Vee locations.
LU 88084
LU 88085
EARN
5¢
4.99
N
P
E R OFF G A L LO
2.48
9.99
4 ct.
Old Dutch Crunch kettle chips 9oz.
48 oz.
Limit 2 with coupon. Limit 1 coupon per customer. Valid in-store only December 31, 2025 - January 6, 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 December 31, 2025 - January 6, 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 December 31, 2025 - January 6, 2026 at your Albert Lea, Austin, Faribault and Owatonna Hy-Vee locations.
Bakery-fresh jumbo loaded muffins
Schweigert chicken bites, strips or patties
DAILY DAILY DEALS DEALS FRIDAY
MONDAY CHICKEN-FRIED
HAND-BREADED
CHICKEN-FRIED STEAKFISH AND CHIPS STEAK MONDAY Topped with country gravy and served with corn and mashed potatoes
8
$
TUESDAY TENDERLOIN SANDWICH Add on toss or fries for $2
4 TUESDAY $
WEDNESDAY CHICKEN AND NOODLES
Served over mashed potatoes
12
$
beer-battered fish served Topped with country gravy and served with Hand-breaded corn with chips and coleslaw ― add an additional piece of fish for $2 each. and mashed potatoes.
8
$
5
$
SATURDAY
HOT & READY RIBS One slab of ribs.
$ TENDERLOIN SANDWICH 14 Add on tots or fries for $2.
4
$
SUNDAY Served from 4-7 p.m.
8-PIECE CHICKEN BUCKET
10
$
CHICKEN AND NOODLES WEDNESDAY THURSDAY STEAK NIGHT Chef's choice steak seasoned with Chophouse salt and pepper, served with baked potato and buttered sweet corn.
12
$
Served over mashed potatoes.
5
$
THURSDAY STEAK NIGHT
Chef’s choice steak seasoned with Chophouse salt and pepper, served with baked potato and