The Clarks Grove Fire Department last month had a big job on its hands. The elevator was struck by lightning, causing the side to open and allowing corn and soybeans to spill onto the ground. The event appeared in news reports across the nation.

Fortunately, several neighborly fire departments came to its assistance. Nonetheless, it is getting harder and harder to fund rural fire departments.

Now the Clarks Grove Fire Department needs your help. The department holds a fundraiser from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. today. It serves boneless pork chop sandwiches and sweet corn along with refreshments at the Clarks Grove Fire Hall.

So while the Clarks Grove elevator gets torn down, you can help build up a fire department.

Friday, Aug. 24

– An open house at the American Legion Hall in Albert Lea celebrates the marriage of Tim and Bonnie Newguard, who were married in June in Mexico. The celebration is from 6 to 8 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 25

– Citizens State Bank in Glenville holds its annual Customer Appreciation Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. under tents at the bank. Lunch will be served for its customers.

– The Eagles of Albert Lea host a corn feed at noon and then a birthday dinner from 5:30 to 7 p.m. serving Cornish game hens. Music at 8 p.m. will be by Blue Banners. The Eagles is at 205 W. William St.

Sunday, Aug. 26

– The American Legion Post 56 will host Sunday morning breakfast from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Legion Hall will offer pancakes, eggs, saugage, fruit, juice and coffee. The price for adults and teens is $5. Children younger than 10 are charged $2.50. The Legion Hall is at 142 N. Broadway Ave.

– There will be an open house honoring Pat and David Kalis from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at St. Casimer&8217;s Catholic Church in Wells. It is their 50th wedding anniversary.

– Sheriff Mark Harig invites motorcycle enthusiasts to ride with him Sunday on the Sheriff&8217;s Posse Ride. The fundraiser benefits the American Red Cross, which is presently helping flood victims in southeastern Minnesota. In Freeborn County, the ride starts at Bergdale Harley-Davidson, 905 Plaza St. Registration is from 8 to 10 a.m. Sheriffs leave from their checkpoints at 9 a.m., so get there early. The entry fee is $10. There is food after the ride from 4 to 6 p.m. A group photo takes place at 4 p.m.

– There will be a service of healing for Kathy Ferris on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Conger.

– Dad&8217;s Belgian waffles will be served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Northwood-Kensett High School in Northwood, Iowa. There will be a bake sale, auction and free-will donation. The fundraiser benefits Heather Adkins, a 17-year-old senior who was diagnosed with Hodgkin&8217;s lymphoma in May 2007. The benefit helps fray medical costs.

– There will be an open house honoring Harriet Ellegard at the Hayward Town Hall from 1 to 4 p.m. Ellegard turns 80.

– Luverne&8217;s Concertina Band will perform from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the bandshell in Edgewater Park. The concert is part of the city&8217;s Music in the Park series. There is no fee.

– There will be an open house honoring Tom and Debbie Flatness from 2 to 4 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Glenville. It is their 25th wedding anniversary.

– A birthday party from 2 to 5 p.m. at 1110 Woodpark Lane in Albert Lea celebrates Edith Jackson&8217;s 90th birthday.