2023 Freeport Resource Guide

On behalf of the Freeport Community, we would like to welcome you to the City with a Smile.

As the old saying goes, life is what you make of it, and the same holds true in Freeport. We offer many activities and events that can meet your social and recreational needs, from softball leagues to hunting and fishing to programs and festivals, to public service projects. We also offer many resources for home improvement, beautification and organization. Along with access to health care and education, we take pride in our quality of life and want to thank you for choosing Freeport!

Freeport

Police (Emergency) ........................................................

911 Non-Emergency Stearns County Sheriff ’s Department .........320-259-3700

Fire (Emergency) ............................................................

Non-Emergency .............................................320-836-2411

Building Permit

Zoning Officer.................................................320-836-2112

Building Inspector: Code Consulting Pros LLC .............. 320-204-6548

City Hall (all permits) .................................320-836-2112

Education

Melrose Area Public Schools .....................320-256-5160

Melrose Community Education ...............320-256-6010

Sacred Heart School .....................................320-836-2591

West Central Area Learning Center .........320-256-7836

City of Freeport

911

Garbage (Refuse) Residential Waste Management .....................................320-762-9608

Hospital/Medical Center

CentraCare Clinic-Albany............................320-845-2157

CentraCare Health-Melrose Hospital .............................................................320-256-4231

Clinic ..................................................................320-256-4228

Newspaper (local)

The Star Post....................................................320-351-6579

Post Office .......................................................320-836-2104

Utilities

Cable Television/Internet/Telephone:

Albany Mutual Telephone Co. ...................320-845-2101

Electric: Xcel Energy ....................................800-895-4999

(Emergency) ....................................................800-895-1999

Natural Gas: CenterPoint Energy .......................................800-245-2377

(Emergency) ....................................................800-722-9326

Water/Sewer: Public Works Department ..........................320-836-2112

Has a lot to offer

Half way between Alexandria and St. Cloud, Freeport is located in the very heart of Garrison Keillor’s Lake Wobegon.

Whether you’re planning a short visit, or thinking of making Freeport your home, you will find an array of businesses and recreational activities available to you. Freeport has an amazing smalltown atmosphere.

ce Hours: Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday 7 a.m. to noon Office will be closed on legal holidays.

: Mike Eveslage

Council Members: Jake Renneker

Tim Hennen

Nick Arnzen

Sarah Blake

City Clerk/Treasurer: John Nelson

One of central Minnesota’s largest ready - mix contractors and suppliers. We do specialty projects including colored and stamped concrete!

Council Meetings: Last Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.

EDA

(Economic Development Authority): Contact city hall for info on meeting dates

PLEASE NOTE: If you are considering any type of construction or improvement to a future or existing property or building, you will need to complete proper building permit forms.

We can complete any job - big or small! We can design, construct and manage your project.

Community Services

POST OFFICE

119 Main Street E. (320) 836-2104

Hours: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Monday - Friday, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Saturday

LIBRARIES

Albany Public Library

400 Railroad Ave.

P.O. Box 519

Albany, MN 56307

(320) 356-5987

www.griver.org

Melrose Public Library

225 1st St. NE, PO Box 27

Melrose, MN 56352

(320) 256-3885

www.griver.org

NEWSPAPERS

The Star Post - Melrose

408 E. Main St. Melrose, MN 56352

(320) 351-6579

www.star-pub.com

carol.m@star-pub.com

The Star Post - Albany

561 Railroad Ave. PO Box 310

Albany, MN 56307

(320) 845-2700

Fax: 320-845-4805

www.star-pub.com

carol.m@star-pub.com

Chamber of Commerce members

Catholic Charities Senior DiningAlbany

Located at Pondview

Estates, 334 Golfview Drive. Meals are served Monday - Friday beginning at 11:30, and home-delivered meals are provided for the communities of Albany, Avon, Freeport, Holdingford, New Munich, Meire Grove, Greenwald, Melrose, Sauk Centre, St. Joseph, St. Martin, St. Rosa and St. Stephen. For seniors 60 + who meet program criteria. Partially funded under contract with the Central Minnesota Council on Aging as part of the Older Americans Act, and administered by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud. Volunteer opportunities are always available for all of the route areas. Listen to KASM Radio FM 107.7 for announcements. For more information, please call 320-845-4070, email at albanysrdining@ccstcloud. org, call St. Cloud office at 320-229-4584 or visit the website at ccstcloud.org.

Freeport Lions Club

The Freeport Lions Club has been proudly serving the community since May 10, 1965. Service projects include many wonderful projects and causes, which enhance our Freeport community.

Meetings are every fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m., January through May at Charlie’s Cafe and September through December at Ackie’s Pioneer Inn. Meetings are not held in June, July or August. We are always seeking new members willing to serve our community.

If you are interested in serving as a Lion in Freeport, please contact Rich Primus at 320-293-3410.

510 Art Lab

Advantage 1 Insurance

Aimee Hegg, Central MN Realty

Albany Mutual Telephone

Anfinson Thompson & Co.

Arvig

Atkinson Well Drilling

Benchmark Realty

Bernicks

Birch Hills Community Church

The Bluffs: Grass-Fed Beef

Boomerang Marine & Sports

Brenny Transportation

Bueckers Biffies

CAP Enterprises

CentraCare Health Melrose

Central Minnesota Computer Services, Inc.

Charlie’s Cafe

Church of St. Mary

Church of the Sacred Heart

City of Freeport

City of Melrose

Dan Welle Chevrolet Chrysler

Dodge Jeep

Décor and More from Rue’s Truly

Don Andersen

El Portal

Famo Feeds

Freeport Farm Center

Freeport Lions Club

Freeport State Bank

Greenwald Insurance Agency

Harvest Church Freeport

Health Wise Massage Therapy

Hennen Lumber Co.

Hoeschen Auto

Integrated Health & Wellness Center

Integrity Photography & Design

JD’s Taphouse

Jeanne Kraemer, Central MN Realty

John Wiese Ford

KASM

Kelly Promotions, LLC

Kraemer Lumber

Kyle Hoium Agency, American

Family Ins.

Lakeside Catering

Land O’ Lakes

Leedstone

Magnifi Financial Credit Union

Mark F. Uphus, Attorney at Law

Mayers, Inc.

See

McDonald Realty

Meadowlark Country Club

Melrose 1 Stop

Melrose American Legion

Melrose Area Arts Council

Melrose Area Women of Today

Melrose Bakery

Melrose Bowl

Melrose Feed Mill

Melrose Fitness

Melrose Hardware

Melrose Lions Club

Melrose Museum

Melrose Mutual Insurance

Melrose Public Schools & Community Ed.

Melrose Senior Center

Mid Central Heating & Air Conditioning

Mid MN Sports

Midwest Automatic

Midwest Dental Melrose

Midwest Screen Print

Millwood Electric Millwood Metalworks, Inc.

Munson Feed

NAPA

North Risk Partners

Patton Schad Funeral & Cremation Service

Pine Hollow Farm

Proliant Dairy

Rahns Oil & Propane Inc.

RG Dufner Company, LLC

River of Life

Sacred Heart Catholic Parish and School

Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church

Sauk Centre Melrose Youth

Hockey

Sign Lava LLC

Sojourn Counseling Group

Spiritz Liquor

Star Publications

State Farm Insurance, Dina

Pierskalla Agency

Stearns Electric

The Pioneer Inn

The Peripheral Vision

Tree of Life Assisted Living

True North Marketplace

West Central Sanitation

Worms Lumber & Ready Mix

Yoga Melrose

The Village of Freeport is located in the northeastern corner of Oak Township, on the line of what was the Great Northern Railway. It came into existence shortly after the Great Northern, after which the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Naitoba Railroad Co. built its line from East St. Cloud across the Mississippi and thence to Melrose.

It was at this point that John Hoeschen, who had shortly before come from Germany with his parents, seven brothers and two sisters, opened the first store, while his brother, Joseph, built the first hotel in the village. The two buildings were the first businesses, but previous to this period, several farmers had settled the area. Henry Wahls owned the town site. The east end, which later became the church and school site, was owned by Frank Benolken. Wahls was the first settler. Other farmers that settled in the immediate neighborhood of what is now the village were the Borgerding family, Henry Hemker and Herman Rieland. The second general store was opened by Anton Rieland in 1884 and the third in 1886 by Joseph Hoeschen, who had sold his hotel business to Joseph Buttweiler.

The village was first named Oak Station, but owing to complications arising in the names of Oak Station and Osakis, it was changed to Freeport. The new name appears to have been suggested by the Benolkens, who came from Freeport, Ill.

Freeport was incorporated as a village in September of 1892. The first officers were Henry Benolken, President; Gothard Harren, Recorder; Moritz Hoeschen, Frank Borgerding and H.S. Leitch, Trustees; John Hoeschen, Treasurer; Carl Finken, Marshal and Street Commissioner.

Previous to the incorporation, two blocks in the village had been platted, known as John Hoeschen’s and Joseph Hoeschen’s Block. In order to obtain the population required for an incorporated village, the territory had to include several surrounding farmhouses and extend the corporate limits. When the articles of incorporation had been accepted, the village of Freeport was laid out in 16 blocks. Later the two additions, Beste’s Addition in 1900 and Schoener’s Addition in 1912, were platted. The first sidewalk and oak plank walk were laid in 1894 from the Woling Hotel corner to the church. The village hall was built in 1895, originally a frame structure which was later brick veneered. The steel jail cell was made by Richter and Sons who then constructed a large blacksmith shop which is still in use. The water works system was installed in 1903,

History of Freeport

and in 1913, a new electric light system was completed. The population of the village as given by the census of 1910 was 450.

The railroad station was perhaps the first building in the town proper. The first agent was Mr. Gates, who was succeeded by an agent by the name of Freetag. In 1885, Henry S. Leitch became the agent and he held the office for 28 years.

School District No. 102, comprising the Village of Freeport and the adjacent vicinity, was organized in 1874. The first schoolhouse, a small log building, was soon replaced by a larger frame structure. It was soon found necessary to build an addition in 1890 that was large enough to accommodate two rooms. Teachers during the early part of the school’s existence were the two Borgerdings - by then Fathers Henry and Thomas, O.S.B.Henry Benolken, Mr. Moersch, John Steichen, Joseph Hilt, Louis Wiber and Joseph Heinen. Prof. Gothard Harren was the first principal after the two rooms had been added, with John A. Maus as assistant. In 1896, a third room was added, and in 1901 the new brick building, which is now the Village’s school, was erected. It contained four rooms and a basement and was attended by about 225 pupils. Prof. Gothard Harren had been retained as the principal of the institution since 1890, a period of over 23 years.

The Freeport post office was established in 1879, with John Hoeschen as first postmaster. It was originally known as the Oak Station office. Mr. Hoeschen was followed by Henry Benolken. Then came Moritz Hoeschen, followed by John W. Kuhn.

The Village of Freeport had a church, a school, two banks, two creameries, three general stores, two hardware stores, two grocery stores, one hotel, two blacksmith shops, one shoe and harness store, a millinery business, electric light, waterworks and the usual activities found in a hamlet of this size.

Schlicht Filling Station Schlicht Station, Freepor t, circa 1960 , Freeport, circa 1960.

Sacred Heart Parish | Freeport

106 3rd Ave. NE, Freeport MN 56331 • www.sacredheartfreeport.org

06 3 d e. , eepo p t 6 5633 .sac ed ea t eeppo t.o g

The weekday Wednesday Mass held in Freeport, is the “school Mass” during the school year. The children usually have something unique at those Masses.

Sacred Heart Weekday Mass Schedule:

Wednesday 8:15 a.m. and Friday 8:15 a.m.

Eucharistic Adoration: Every Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (quiet prayer and reflection)

St. Rose of Lima Parish St. Rosa

28905 Co. Rd. 17, Freeport, MN 56331 www.sacredheartfreeport.org

St. Rose of Lima Weekday Mass Schedule: Tuesday: 8:15 a.m. Sunday: 10:00 a.m.

in New Munich

Sacred Heart School: (see Education)

Kristie Harren, Principal Kathy Welle, Admin. Coordinator

Phone: 320-836-2591

www.shsfreeport.org

Immaculate Conception Parish New Munich

650 Main Street New Munich, MN 56356 www.sacredheartfreeport.org

Father Daniel Walz, Pastor of the Tri-Parish cluster | 320-836-2143

Sacred Heart Parish Freeport

Immaculate Conception Parish New Munich

For current Mass times and other parish information, visit the websites listed below each parish name.

St. Rose of Lima Parish St. Rosa

Immaculate Conception Weekday Mass Schedule: Thursday: 8:15 a.m. Saturday: 4:00 p.m. Tri-Parish Office Address 106 3rd

Tri-Parish Office 320-836-2143

triparish@albanytel.com

Clustered with Sacred Heart Parish in Freeport and Immaculate Conception Parish

Clustered with Immaculate Conception Parish in New Munich and St. Rose of Lima Parish in St. Rosa

Clustered with Sacred Heart Parish in Freeport and St. Rose of Lima Parish in St. Rosa

& Baseball

There is no sign proclaiming Freeport the Softball Capital of the World, nation, state or county. But if it wanted to, the town could make a good argument for that case. Freeport has 40 sanctioned softball teams in four different leagues.

Freeport has some nice advantages for those wishing to play on its diamonds. One of the biggest is that the community is easily accessible from I-94. Another is that the diamonds are very good diamonds.

Those advantages mean there are a number of people coming into Freeport. While some of them do play on more than one team, it is still very likely that in any given week during the summer, there are more people coming to play softball in the community than actually live here.

There is a diversification of the leagues. There is a co-rec slow pitch, a men’s slow pitch and a fast pitch league. The men’s slow pitch is unique. It is a wood bat league. The community also offers two lighted diamonds.

Freeport also boasts a beautiful baseball

Freeport summers are filled with the excitement and sounds of ballgames. Bud Heidgerken runs the Freeport Men’s Fast Pitch League (13 teams) as well as youth girls softball and boys youth baseball, each program including grades 1-9.

“If kids don’t play ball when they are young, they won’t play ball when they are adults,” Heidgerken says.

Girls softball teams

– 14U, 12U, 10U, and 8U – compete in the Osakis League. Boys baseball teams

– 14U, 12U, 10U, and 8U – compete in the Stearns County League.

In 2022, 60 boys participated in baseball and 96 girls in softball, demonstrating the popularity of summer sports in Freeport and the surrounding area.

Caramel Roll Ride-Second Saturday in June

The Lake Wobegon Trail measures 62 miles in Stearns County. The Stearns County segment of the Lake Wobegon Trail extends from the Stearns/ Todd County line to St. Joseph and from Albany to the Morrison/ Stearns County line. There is an additional eight miles of the Lake Wobegon Trail in Todd County.

If you connect the Lake Wobegon Trail with Morrison County’s connecting Soo Line Trail and the Central Lakes Trail, which meets the Lake Wobegon Trail in Osakis, you have the LONGEST PAVED RAIL TRAIL in the country –over 120 miles long.

The trail is open to bicycling, snowmobiling without studs, walking and rollerblading. The trail was built on two abandoned railroad corridors – the Burlington Northern Santa Fe and the Soo Line.

Slipper Ride-Third Saturday in June

Osakis to Nelson 5.6 miles

Nelson to Alexandria 6.5 miles

Alexandria to Garfield 6.0 miles

Garfield to Brandon 5.4 miles

Brandon to Evansville 4.9 miles

Evansville to Melby 4.6 miles

Melby to Ashby 4.2 miles

Ashby to Dalton 7.5 miles

Dalton to Fergus Falls 8.1 miles

The agriculture industry continues to be an integral part of Freeport’s success. Dairy and turkey, along with pork, beef and crops are the dominant agricultural industries in our area.

The dairy industry continues to have traditional 60- to 90-cow farms with pipeline milkers, while many expansions now include a milking parlor, robotic milking systems, freestall cow housing and dairy herds of 150 to 1000 cows. Farms are growing in size as family members decide to farm together, versus separately. According to the 2012 USDA Census of Agriculture, Stearns County had 69,000 dairy cows on 720 dairy farms. The average cow produced 22,000 pounds of milk annually compared to 10,000 pounds of milk produced annually in 1975.

A few reasons for the increase are better feeding practices, improved genetics and increased use of technologies, which allow farmers to provide individualized care. Stearns County is the #1 county in Minnesota for milk production, total milk cows and total cash receipts for livestock sales, along with cattle and calves on inventory.

There are a number of turkey farms in the area as well. A majority of them have contracts with Jennie-O Turkey Store to raise a certain number of birds. A majority of the turkeys that are contracted with Jennie-O Turkey Store are processed at the plant in Melrose.

There are also pork and beef producers in the area, however much of the hog finishing has gone to contract finishing, so not as many small farmers in the area have been choosing to raise pork.

Cash crops are also raised in the Freeport area. These crops include corn, soybeans and alfalfa. Some of these crops will be sold to the feed mills in town or hauled to another site. The majority of the alfalfa that is raised as cash crops is sold locally to dairy farmers or brought to a hay auction. Stearns County is the #1 county in Minnesota for hay production and oat production. The Freeport economy continues to be vibrant and is highly dependent on the agriculture industry.

Birch Lake State Forest

Birch Lake Campgrounds & Hiking Trails (located nine miles north of Melrose) 29 campsites; $17.00 per night

• Picnic sites

• Boat landing

• Fishing

• Swimming

• Seven miles hiking trails

• Seven miles mountain biking trails

• Four miles snowmobiling trails

For additional information, visit www.dnr.mn.us or call (320) 223-7841

(Managed by Parks and Trails, Sauk Rapids Area Office)

Hemker Zoo

County Road 39, Freeport 320-836-2426

www.hemkerzoo.com

Meadowlark Country Club

9-Hole Golf Course • 320-256-4989

Meadowlark Golf Course and Country Club, located at 837 Country Club Drive in Melrose, offers golfing, golf tournaments and private parties.

Recreation Parks &

Albany Golf Club

18-Hole Golf Course • 320-845-2505

A public 18-hole golf course located adjacent to Interstate 94, a block from Main Street in Albany. Many water hazards provide challenges for the golfer attempting to shoot even par. Visit www.albanygolfcourse.com for membership rates, green fees and other activities offered to the public.

Fishing

Minnesota is known for its fishing. Favorite spots are part of family lore (sometimes kept very secret), and stories of ‘the one that got away’ can be heard every week after the state fishing opener.

While that opener is a big deal, for many Freeport area residents, one that comes close is the annual Freeport Family Fun fishing tournament held every year at nearby King’s Lake. A big attraction is that it’s for children. Tournament organizers make sure all the children who participate leave with something. Those landing big fish earn tournament prizes. But all receive various donated gifts from the tournament sponsors. The tournament is held every year in June.

Avon Beach

Avon has one of the few public beaches in the area. The beach is close to the Lake Wobegon Trail. Amenities include a sand beach, picnic tables and restrooms open to the public daily until 10 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

A project named “Back the Beach” aims to make the City of Avon beach a family-oriented place and keep it that way so that everyone that utilizes it feels comfortable and has an enjoyable experience. It involves patrolling of the beach by unlicensed uniformed beach patrol officers who have the authority to enforce the City of Avon beach ordinances, which include enforcement of no alcohol, no smoking, no glass, etc. as posted by signs and stated in the ordinance.

Camping

Cedar Lake Memorial Park, Upsala (320) 573-2983

El Rancho Manana, Richmond (320) 597-2740

Independent School District 740 546 5th Ave. NE | Melrose, MN 56352 (320) 256-5160 | www.isd740.org

Public schools Melrose Area Education

It is the mission of District 740 Public Schools to prepare all learners, in partnership with their families and the community, to inspire a passion for lifelong learning and to contribute within a changing and diverse world. The Melrose Area School Complex is the hub of the district, which includes residents from Freeport, Greenwald, Meire Grove, Melrose, New Munich, Spring Hill, St. Martin and St. Rosa. The quality faculty consists of over 65 percent masters-educated professionals. Though portions of the campus have approached 50 years old, the facility is well maintained and continues to be upgraded annually in order to better serve its students and school community. Recent upgrades have included new lockers, updated computer labs and a modernized food service facility.

The Melrose Area Elementary School Program (grades pre-K-5) provides a quality education program that emphasizes strong reading and mathematics skills. They are especially proud of the kindergarten program at Melrose Area Elementary because they are able to provide all day, every day, at no additional cost.

Benchmark Literacy provides the foundations of the elementary’s reading program. The accelerated math, Great Leaps, and Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI) programs are examples of excellent supplemental individualized programs used to increase reading and math skills. The exceptional special education staff and program provides outstanding support to students with special needs.

The Melrose Area Middle School

(grades 6-8) provides an environment which meets the everchanging physical, social and emotional challenges middle school students face. Quarter classes of art, health, FACS and industrial technology allow students to experience electives along with their core classes. Students can set goals with their academics and behaviors to strive for Incentive Day each quarter. The outstanding special needs and ELL programs continue within the middle school and provide excellent support to students who qualify.

Melrose Area High School (grades 9-12): MHS offers a wide array of elective opportunities in the core areas of study. Many of these courses offer both high school and college credit concurrently, such as college trigonometry, college physics, college speech and theatre and abnormal psychology to name a few. MHS also off of study in German and Spanish, and students have an opportunity to earn as many as 8 college credits in both of these areas. Students wishing to take a more hands on approach to their learning have many career

Continued on page 23

Education Freeport

Education Sacred Heart Community

school

303 2nd St. Ne, PO Box 39 Freeport, MN 56331

320-836-2591

www.shsfreeport.org

Mrs. Kristie Harren, Principal kharren@shsfreeport.org

Mission Statement: Led by the Holy Spirit and supported by our Tri-Parish and Christian communities, Sacred Heart School unites students, families and staff in their spiritual, social and academic journeys. We strive to inspire, challenge, and empower one another to impact the world with the knowledge, values and gifts with which God has blessed us.

Catholic/Christian environment: Students are involved in liturgies, prayer services, social outreach and learning about their Catholic faith.

• Highly-qualified teachers in PreK – Grade 6 (licensed Preschool and all day, every day kindergarten).

• Strong academic curriculum studied and updated regularly

• After school extracurricular activities including: guitar group (Sacred Heart Strings), Sprinters Club, Book Club, Chess and Cribbage Club, Science Squad, Tech Club, Yearbook, Community Card Club, Cooking Club and Sports Clubs. (softball, basketball, volleyball and open gym)

• Integrated Technology throughout all grade levels

• Music, Art and Physical Education Specialists

• Early Childhood Center: Care and educational opportunities for children ages 3-5. Summer Care and before and after school care for school-aged children

• Parent/Family involvement

• Early Childhood & Kindergarden screening/ registration in February.

Contact school for more details.

Melrose Area Schools provide an excellent Community Education program. The program includes activities and opportunities for community members of all ages.

The Adult Basic Education programs include Citizenship class, English as a Second Language, and General Education Diploma classes. These classes are offered in the afternoon and evening at no charge.

The Community Education program provides a variety of instructional, recreational and social programming for all ages. Community events include a Father Daughter Ball. Our district also offers a full summer recreation program.

If you are interested in Community Education programs, please call 320256-6010 or go online to www.isd740.org and check out the Community Education online registration link.

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) programs are offered for children birth to kindergarten and their parents.

Parent/Child Interaction - parents and children explore and learn together in the classroom doing projects, puzzles and educational games without the distraction of other siblings, the phone or the laundry.

Circle Time - teachers, children and parents participate in songs and games together.

Children’s Time - time for the children to play, eat a snack and listen to a story with their friends and an early childhood teacher.

Parent Discussion - parents share practical advice and discuss parenting topics of interest with each other and a parent educator in an adjoining room with a one-way mirror to observe the children as they play.

Preschool is offered for children who are 3 and 4 years old by Sept. 1; we have an excellent curriculum staff that incorporate play and fun into each class. Threes Preschool for children age 3 by Sept. 1 of the school year and will need to be potty trained. It’s an exceptional opportunity for children (and their parents) to gently ease into the preschool experience. Children work on listening skills, working cooperatively with others, pre-reading and pre-math skills.

Fours Preschool is for children age 4 by Sept. 1 of the school year. This preschool is designed to help prepare children for Kindergarten. We have an excellent curriculum and caring staff who incorporate play into the classroom, allowing children to learn, grow and have fun.

Adult Basic Education, Melrose Community Education; Adult Basic Education offers the following programs: English as a second language, basic literacy skills for adults, basic math skills for adults, workforce preparation, and a family literacy program. Individual one-on-one tutoring is also offered through the Melrose/Sauk Centre Literacy Program and these services include GED preparation, English as a second language training and citizenship preparation. Any adult 17 years or older not currently enrolled in secondary school is eligible for these programs.

For more information and class schedules, please contact Community Education @ 320-256-6010.

Photo courtesy from Sacred Heart School

West Central Area

Learning Center

9 2nd St. SW, Melrose, MN 56352 (320) 256-7836 • www.wced6026.org

The Center is for students ages 12-21 (middle and high school level). It offers an Extended Year Program, with day, evening and summer school available. The summer school program is about 30 days. The Center includes the Albany, Paynesville, Sauk Centre and Melrose school districts. The Center meets all the state standards and the students must take all the same standardized testing.

Co-Curricular

Activities

The School District offers many quality programs for students. The professional and quality coaches and advisors are very skilled at teaching lifelong skills like dealing with adversity, teamwork, and leadership. In addition, our coaches and advisors are experienced in their fields. The activities offered are:

Archery

Band Baseball

Basketball (boys and girls)

Cheerleading

Choir

Cross Country (boys and girls)

Dance Team

Football

Golf (boys and girls)

Gymnastics

Hockey (boys)

Junior Knowledge Bowl

Knowledge Bowl

Musical

NHS

Clay Target League

Pep Band

Soccer (boys and girls)

Softball

Speech

Student Council

Swimming & Diving (boys and girls)

Synchronized Swimming

Tennis (girls)

Track (boys and girls)

Volleyball

Wrestling

Youth Theatre

Continued from page 21

tech education courses to choose from in the woods, metals, autos, ag, art and FACS areas of study. Finally, the music programs at MHS are highlights of each year and are cherished by students and community. An array of extra-curricular activities are currently offered and provide extended social leadership and collaborative skills. Core athletic programs are a fixture of MHS, as well as FFA, Speech, Super Mileage and Dance Team to name just a few co-curricular opportunities students enjoy participating in.

Melrose Area Schools is a member of the West Central Education District (WCED), which provides support for the special education program. The WCED also provides access to an Area Learning Center that provides alternative educational learning opportunities for some qualifying middle and high school students.

St. Cloud State University

720 4th Avenue South

COLLEGES&UNIVERSITIES

St. Cloud, MN 56301-4498

(320) 308-0121

www.stcloudstate.edu

St. Cloud Technical and Community College

1540 Northway Drive

St Cloud, MN 56303-1240

(320) 308-5000 or (800) 222-1009

www.sctcc.edu

Rasmussen College

226 Park Ave South

St. Cloud, MN 56301-3713

(320) 251-5600

www.rasmussen.edu

St. Scholastica

137 23rd St. South

Sartell, MN 56377

(320) 529-6663

www.css.edu

College of Saint Benedict

37 S College Ave

St. Joseph, MN 56374

(320) 363-5011

www.csbsju.edu

Saint John’s University

P.O. Box 2000

2850 Abbey Plaza

Collegeville, MN 56321

(320) 363-2011

www.csbsju.edu

Alexandria Technical and Community College

1601 Jefferson St

Alexandria, MN 56308

(888) 234-1222

www.alextech.org

Ridgewater College

Willmar Campus

2101 15th Avenue NW

P.O. Box 1097

Willmar, MN 56201

The following colleges and universities are within a 35- to 50-mile radius of Freeport

Monday

Melrose

Public library Public library

225 1st St. NE, P.O. Box 27, Melrose, MN 56352 (320) 256-3885 • www.griver.org

The Melrose Branch of Great River Regional Library (GRRL) has what you are looking for, books on almost every subject, magazines, entertainment, howto DVDs, music CDs, eAudiobooks, eBooks, computers, Internet access, programs and so much more. Library members also have access to the 700,000 items owned by the Great River Regional Library system, of which Melrose Public Library is a member.

All of the GRRL system’s materials are listed on a computer catalog. Library users may search and make their requests on the computer (either at the library or from home), and a daily delivery service circulates items within the system’s 32 libraries. The library also offers free Internet

access at public Internet stations as well as children’s and adult’s programming.

The library is in a large, modern, fullyaccessible city building that also houses meeting rooms, the police department, a center for seniors and other city offices. It is comfortable and well organized, with clear signage to direct users to the fiction, nonfiction, children’s and reference collections. Library staff is knowledgeable, friendly, helpful and receive professional reference and support services from the GRRL headquarters in St. Cloud. Free library cards are available to residents of the GRRL service area, which include: Benton, Morrison, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd and Wright counties.

(800) 722-1151 or 320-222-5200

www.ridgewater.edu

Model College of Hair Design

201 8th Avenue So.

St. Cloud, MN 56301

(320) 253-4222 or (800) 450-3300

www.mcohd.com

The Albany branch of Great River Regional Library carries books on almost every subject, magazines, entertainment

and how-to DVDs, music CDs, eAudiobooks, eBooks, computers, Internet access, pro-grams so much more.

We hold a vision for all of us to live a healthy life. As a provider of care, employer to many and a community Foundation, we encourage and inspire health and well-being. We also know there is a need for healing and comfort in every life, so at the heart of CentraCare is a commitment to the patients and families we serve in the communities we all call home.

CentraCare – Melrose is a 25-bed critical access hospital with an attached clinic, 75-bed skilled nursing home and a 60unit senior apartment building with assisted living services. The campus offers a full range of health care services with the latest medical technology available. CentraCare-Melrose is one of the largest employers in the city, currently with over 350 employees including four family medicine doctors, four certified nurse practitioners and one physician assistant.

Many physician specialists visit CentraCare Melrose on a scheduled basis to provide outreach services. This convenient access allows our patients to receive the high-quality specialty

care they need, while staying close to home.

In addition to our hospital, clinic, nursing home and senior apartment building with assisted living services, we are very fortunate to have an array of medical specialists and services available in the community, from dental, chiropractic and optometry care.

CentraCare – Albany Clinic Albany Clinic offers area residents primary care services in a high-quality, costeffective and caring manner. Our family medicine physicians and advanced practice providers care for patients of all ages. Onsite lab, imaging, physical therapy, ultrasound and diabetes education are offered at the clinic. Specialists also provide consultation for OB/GYN, orthopedics and podiatry.

To learn more about the various medical services at our hospitals and clinics, visit CentraCare.com.

CentraCare – Park View Place offers retirement living at its finest. It is located adjacent to the Jaycee Park and the Lake Wobegon trail in a quiet, relaxed neighborhood. Park View Place is a 60-unit senior housing building that provides assisted living for persons 55+. One-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans are available. To learn more about the various services, visit CentraCare.com.

Mother

Vibrant

ACCOUNTING/ FINANCIAL/BENEFITS

Black Financial Page ..............................25

(320) 356-9031

110 Avon Ave. N Avon, MN 56310

www.blackfinancialservices.com

AGRICULTURAL

Famo Feeds

Page ..............................27

(320) 836-2145

446 Industrial Drive Freeport, MN 56331

www.famofeeds.com

Freeport Farm Center

Page ..............................29

(320) 836-2171

119 7th St. SW

Freeport, MN 56331

www.freeportfarmcenter.com

APARTMENT LIVING

Freeport Square Apartments Page ..............................7

(320) 836-2535

109 3rd Ave. NE

Freeport, MN 56331

www.cepcomanagement. com

ATTORNEYS

Willenbring, Dahl, Wocken & Zimmermann PLLC. Page ..............................29

571 Railroad Ave. Albany MN 56307

(320) 685-3678

1-800-247-0925

www.willenbring.com

1 (855) 845-8415

360 Railroad Ave., Albany, MN

AUTOMOTIVE / REPAIR

Fastlane Repair

Page ..............................26

129 7th St. SW Freeport, MN 56331

(320) 339-1417

Hiltner Company

Page ..............................16

(320) 836-2122

216 Main St. W Freeport, MN 56331

Hoeschen Auto

Page ..............................4

(320) 836-2130

110 W Main St. Freeport, MN 56331

www.hoeschenautorepair. com

NAPA Auto Parts

Page ..............................28

117 E Main St.

Melrose MN 56352

Melrose (320) 256-7441

Sauk Centre

(320) 352-3979

Osakis (320) 859-3572

Alexandria (320) 763-5138

www.napacentralmn.com

BANQUET CENTER

Freeport Community Center Page ..............................27

(320) 836-2526

307 7th St. SE

Freeport, MN 56331

www.albanyfamilydentist.com

Dr. Kara Engelbrektson

Dr. Jason Spychala

BEAUTY SALON

Uptown Hair Studio & Spa

Page ..............................2

(320) 836-7194

119 1st Ave. N

Freeport, MN 56331

www.uptownhairstudiomn. com

CARPET & FLOORING

Hennen Floor Covering

Page ..............................28

(320) 836-2177

208 Main St. W

Freeport, MN 56331

www.hennenfloor.com

COFFEE

D’Lish Coffee & Catering

Page ..............................2

(320) 836-7177

111 First Ave. N

Freeport, MN 56331

CONCRETE

Worms Lumber and Ready Mix

Page ..............................6

(320) 837-5288

535 Main St.

New Munich, MN 56356

www.wormsreadymix.com

CHURCH

Harvest Church Page ..............................12

Assembly of God

Denomination

338 Main St. W

Freeport, MN 56331

(320) 836-2997

DENTISTRY

Albany Family Dentistry Page ..............................29

(320) 845-8415

360 Railroad Ave. Suite 1

Albany, MN 56307

www.albanyfamilydentist.com

ELECTRIC

Freeport Electric Page ...............4

(320) 836-2865

38489 Tristan Rd. Freeport, MN 56331

FINANICAL

Freeport State Bank

Page ...............28

(320) 836-2126

111 Main St. E Freeport, MN 56331

www.freeportstatebank.com

Magnifi Financial Page ...............20

(888) 330-8482

107 1st Ave. N

Freeport, MN 56331

www.mymagnifi. org

GARBAGE & RECYCLING

Albany Recycling Center Page ..............................20

(320) 845-2747

34737 Co Rd 10

Albany, MN 56307

Waste Management

Page ..............................10

Residential, Commercial, Farm, Demolition + Recycling

www.wm.com

GOLF

Meadowlark Country Club

Page ..............................16

(320) 256-4989

837 Country Club Dr.

Melrose, MN 56352

www.meadowlarkcountryclub. com

HEALTH & FITNESS

Melrose Fitness

Page ..............................27

321 Main St. E Melrose, MN 56352

info@melrosefitness247. com

www.melrosefitness247.com

HEATING & AC

Mid Central Heating & AC Page ..............................8

(320) 836-2502

300 Industrial Dr. Freeport, MN 56331

www.midcentralheatandac. com

INSURANCE

Advantage 1 Insurance Page ..............................26

(320) 252-6650

6 3rd Ave. NE

Melrose, MN 56352

www.advantageoneins.com

American Family Insurance

Page ..............................4

(320) 256-3434

Kyle Hoium, Agent

408 Main St. E Suite 2

Melrose, MN 56352

khoium@amfam.com

North Risk Partners

Page ..............................25

(320) 256-7741

411 Main St. E Melrose, MN 56352

www.northriskpartners.com

LUMBER

Hennen Lumber Page ..............................4

(320) 836-2135

Main St.

Freeport, MN 56331

www.hennenlumber.com

Worms Lumber and Ready Mix

Page ..............................6

(320) 837-5288

535 Main St. New Munich, MN 56356

www.wormsreadymix.com

MEDICAL

CentraCare - Melrose Page ..............................3

(320) 256-4228

525 Main St. W Melrose, MN 56352

www.centracare.com

CentraCare - Albany Page ..............................3

(320) 845-2157

30 Railroad Ave.

Albany, MN 56307

www.centracare.com

Integrated Health & Wellness, LLC

Page ..............................14

(320) 836-7150

103 3rd Ave. NE

Freeport, MN 56331

www.drproechel.com

Directory Business

METAL FABRICATION

Millwood Metalworks, Inc.

Page ..............................31

(320) 836-2707

315 Industrial Park Freeport, MN 56331

www.millwoodmetalworks. com

NEWSPAPER

Star Publications

Page ..............................28

The Star Post

Melrose office

(320) 351-6579

Albany office

(320) 845-2700

www.star-pub.com

ORGANIZATIONS

Lake Wobegon Trail Association

Page ..............................17

Like us on Facebook

www.lakewobegontrail.com

Lake Wobegon Trail Gallery

Page ..............................18

(320) 845-4100

431 Railroad Ave. Albany, MN 56307

www.lakewobegontrailgallery.com

RECREATION

Channel Marine & Sports, Inc.

Page ..............................25

(320) 597-5975

Hwy. 23

Richmond, MN 56368

www.channelmarineandsports. com

RESTAURANTS

All Stars Sports Bar & Grill

Page ..............................25

(320) 836-2154

29001 Co Rd 17

Freeport (St. Rosa), MN 56331

The Pioneer Inn

Page ..............................18

(320) 836-2695

Bar + Homemade Pizza

123 Main St E Freeport, MN 56331

RETAIL

Albany Country Floral & Gifts

Page ..............................7

(320) 845-4776

401 Railroad Ave. Albany, MN 56307 www.albanycf.net

Coil’s Flags and Embroidery Page ..............................20

(320) 253-8160

2803 Clearwater Road Suite B St. Cloud, MN 56301 www.coilsflags.com

Swany White Page ..............................28

(320) 836-2174

206 2nd St. SE Freeport, MN 56331

www.swanywhiteflour.com

SCREEN PRINTING

Freeport Screen Printing, Inc. Page ..............................28

(320) 836-2393

115 1st Ave. N Freeport, MN 56331

fspi2@albanytel.com

SIGN DESIGN

SignDesign Located in the Sauk Centre Herald office

(320) 352-6577

522 Sinclair Lewis Ave. Sauk Centre, MN 56378

TELEPHONE

Albany Mutual Telephone Page ..............................32

(320) 845-2101

131 6th St. Albany, MN 56307

www.albanytel.com

TRAILER PARTS

Dexter Page ..............................4

(320) 836-2550

208 7th St. SW

Freeport, MN 56331

www.dexter-distribution.com

TRUCKING

Brenny Transportation Page ..............................4

(320) 363-6999

8505 Ridgewood Road

St. Joseph, MN 56374

www.brennytruck.com

Freeport Trucking

(320) 836-2828

41715 Co Rd 153

Freeport, MN 56331

WATER

Culligan Water of Central MN

Page ..............................30

(320) 352-8010

625 Lincoln Loop Sauk Centre, MN 56378

www.culliganh2o.com

WELL DRILLING

Atkinson Well Drilling, LLC.

Page ..............................29

(320) 836-2597

P.O. Box 185

Freeport, MN 56331

ben@atkinsonwell.com

www.atkinsonwell.com

office

www.millwoodmetalworks.com

Welding,

Fabrication, CNC Plasma & Flame Cutting Women Owned Small Business

Tim Burg Vice President