Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office

08/14/2026

**SCAM ALERT**

Please be aware of a recent scam that is making its way around Freeborn County again. Residents throughout the County have been receiving calls from an individual who claims to be a Freeborn County Deputy and using actual Deputy's names. The caller states you have missed a court hearing and a warrant would be issued for your arrest.

If you do receive a phone call of this nature and they ask for payment or try to get any personal information, please hang up immediately. DO NOT provide any personal information as we would never request payment by phone.

If you did provide any personal or banking information, please call the Freeborn County Sheriff's Office or the Albert Lea Police Department at 507-377-5200 ext. 5 and ask to speak to a deputy or officer.

Lieutenant Bolinger

Send a message to learn more

07/30/2026

Be prepared for a wet Friday.

Adam Hamberg- Emergency Management Director

07/29/2026

**UPDATE**

Zachary has been located and is safe. Thank you to all the concerned people who called in and provided information.

MN BCA ALERT

The Freeborn County Sheriff's Office is requesting the public's assistance locating Zachary Szymeczek, age 18. Zachary was last seen leaving his residence in rural Glenville around midnight on July 28, riding his black Schwinn bicycle pictured below. He was believed to be wearing blue jeans, a blue polo shirt, a brown hat with a Chevrolet logo on it, and black shoes with green bottoms and a green stripe. He may also be carrying a large black backpack and a smaller blue backpack. He may have a possible destination of Georgia. There is concern for his well-being.

If you have seen or know the whereabouts of Zachary Szymeczek, 18, please contact the Freeborn County Sheriff's Office at 507-377-5200 or call 911.

Detective Wilson

07/21/2026

**UPDATE**
The owner of the boat has been located.

The Sheriff’s Office received a call of a pontoon washed up on shore on Albert Lea Lake. The boat has a MN registration, however it comes back to a company in Ohio. The pontoon is a 2003 Misty Harbor. If you have any information on this boat or are the owner, please contact the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office to make arrangements to retrieve it.

Lt. Bolinger

07/20/2026

Due to the high heat index, a cooling shelter is opened at the Salvation Army, 302 Court St. in Albert Lea. The shelter is opened now through 5PM today only. After today, cooler temps will move into the area and give us a much needed break.

Adam Hamberg- Emergency Management Director

07/15/2026

The Salvation Army will be open 8:30am- 4:00pm through Thursday if you’re looking for a place to cool off. Water will be available too. 302 Court St. Albert Lea.

Adam Hamberg- Emergency Management Director

07/14/2026

The Salvation Army will be open 8:30am- 4:00pm today if you’re looking for a place to cool off. Water will be available too. 302 Court St. Albert Lea.

Adam Hamberg- Emergency Management Director

07/13/2026

07/10/2026

The link is also in the comments.

07/02/2026

Chip sealing work is planned to start on Bridge Avenue during the week of July 6 from Marshall all the way to the I-90 interchange. This work will take 2-3 days to complete. Traffic will be impacted, expect delays. Flaggers will be used to allow one way alternating traffic. Please use alternate routes and avoid the construction area if possible. The pavement striping will be erased by the work. Reflective tabs will be placed to define lanes until temporary striping can be installed. The construction technique will preserve the pavement surface for years to come.