ISU Extension and Outreach - Kossuth County and Whittemore Public Library hosted a Stay Independent: Thriving in Place program at the Whittemore Public Library in December. Participants learned strategies to help themselves thrive in place as they age.

The Friends of the Whittemore Public Library sponsored the event. Jamie Neff, human science and family life specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, is shown leading the program. Submitted photo

Area ladies created these snowmen decorations during a craft night at the West Bend Library on Monday, Dec. 18. Submitted photo

Area children had the opportunity to tell Santa Claus their Christmas wishes in December at the West Bend Library. Submitted photo

The West Bend Library recently received a grant from the Palo Alto County Gaming Development Corporation (PACGDC) for an exterior renovation. Library staff said they love the added insulation and updated look of the library. Submitted photo

DES MOINES—Kossuth County Farm Bureau was recognized as an “Outstanding County Farm Bureau” during the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation’s 105th annual meeting held December 5-6 in Des Moines.

This designation is awarded to Farm Bureaus that connect with community members and elected officials about today’s family farm practices and engage in local, philanthropic activities.

By Iowa Secretary of

Agriculture Mike Naig

The year 2023 marked 100 years since the Iowa Legislature created the position of Iowa Secretary of Agriculture. In that time, 15 different Iowans have had the opportunity to lead the talented team at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Though much has changed since 1923, one thing has remained consistent: a commitment to serving Iowans and promoting our state’s thriving agriculture.

DES MOINES—Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 12.0 million head on December 1, 2023. The inventory was 3 percent above December 1, 2022. Placements in feedlots during November totaled 1.87 million head, 2 percent below 2022. Net placements were 1.81 million head.

Bishop Garrigan campus ministries visited the kindergarten students at the Seton campus to build gingerbread houses. From left: Frank Patten, Gibson Menke, Bristol Whitacre and Aliyah Henry. Submitted photo

Kossuth County Farm Bureau has been busy donating books to libraries in the county. I Love Strawberries, 2023 AFBF book of the year was purchased by Kossuth County Farm Bureau and donated to the elementary schools and public libraries in Kossuth County.

Kristy Allison, children’s librarian at Algona Public Library, accepts the book from Tom Eischen. Submitted photo

May 4

Fund established with

Community Foundation

to support Algona Public Library

POCAHONTAS—The Prairie Lakes Area Education Agency (AEA) is guiding educators through the intricacies of effective reading instruction with its team of LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) trainers.

Specializing in Volume 1, Volume 2, and Early Childhood education, this team is on a mission to empower educators with the science of reading.

AMES—One of the best parts of the holiday season is adding colorful seasonal plants to the home. That includes the poinsettia. However, poinsettias do require special care to reach their full potential.

Horticulture specialists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offer tips and tricks to keeping your poinsettia healthy and beautiful.

ALGONA—Officers presented reports when the Algona Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution met in November at the First United Methodist Church in Algona. Regent Linda Erpelding was in charge of the meeting.

River Amethyst Jean Martin

Amanda and Joshua Martin of Bode announce the birth of their daughter, River Amethyst Jean, on Dec. 22, 2023, at the Kossuth Regional Health Center.

She weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces and was 18.5 inches long.

River is welcomed home by siblings, Mavrik, Matthew, Oliver and Rylan.

Nora Lou Fehr

2024 USA Youth and Junior Triathlon announced

WEST DES MOINES—RipRoar Events (Des Moines), in partnership with USA Triathlon (Colorado Springs) announced the 2024 USA Triathlon Youth & Junior Nationals will be held July 12-14, 2024, in West Des Moines.

Athletes of all abilities are welcomed to Sunday’s non-drafting race, including first-time athletes as no previous qualification is required to race in any RipRoar triathlon.