Vibrant Life Assembly of God in Ellendale is holding a six-week grief group for people who have lost children and grandchildren. This group is for anyone, no matter how long ago their child or grandchild was lost or what stage of grief someone is in. “There are many who don’t understand the pain of losing a child or grandchild, but the few who understand will be here to help and listen,” said pastor Patrick Stitt. The group started Tuesday, November 5, and runs through Tuesday, December 10. The group is an hour-long group every Tuesday at Vibrant Life Church in Ellendale. If you have any questions, call 507-684-3421.

MDHA again seeks deer hides

The Minnesota Deer Hunters Association is again asking for your help to improve conditions for future hunters and hunting in general by donating your harvested deer, moose, elk or mule deer hides. The Southern Gateway Chapter of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association has “Hides for Habitat” boxes at the following locations: Tom’s Taxidermy – Clarks Grove, Nick’s Meats – Hayward, The Short Stop Station – Glenville, Conger Meats – Conger,  Lair’s 66 - Emmons, Craig’s Taxidermy – Freeborn, Nielsen’s Conoco – Harland, Morgan’s Meat Market – New Richland,  Steve’s Meats – Ellendale, Geneva Automotive – Geneva, and the Bend in the Road Bar – Manchester. In Albert Lea we have boxes at the former Norby’s Gas Station, Entrance of the Freeborn County Fairgrounds, Karl’s Car Quest Auto Parts, and Hart Brothers Weaponry. There are other hide collection boxes around our area, but the benefit only goes to the owner of the box. We urge you to put your hides in the boxes marked “Hides for Habitat.” Our Southern Gateway Chapter sent 11 young future hunters to ‘Forkhorn Camp’ this past year, your hides help fund this project. Again, we have no use for heads, legs or plastic bags, so please don’t put them in our boxes. We wish you a successful hunt and thank you in advance for your support and your hides. We also would like to thank the businesses for their assistance in allowing us to put our boxes on their property. If you have questions or concerns, contact one of us or any member of the Southern Gateway Chapter of Minnesota Deer Hunters. Clark Hammer 507-256-7609, Jack Adams 507-373-4153, Tom Norby 507-373-4645

Sign up now for 'Christmas by the Lake'

F.R.O.G. of Central Freeborn Lutheran Church presents “Christmas by the Lake,” Saturday, Dec. 7 from 3-9 p.m. The price is $26 per person. Activities include: 

• 3 p.m. Coach bus leaves from behind Slumberland in Albert Lea. Destination Clear Lake, Iowa 3:45 p.m. 

• 3:45 p.m. Tour Christmas activities on Main Street

• 5 p.m. Watch the lighted Christmas parade

• 6 p.m. View the fireworks on the lake

• 6:30 p.m. Kentucky Fried Chicken buffet in Clear Lake

• 8:45 p.m. View Outdoor Nativity

• 9 p.m. Back at Slumberland

Reservations are needed. Please contact Bob or Genie Hanson at 373-8655 or Wayne or Bev Indrelie at 826-3267. There will be drawings for gifts. Please bring a friend and dress warmly. The parade and fireworks may be viewed from the bus if you wish. There will be $5 cash back per person if bus is full. DQ and KFC coupons will be given to everyone.