26th Annual Ag Summit
Thursday, February 5th, 2026 · 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
What to Expect: Agricultural presentations on an array of topics and vendor booths
We open at 8AM for registration and booth visits along with Continental Breakfast
Shop Eat
Play
potato, garlic toast, bars, and beverages. Proceeds go towards the purchase of a new truck! SAT, FEB 7, 2026 4-7 PM OR TIL GONE
SILENT AUCTION & BAKE SALE
The Ark Encounter April 20-25, 2026
INCLUDED IN YOUR TOUR: Hosted by Pastor John Holt · Deluxe Motorcoach Transportation · 5 Nights Accommodations · 11 Meals: 5 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners · Luggage handling (1 per person) · Ark Encounter and Creation Museum · National Underground Railroad Freedom Center · American Sign Museum · Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption · Patriot’s Landing · B&B Riverboat Dinner Cruise · Circa’ 21 Dinner Theater
$1399 per person/double
Selling Fast Call Today! 507-373-4705 travel1@4seasonstravel.net www.4-seasonsvacations.com
Moose Lodge Albert Lea, MN
Donations Welcome! We are now accepting donations for both the Silent Auction and Bake Sale. Have a unique item or a special recipe you'd like to contribute? Get in touch with Tara Rasmussen at 507-391-5128
Come join us for an exciting day of bidding on amazing items and indulging in delicious homemade treats! Silent Auction will end at 5:30 pm Burger Basket Tickets can be purchased in advance for $10 at the Alden-Conger School, Arcadian Bank-Albert Lea & Conger Bar SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1 3-6 PM ST
Erin Bremseth, daughter of Faron and Janet Bremseth of Alden, has been diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer that has spread to other areas. The diagnosis was unexpected, as Erin does not have typical risk factors. While treatment may help manage the disease, it is not curable. Erin will face ongoing treatments, appointments, and related travel and living expenses. Every meal purchased, silent auction bid, and sweet treat bought helps support Erin and her family.
GUYS & DOLLS A VALENTINE CELEBRATION
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Chanhassen Dinner Theatre
For the first time in over 35 years Chanhassen Dinner theatre brings you a thrilling and electric staging of Guys and Dolls! From the gritty streets of New York to the colorful cafes of Havana, Guys and Dolls is a grand spectacle of music and comedy to delight you!
$154 pp includes motorcoach transportation, lunch and performance. Departure: Albert Lea Walmart 9:00 am
Birthday Candles
Wednesday, April 15th
Sidekick Theatre -- Minnesota Heritage Center
Ingredients for the cake are simple: eggs, butter, sugar, salt. Look closer, though, you’ll see the essence of life itself. Every year, Ernestine bakes a cake and celebrates with her family on her birthday. We meet Ernestine and the people who sweeten her life every year on this day as she grows from 17 to 107 years old. Through glimpses of Ernestine’s life, Birthday Candles tenderly explores motherhood, family, love, loss and finding your place in the universe. This charming new play, recently on Broadway, will warm the soul.
$149 pp includes deluxe motor coach transportation, lunch at the theatre, and performance.
Departure: Albert Lea Walmart 8:30 am
Contact Bev for More Information: 507-451-8695 · bev@bevstours.com
Rose Olmsted Advocacy Award 2026
Freeborn County announces the nomination process for the annual Rose Olmsted Advocacy Award. The award recognizes Ms. Olmsted’s 38 years of distinguished service with the County and is in recognition of the advocacy provided by Ms. Olmsted. This service was provided on a county, state and national level for victims of child abuse, sexual assault, crime, domestic violence and their loved ones. In addition, this award recognizes her work on behalf of individuals and communities looking for ways in which to find resiliency after natural and human made disasters. A plaque will be given to the Award recipient on March 17, 2026 at 8:35am at the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners Meeting held in the Freeborn County Historic Courthouse . The recipient of the Award shall be a Freeborn County citizen professional or volunteer whose advocacy for an individual, family or a community exemplifies service to others. The core values of social work will serve as the foundation of the award. These values include service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity and competence.
Nomination forms can be found on the Freeborn County website home page at www.co.freeborm.mn.us. The nomination form must be returned to the office of Freeborn County Administration by February 13, 2026. If you have any questions, please contact Freeborn County Administration at 507-377-5116 or email Sheriff Ryan Shea at ryan.shea@co.freeborn.mn.us or Chelsea Barrett at chelsea.barrett@co.freeborn.mn.us
Calendars
FOOD RESOURCES
IN FREEBORN COUNTY FOOD RESOURCES IN FREEBORN COUNTY
FOOD PANTRIES
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 56007Thursday 4:45 pm drive- through style for hot meals to-go.
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.
Antiques & Collectibles
NEED CASH
I give free appraisals of your coins 1964 and older. I am also looking to buy older coins such as silver dollars, halves,quarters,dimes and Indian head cents. Call Ron from Hayfield 507-477-2427 or 507-259-6460
Machinery & Tools
STIHL Products in Stock. We’re your STIHL Dealer. 507-448-3302 TRADING POST Gordonsville POWER WASHERS in Stock 507-448-3302 TRADING POST Gordonsville
General Notices
From January 1, 2026, through July 1, 2026, the Albert Lea HRA Housing Choice Voucher/ Section 8 program waitlist is open. www.albertleahra.com.
Apartments
Spacious 1 bedroom 15 minutes south of Albert Lea. $405/mo, utilities included except electric. Background checks required. No smoking! No animals! Call or text 507-456-9514.
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
FreebornCountyShopper.com 115 West College St• Albert Lea,
Want To Buy Transportation
Buying Junk Vehicles! Paying cash. Top $$ prices. Will pick up 7 days/week. 641-590-7068
Appliance Service
ON THE SPOT APPLIANCE SERVICE
Will Repair most Household Appliances & Commercial Cooking Products. 30+ Years Experience, Reasonable Rates. Call Orrin Mortensen at 507-214-8099 ANYTIME
Construction
Handyman Services
E.L.K. CONSTRUCTION HANDYMAN SERVICES: Update or replace windows, egress windows & doors. Home repair, remodeling & construction, decks, garages, siding, roof repair, drywall & texturing, concrete. Call Ernie at 438-4307. 27 years experience, bonded. License #BC 710064 Tree Service
Linder Tree Service Tree Trimming, cutting, and removal! Boom truck and insured. Call or Text Josh Linder 507-995-7081
FREEBORN COUNTY MAINTENANCE WORKER
Freeborn County is looking to hire a full-time (40 hrs./week) Maintenance worker in the Maintenanc Department. The Maintenance workers are responsible maintaining a clean, orderly and safe environment i buildings, equipment and grounds.
For more information, and to complete an applicatio visit the Freeborn County website at Completed applications, along with a cover letter a are due by 12:00 PM on Friday, January 30 th , 2026
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
City Clerk-Treasurer
City of Freeborn
City of Freeborn is seeking candidates for the position of City Clerk-Treasurer. This position is responsible for the City’s financial administration, elections, official records, management and coordination of Council meetings and directives. Complete job description available at City of Freeborn. Responsible for recording minutes and bookkeeping for the Joint Powers Authority.
Qualified candidates will have a High School Diploma/GED, prior experience with bookkeeping, customer service, self-motivated, work independently with limited supervision. Experience with Banyon Fund Accounting is a plus. Salary determined by qualifications, education, and experience.
Resumes/cover letter and application may be dropped off at the office: City of Freeborn 402 Park St, Freeborn, MN 56032 or emailed: ctyfrb@bevcomm.net by February 6, 2026. For questions, feel free to contact Barbara Jones, City Clerk-Treasurer by phone at 507-863-2014 or email at ctyfrb@bevcomm.net
The City of Freeborn is an EOE
Hill’s is Hiring
Assistant Greenhouse Worker
Hill’s Gardens is hiring a seasonal fulltime employee starting early–mid February through late summer/early fall.
Pay is $18/hour. Hours are 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday, with Saturdays required early in the season. Duties include planting and potting, watering, moving plants, preparing growing media, general cleaning/maintenance, and unloading deliveries. Work involves long hours standing in greenhouse conditions, sometimes in high heat. Days off may vary with weather and deliveries. No prior greenhouse experience required —a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and willingness to learn are essential.
Garden Center Sales Associate Pay: $14/hour. Duties include: greeting and assisting customers in-store and by phone • stocking shelves and greenhouse displays • general cleaning to maintain a neat garden center • efficient cashiering. Retail or cashier experience preferred but not required. Knowledge of plants is a plus. Enthusiasm for gardening is a must! Seasonal part-time and full-time positions available. Part-time hours: Mon–Fri 4–8 pm, Sat 8–6, Sun 12–6, Full-time hours: Mon–Fri 8–5. Retirees and seniors encouraged to apply. Apply at hillsgardens.com (Contact Us) or in person at 2512 W. Main St, Albert Lea 507-373-7253
