The Freeborn County Republicans hosted their annual picnic at the Edgewater Park pavilion last week with more than 100 people in attendance.

Team leaders Al Arends and Katie Jacobson thanked the people who have been responsible for many events this year. Marlys Jentoft accompanied the group as they sang patriotic songs.

Linden Anderson, candidate for state Senate District 27, spoke to the group. Anderson lives on his family farm near Waltham and works for the Department of Natural Resources as a resource management technician. He also has been a lifelong church leader. Anderson spoke about the need to stand up for the next generation by not saddling them with a huge debt and also working for job growth in Minnesota.

District 27A Rep. Rich Murray also spoke to the group. He emphasized the importance of funding area K-12 education and also discussed the increase in funding for schools which he supported.