2025 Freeport Resource Guide

2025 -FREE-

resource guide

IN THE HEART

OF MINNESOTA. Brought to you courtesy of the many advertisers throughout this publication.

Thank you for supporting them.

Page 2 • 2025 Freeport Resource Guide

www.star-pub.com

the city with a smile

Freeport Welcome to

Dear Neighbor, 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, 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!

ENJOY YOUR STAY! coffee, specialty drinks, daily lunch specials & fresh baked goods

320-836-7177

111 First Ave N Freeport, MN Hours: Monday - Saturday » 6am - 2pm www.star-pub.com

Swany White Flour Mills

206 2nd St. SE, Freeport

320-836-2174

Open Mon.-Fri. 8-1 and 2-5, Sat. 8-noon

High Quality Flour and Specialty Cooking Products Since 1903!

Visit our website for a complete list of products...

www.swanywhiteflour.com 2025 Freeport Resource Guide • Page 3

What’s

inside

Welcome to Freeport............................................. Page 3 Quick Reference Guide ......................................... Page 4 City of Freeport ..................................................Pages 6-7 Map of Freeport........................................................ Page 8 History of Freeport .................................................. Page 9 Community Services.............................................Page 10 Chamber of Commerce ......................................Page 10 Lions Club ...................................................................Page 10 Freeport Fire Department..................................Page 11

Churches ............................................................Pages 12-13 Community Events ...................................... Pages 14-15 Freeport Softball/Baseball ...............................Page 16 Parks and Recreation .......................................... Page 17 Agricultural Industry .............................................Page 18 Education/Schools .............................................Pages 20 Medical Care............................................................. Page 21 Senior Living ............................................................. Page 21 Business Directory...................................... Pages 22-23

The Freeport Resource Guide is published by Star Publications, 522 Sinclair Lewis Avenue, Sauk Centre, MN 56378 • 320-352-6577 • 2025

Homemade pizzas you’ll love !

Dine in or Carry OUT

On & Off Sale E-Tabs & Pull Tabs Lic #01465-003

Week days Happy $3-6 pmWednesdays HOUR 3 ALL DAY! T H E P I ON E E R I N N

BAR & HOMEADE PI ZZAS

320-836-2695 • 123 Main St. E, Freeport, MN Page 4 • 2025 Freeport Resource Guide

MONDAY NIGHTS 5-9 P.M. Buck Burgers & Fries TUESDAY NIGHTS Free Family Order of Breadsticks with any Pizza WEDNESDAY NIGHTS Chicken Night THURSDAY NIGHTS 5-9 P.M. Wing Night Owners fro FRIDAY NIGHTS 5-9 P.M. Carter Atkinm left: Nick Arnzen, son and Na All You Can Eat Fish te Arnzen Grilled Shrimp 12 oz. Hand-Sliced Steak Daily SATURDAY NIGHTS 5-9 PM. Pull Tabs H appy Beef Philly with fries & E-Tabs H

ours

On Sale • Off Sale • Catering

320-836-2154 29001 Co. Rd. 17, St. Rosa, MN www.star-pub.com

City of

125 Main Street E., Freeport, MN 56331 www.freeportmn.org • clerk@freeportmn.org • 836-2112

of Central M MN Proudly serving customers for over 75 years

• Free water consultation from local water experts • Salt and water delivery • Water softeners and filters • Drinking water systems and coolers 625 Lincoln Loop Sauk Centre, MN 56378 320.352.6587 culliganh2o.com

City Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Office will be closed on legal holidays.

Mayor: Mike Eveslage Council Members: Jake Renneker

Tim Hennen Nick Arnzen Sarah Blake City Clerk/Treasurer: Jon Nelson Council Meetings: Last Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.

Visit www.freeportmn.org or call (320) 836-2112

New Wells | Rehab of Existing Wells Sealing of Abandoned Wells (320) 836-2597 Family-Owned & operated for 78 Years

WELL DRILLING & WELL SERVICE WORK

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.

ben@atkinsonwell.com • www.atkinsonwell.com

Page 6 • 2025 Freeport Resource Guide

www.star-pub.com

City of

Freeport Police/Fire (Emergency)..............................911 Sheriff Non-Emergency .......... 320-259-3700 Fire 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

Freeport has a lot to offer

Halfway 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 small-town atmosphere.

GARBAGE (REFUSE) RESIDENTIAL West Central Sanitation .......................1-800-246-7630 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 Albany Fiber Communications...............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 www.star-pub.com

Air Conditioning • Furnace Indoor Air Quality • Ductless Heat Pumps • Boilers • Aeroseal

320-597-7272 Freeport Area| Richmond www.kraemerheating.com 2025 Freeport Resource Guide • Page 7

Freeport

MAP 5TH

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Black Sox Ball Field

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WE DELIVER!

600 1000

1 (855) 845-8415

360 Railroad Ave., Albany, MN

320-845-4776 401 Railroad Avenue, Albany, MN 56307 Fresh Arrangements - Plants - Gifts & More!

www.albanyfloralmn.com Page 8 • 2025 Freeport Resource Guide

Dr. Jason Spychala

Dr. Kara Engelbrektson

www.albanyfamilydentist.com

www.star-pub.com

History of

Freeport 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 Manitoba 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 in 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, Illinois.

Freeport was incorporated as a village in September 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 waterworks system was installed in 1903, and in 1913, a new electric light system was completed. The population of the www.star-pub.com

Schlicht Filling Station, Freeport, circa 1960.

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.

2025 Freeport Resource Guide • Page 9

Commerce Services Chamber of

The Freeport Chamber of Commerce is now part of the Melrose Area Chamber of Commerce.

Community

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

Contact Joelene Wieling, Executive Director Melrose Area Chamber of Commerce Office: 320-256-7174 | Mobile: 320-493-8944 www.melrosemn.org 223 Main Street E, PO Box 216 Melrose, MN 56352 For more information visit page 14 of the Melrose Resource Guide

CATHOLIC CHARITIES SENIOR DININGALBANY

Located at Pondview Estates, 334 Golfview Drive. Meals are served Monday - Friday beginning at 11:30 a.m., and LIBRARIES home-delivered meals are Melrose Public provided for the communities Library of Albany, Avon, Freeport, 225 First St. NE, Holdingford, New Munich, Meire PO Box 27 Grove, Greenwald, Melrose, Melrose, MN 56352 Sauk Centre, St. Joseph, St. (320) 256-3885 Martin, St. Rosa, Richmond, Cold www.griver.org Spring, Paynesville, Belgrade, NEWSPAPERS Brooten, Elrosa and St. Stephen for seniors 60 + who meet The Star Post program criteria. Partially Melrose funded under contract with 408 E. Main St. the Central Minnesota Council Melrose, MN 56352 on Aging as part of the Older (320) 351-6579 Americans Act and administered www.star-pub.com carol.m@star-pub.com by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud. Volunteer The Star Post opportunities are always Albany available for all the route areas.

561 Railroad Ave. For more information, please PO Box 310 call 320-845-4070, email at Albany, MN 56307 albanysrdining@ccstcloud.org, (320) 845-2700 call St. Cloud office at Fax: 320-845-4805 320-229-4584 or visit the www.star-pub.com carol.m@star-pub.com website at ccstcloud.org.

FREEPORT LIONS CLUB

WILLENBRING, DAHL, WOCKEN & ZIMMERMANN PLLC Estate Planning | Elder Law | Real Estate | Business Personal Injury | Family | Employment

320.685.3678 OfÀces in Cold Spring, Avon & Albany www.willenbring.com Page 10 • 2025 Freeport Resource Guide

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. www.star-pub.com

Freeport

FIRE DEPARTMENT

PHOTO SUBMITTED

The Freeport Fire Department members are Joe Laing (front, from left), Tyler Scherping, Chris Williams, Secretary Loren Goebel, Adam Hoppe, Kurt Ritter, Kyle Rademacher and Jason Hoppe; (middle, from left) Jamie Engelmeyer, Zach Hoeschen, Ryan Meyer, Corey Oevermann, Scott Blais and Matthew Beste; (back, from left) Noah VanBeck, Josh Pung, Assistant Chief Branden Roering, Chief Andy Grieve, Assistant Chief Larry Hoeschen, Scott Hoeschen and Steve Notch. Not pictured are Chris Herdering, AJ Olson and Gary Schmitz.

Andy Grieve - Fire Chief 104 4th Street NW | Freeport, MN 56331 | 836-2411

Improve Your Outlook UPGRADE WITH Your Satisfaction Is Guaranteed!

WINDOWS

New Homes • Remodeling • Ag Buildings

320-836-2135 or Toll Free

888-294-8686 www.star-pub.com

Lumber Company, Inc.

Freeport, MN | hennenlumber.com

2025 Freeport Resource Guide • Page 11

Churches Harvest Church Freeport

“Reaching Freeport, Albany, Melrose and the surrounding communities with the message of Christ’s love!”

338 Main St. W.,Freeport, MN 56331 320-836-2997 or 320-356-0317 harvestchurchfreeport.com Pastors Allen and Joelene Wieling www.uptown-hair.com Hair, Nails, Skincare

Services: Sunday Worship: 8:30 a.m. with coffee and fellowship beforehand Wednesday: Harvest Youth Classes 6:30 p.m.

Freeport Screen F Printing, Inc. S P 115 1st Ave. North Freeport, MN 56331-0352 Phone: 320-836-2393 fspi2@albanytel.com

Cheryl Fuechtmann and Kim Bauer, owners Page 12 • 2025 Freeport Resource Guide

Come join us! All are welcome

Service time 9 a.m.

Assembly of God Denomination

320-836-2997

338 Main St. W | Freeport, MN 56331 Go to harvestchurchfreeport.com to see our event calendar www.star-pub.com

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

106 Third Ave. NE, Freeport MN 56331 www.sacredheartfreeport.org Sacred Heart Mass Schedule: Wednesday 8:15 a.m. and Friday 8:15 a.m.

Eucharistic Adoration: Every Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (quiet prayer and reflection) Sacred Heart School: (see Education) Kristie Harren, Principal | Amy VanBeck, Admin. Coordinator 320-836-2591 | www.shsfreeport.org Clustered with Immaculate Conception Parish in New Munich and St. Rose of Lima Parish in St. Rosa

St. Rose of Lima Parish St. Rosa 28905 Co. Rd. 17, Freeport, MN 56331 www.sacredheartfreeport.org St. Rose of Lima Mass Schedule: Tuesday: 8:15 a.m. | Sunday: 10:00 a.m.

Clustered with Sacred Heart Parish in Freeport and Immaculate Conception Parish in New Munich

Immaculate Conception Parish New Munich 650 Main Street, New Munich, MN 56356 www.sacredheartfreeport.org Immaculate Conception Mass Schedule: Thursday: 8:15 a.m. | Saturday: 4:00 p.m.

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

Sacred Heart Parish Freeport

Clustered with Sacred Heart Parish in Freeport and St. Rose of Lima Parish in St. Rosa www.star-pub.com

Immaculate Conception Parish New Munich

St. Rose of Lima Parish St. Rosa Tri-Parish Office Address 106 Third Ave. NE, P.O. Box 155 Freeport, MN 56331-0155 Tri-Parish Office 320-836-2143 | triparish@albanytel.com

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

2025 Freeport Resource Guide • Page 13

2025-26

events

For more information on local events, contact the Melrose Area Chamber of Commerce at (320) 256-7174, or visit www.freeportmn.org.

65 per month

$

JUNE 2025 5, 6, 7 - Freeport City-wide Garage Sales 7 - Freeport Family Fishing Tournament on Kings Lake 14 - Caramel Roll Ride 15 - Freeport Fire Department Ham BBQ 21 - Lady Slipper Nature Ride 8 a.m.

JULY 2025 20th - Sacred Heart Parish Festival & Parade AUGUST 2025 8, 9, 10 - Annual Men’s Fast Pitch Softball Tournament

STORAGE UNITS 700 1st Ave S and 573 Whirlwind Dr Freeport, MN 56331

320 -267-1533 mkistorage.com Page 14 • 2025 Freeport Resource Guide

SEPTEMBER 2025

6 - Caramel Apple Ride 27 - Freeport Fall Fest

Dates to be determined 2026 *Sacred Heart School Prime & Wine www.star-pub.com

2025-26

events DECEMBER 2025

5 -Freeport Santa Night

JANUARY 2026

TBD – Sacred Heart School Wine & Dine

FEBRUARY 2026

7 - Annual Minnesota Darkhouse & Angling Association Banquet

JUNE 2026

7,8,9 - Freeport City-wide Garage Sales 13 - Caramel Roll Ride 21 - Lady Slipper Nature Ride

JULY 2026

19 - Sacred Heart Parish Festival & Parade

AUGUST 2026

7, 8, 9 - Annual Men’s Fast Pitch Softball Tournament

SEPTEMBER 2026

12 - Caramel Apple Ride 26 - Freeport Fall Fest

DECEMBER 2026

4 - Freeport Santa Night

• Weddings • Banquets • Anniversaries • Reunions • Trade Shows Full Service Events & Recreation Center

Debra J. Proechel, D.C., N.D. Chiropractic and Naturopathic Physician

Freeport FREEPORT COMMUNITY Community Center & EVENT CENTER

• Chiropractic Care • Naturopathy • Applied Kinesiology • Vitamin Counseling • Herbal Therapy • Homeopathic Therapy • Acupuncture • Lifestyle Counseling • Certified Massage Therapy • Detoxification Programs •Weight Management • Health Coach™ • Stop Smoking Programs

320-836-2526

103 3rd Ave. NE, Freeport, MN 56331 (320) 836-7150 • Toll Free 888-827-7859 Fax: (320) 836-7162 • www.drproechel.com

307 7th St St. SE SE, FFreeport, t MN 56331

Call for Reservations www.star-pub.com

Integrated Health & Wellness Center, LLC

2025 Freeport Resource Guide • Page 15

Freeport

Softball & 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 30 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 diamond that is home to the Black Sox.

Little League 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 2024, 80 boys participated in baseball and 96 girls in softball, demonstrating the popularity of summer sports in Freeport and the surrounding area.

For more information call In 2025, a Legion Bud Heidgerken at (320) 260-8982 team will be added.

Page 16 • 2025 Freeport Resource Guide

www.star-pub.com

Recreation For information on Parks & Recreations in Melrose, please visit page 30-31 of the Melrose Resource Guide

BIRCH LAKE STATE FOREST FISHING

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

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.

CAMPING

Cedar Lake Memorial Park, Upsala (320) 573-2983 El Rancho Manana, Richmond (320) 597-2740

MEADOWLARK COUNTRY CLUB

9-Hole Golf Course (320) 256-4989

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.

Public Golf Course 837 Country Club Dr. Melrose, MN 56352

320-256-4989

- Highly-manicured 9 holes - Par 36 - Full bar

- Grill - Patio - Driving range - Friendly staff

Call for a tee time today!

www.meadowlarkcountryclub.com www.star-pub.com

2025 Freeport Resource Guide • Page 17

in Freeport 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 1,000 cows. Farms are growing in size as family members decide to farm together versus separately. According to the 2012 U.S. Department of Agriculture 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 No. 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 No. 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.

Call Worms Lumber & Ready Mix for your lumber & concrete needs.

446 Industrial Drive P.O. Box 7 Freeport, MN 56331

Over a Century of Innovation & Trust

When you need it, where you need it!

320-836-2145 800-450-2145

AFIA FEED FACILITY OF THE YEAR

WWW.FAMOFEEDS.COM Page 18 • 2025 Freeport Resource Guide

New Munich Sauk Centre Long Prairie 320-837-5288 320-352-2841 320-732-6452 WWW.WORMSREADYMIX.COM

www.star-pub.com

our YComplete Auto

Repair Specialists

45

YEARS IN BUSINESS

Family owned and operated since 1980

Specializing in Custom Exhaust and Computer Diagnostics

Tim Burg DAN HOESCHEN, OWNER TED, BEN, MARY AND BRIAN

Vice President

110 Main St. W, P.O. 296 Freeport, MN 56331 320-836-2130 hoeschenautorepair.com hoeschenauto@gmail.com

office 320-836-2707 • cell 320-293-0428

www.millwoodmetalworks.com 315 Industrial Drive • PO Box 339 • Freeport, MN 56331 Welding, Fabrication, CNC Plasma & Flame Cutting Women Owned Small Business

Auto, Truck & Small Engine Repair Welding & Fabrication • Diagnostics • Blade Sharpening • Preventative Maintenance • Engine to Carb Rebuilding • Tires for...

Auto - Truck - ATV - Motorcycle Lawn Mower - Tractor - Skid Loader

WE SELL NEW TRIMMERS AND CHAINSAWS 129 7th St. SW Freeport, MN

320-339-1417

Buying all

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WE HANDLE

Garbage and Electronics FOR ALL THINGS CLEAN UP

320-845-2747 Conveniently located next to I-94

Visit wm.com TODAY TO SCHEDULE KUP! YOUR GARBAGE OR DUMPSTER PICKUP! Residential | Commercial | Farm Pickup | Demolition | Recycling 10, 20 & 30 Yard Dumpsters Available & 32, 64 & 96 Gallon Trash Containers

www.wm.com 39864 South Hwy. 71, Sauk Centre, Centre MN www.star-pub.com

2025 Freeport Resource Guide • Page 19

Education in Freeport

MELROSE AREA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Independent School District 740 546 Fifth Ave. NE, Melrose, MN 56352 (320) 256-5160 • www.isd740.org For more information please visit page 27-28 of the Melrose Resource Guide

WEST CENTRAL EDUCATION DISTRICT 9 Second St. SW, Melrose, MN 56352 (320) 256-6026 | www.wced6026.org For more information please visit page 28 of the Melrose Resource Guide

FULL-time Toddler care

Avlable!

We have more openingss for full-time toddler care.

(18 to 36 months) Please contact Sacred Heart School for more information! ation!

320-836-2591 ог 320-836-2585 www.shsfreeport.org or email avanbeck@shsfreeport.org Page 20 • 2025 Freeport Resource Guide

Sacred Heart

school 303 Second St. NE, PO Box 39 Freeport, MN 56331 (320) 836-2591 | www.shsfreeport.org Mrs. Kristie Harren, Principal kharren@shsfreeport.org Our 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 Toddler Center - Grade 6 (licensed preschool and toddler center.)

• 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, tech club, yearbook, robotics, Bible study, card club, 3D printing, creative digital, board games, crafts and sports clubs (softball, basketball, volleyball and open gym).

• Integrated technology throughout all grade levels.

• Music, art and physical education specialists.

• Care and educational opportunities for children ages 18 months - 12 years.

• Summer care and before and after school care for school-aged children.

• Parent/family involvement.

• Early childhood and kindergarden screening/ registration in February.

Contact school for more details. www.star-pub.com

care

Health CentraCare-Albany Clinic 30 Railroad Ave, Albany, MN 56307 (320) 845-2157 | centracare.com Albany Clinic offers area residents primary care services in a high-quality, cost-effective 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-Melrose 525 W. Main St., Melrose, MN 56352 (320) 256-4231 | centracare.com For information on CentreCare-Melrose, please visit page 35 of the Melrose Resource Guide

SENIOR

Living CENTRACARE–MELROSE PARK VIEW PLACE

125 Fifth Ave NW, Melrose, MN 56352 | 320-256-1769 For more information, please visit page 35 of the Melrose Resource Guide

MOTHER OF MERCY SENIOR LIVING

Vibrant senior living, graced by the spirit of care.

230 Church Ave, P.O. Box 676, Albany, MN 56307 • 320-845-2195 (Located just off I-94 next to golf course and Seven Dolors Catholic Church) • Rapid Recovery • Nursing Home Affordable Senior Housing • Assisted Living Apartments Enhanced Assisted Living • Memory Care www.star-pub.com

2025 Freeport Resource Guide • Page 21

Business ACCOUNTING/ FINANCIAL/ BENEFITS Black Financial ....... page 5 (320) 356-9031 110 Avon Ave. N. Avon, MN 56310 www.blackfinancialservices.com

AGRICULTURAL Famo Feeds ..............page18 (320) 836-2145 446 Industrial Drive Freeport, MN 56331 www.famofeeds.com

ATTORNEYS Willenbring, Dahl, Wocken & Zimmermann PLLC ..................................page 10 (320) 685-3678 1-800-247-0925 571 Railroad Ave. Albany MN 56307 www.willenbring.com

AUTOMOTIVE / REPAIR Fastlane Repair ......page 19 129 Seventh St. SW Freeport, MN 56331 (320) 339-1417

Directory

COFFEE

D’Lish Coffee & Catering ........................ page 3 (320) 836-7177 111 First Ave. N. Hoeschen Auto ......page 19 Freeport, MN 56331 (320) 836-2130 CONCRETE 110 Main St. W. Freeport, MN 56331 www.hoeschenautorepair.com Worms Lumber and Ready Mix Inc. .........page 18 (320) 837-5288 BANQUET 535 Main St. CENTER New Munich, MN 56356 www.wormsreadymix.com Freeport Community & Event Center ............page 15 CHILD CARE (320) 836-2526 307 Seventh St. SE Sacred Heart Freeport, MN 56331 School ......................... page 20 (320) 836-2591 BEAUTY SALON Freeport Full-Time Toddler Care Uptown Hair Studio & Spa.............page 12 18-36 Months www.shsfreeport.org (320) 836-7194 119 First Ave. N. CHURCH Freeport, MN 56331 www.uptownhairstudiomn.

Harvest Church .......page 12 com (320) 836-2997 338 Main St. W. BUILDING Freeport, MN 56331 SUPPLIES www.harvestchurchfreeport.org Worms Lumber & Ready Mix Inc. ........page 18 DENTISTRY (320) 837-5288 Albany Family 535 Main St. Dentistry....................... page 8 New Munich, MN 56356 (320) 845-8415 www.wormsreadymix.com 360 Railroad Ave. Albany, MN 56307 www.albanyfamilydentist.com

ELECTRIC

FINANICAL Freeport State Bank ............................... page 5 (320) 836-2126 111 Main St. E. Freeport, MN 56331 www.freeportstatebank.com Magnifi Financial...... page 5 (888) 330-8482 107 First Ave. N. Freeport, MN 56331 www.mymagnifi.org

GARBAGE/ RECYCLING Albany Recycling Center ..........................page 19 (320) 845-2747 34737 Co. Rd 10 Albany, MN 56307 Waste Management ...........page 19 Residential, Commercial, Farm, Demolition + Recycling www.wm.com

GOLF Meadowlark Country Club................................ page 17 (320) 256-4989 837 Country Club Drive SW Melrose, MN 56352 www.meadowlarkcountryclub.com

HEATING & AC Kraemer Heating & AC .............. page 7 (320) 597-7272 Freeport & Richmond www.kraemerheating.com

Freeport Electric.....page 11 (320) 836-2865 INSURANCE 38489 Tristan Rd. Freeport, MN 56331 Advantage 1 Insurance......................... page 5 (320) 252-6650 6 Third Ave. NE Melrose, MN 56352 www.advantageoneins.com

Page 22 • 2025 Freeport Resource Guide

www.star-pub.com

LUMBER Hennen Lumber ......page 11 (320) 836-2135 Main St. Freeport, MN 56331 www.hennenlumber.com Worms Lumber and Ready Mix Inc. ........page 18 (320) 837-5288 535 Main St. New Munich, MN 56356 www.wormsreadymix.com

MEDICAL Integrated Health & Wellness LLC .......page 15 (320) 836-7150 103 Third Ave. NE Freeport, MN 56331 www.drproechel.com

METAL FABRICATION Millwood Metalworks Inc. ......page 19 (320) 836-2707 315 Industrial Park RETAIL Freeport, MN 56331 www.millwoodmetalworks.com Albany Floral Shop & Gifts ................ page 8 NEWSPAPER (320) 845-4776 401 Railroad Ave. Star Publications The Star Post.......... page 24 Albany, MN 56307 www.albanyfloralmn.com 408 E. Main St. Melrose, MN 56352 Swany White .............. page 3 (877) 396-6577 (320) 836-2174 www.star-pub.com 206 Second St. SE ORGANIZATIONS Freeport, MN 56331 www.swanywhiteflour.com Lake Wobegon Trail Gallery ............. page 24 SCREEN PRINTING (320) 845-4100 431 Railroad Ave. Freeport Screen Albany, MN 56307 www.lakewobegontrailgallery.com Printing Inc. ...............page 12 (320) 836-2393 115 First Ave. N. RESTAURANTS Freeport, MN 56331 fspi2@albanytel.com All Stars Sports Bar & Grill ..................... page 4 SIGN DESIGN (320) 836-2154 29001 Co. Rd 17 Freeport (St. Rosa), MN 56331 SignDesign Located in the Sauk Centre The Pioneer Inn ........ page 4 Herald office (320) 352-6577 (320) 836-2695 522 Sinclair Lewis Ave. Bar + Homemade Pizza Sauk Centre, MN 56378 123 Main St E. Freeport, MN 56331 www.star-pub.com

STORAGE UNITS M.K.I. Storage ..........page 14 (320) 267-1533 700 First Ave. S. and 573 Whirlwind Dr. Freeport, MN 56331 www.mkistorage.com

TELEPHONE Albany Mutual Telephone .................... page 2 (320) 845-2101 131 Sixth St. Albany, MN 56307 www.albanytel.com WATER Culligan Water of Central MN............. page 6 Main Street Smoke (320) 352-8010 Shop ............................. page 24 625 Lincoln Loop (320) 352-4080 Sauk Centre, MN 56378 201 Main St. S., Ste. 3 www.culliganh2o.com Sauk Centre, MN 56378

TOBACCO

WELL DRILLING TRUCKING Brenny Transportation .......page 14 (320) 363-6999 8505 Ridgewood Road St. Joseph, MN 56374 www.brennytruck.com

Atkinson Well Drilling LLC. ................ page 6 (320) 836-2597 P.O. Box 185 Freeport, MN 56331 ben@atkinsonwell.com www.atkinsonwell.com

2025 Freeport Resource Guide • Page 23