Tribune staff report

State Sen. Dan Sparks will conduct town meetings in Albert Lea and Alden Saturday.

He will be at the Albert Lea Union Center from 10 to 11:30 a.m., and from 1 to 2 p.m., he’ll be at Alden’s Main Street Grill.

Anyone interested in sharing his or her opinion on state government or learning more about the process is invited to attend these community discussions, said Sparks.

&uot;I am interested in hearing what southern Minnesota residents have to say about the state budget and some of the other issues facing lawmakers this year,&uot; said Sparks. &uot;This is a great opportunity for folks to tell me what message they would like me to bring back to St. Paul.&uot;

The meetings will be open forums for citizens to ask questions or share input on a variety of issues. Information on the state’s budget and a 2005 legislative survey will be available.

For more information contact Sparks’ office at 651-296-9248.