Northwest Financial Corp. has been awarded a 2023 Top Workplaces honor by the Des Moines Register. The Top Workplaces are based solely on the results of an employee feedback survey administered by Energage, LLC, a leading provider of technology-based employee engagement tools.

The anonymous survey measures several aspects of workplace culture, including alignment, execution, and connection, just to name a few.

ALGONA—In a remarkable recognition of its unwavering commitment to creating an exceptional work environment, Kemna Auto Center, located in North Central Iowa in Algona, has been honored with the distinguished "Top Workplaces in Iowa" award for the past 10 years. This accolade, presented annually by Iowa Workplace Dynamics, highlights Kemna Auto Center's dedication to fostering a positive workplace culture and prioritizing the well-being and professional growth of its employees.

Thursday, September 28

Dad’s Belgian Waffles, 4-7 p.m., VFW, fundraiser for VFW.

Coffee and Chat, 9-10 a.m., Fenton Public Library.

North Iowa Woodcarvers Guild, 7:30 p.m., Buffalo Creek Activity Center, Titonka, first meeting of this season, short business meeting and a carving project, all invited to attend.

Book Club, 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., Fenton Public Library, Keep Quiet by Lisa Scottoline, call 515-889-2333 to join.

Food Pantry drop locations in Burt

Burt Federated Women’s Club is organizing a help end hunger in the community drive for the Algona Food Pantry now through October 13. Burt food drops are located at Classic Stop, Security Bank and city hall. Hearts Unlimited is the club theme for the year.

Save lives

ALGONA—The Algona City Council appointed Kathy Dearchs to the Third Ward Council position at its meeting on Sept. 5, 2023. Dearchs took her oath of office on Sept. 18 before participating in her first meeting as a council member.

By Pat Klemm

Guest Writer

Russell “Gus” Guster, joined the Algona High School staff in the fall of 1945 and became the lead band director for the first annual Algona Band Festival in 1949.

By Pat Klemm

Guest Writer

North Union crowned their king and queen presiding over the homecoming festivities last week. Homecoming queen is Naomi Jones and king is Landon Hagedorn. Kickoff for the game against Lake Mills was changed to 6 p.m. due to rain followed by the dance which ended at 11 p.m. Submitted photo

Kierstin Montag was crowned homecoming queen and Landon Montag was crowned homecoming king at West Bend-Mallard High School during coronation at the school on Friday, September 22. The West Bend-Mallard Wolverines defeated Harris-Lake Park in the homecoming football game, 42-18. Submitted photo

Daniel Kemna and Ashley Cantu will represent Algona High School as the 2023 homecoming king and queen. The honor was announced during the school’s pep rally Friday afternoon, Sept. 22. The homecoming parade that was to follow was cancelled due to rain. Submitted photo

Special memories made

Students decorated the hallways and dressed up for dress for success day, Nickelodeon day, seasons day and spirit day. Although the rain prevented the traditional parade, that didn’t dampen anyone’s spirit.

Glen Henriksen presented a concert performing on the piano, organ and keyboard at the Burt Presbyterian Church on September 17. His performance was sponsored by the Burt Federated Women’s Club.

ALGONA—Local volunteers will offer free Medicare counseling through the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) in-person again this fall.

Every year between October 15 and December 7, Iowans on Medicare have the opportunity to review and make changes to their drug plan or Medicare Advantage.

WEST BEND—What comes to mind when you think of Iowa food? Everyone has an Iowa food story, and Lake City, Iowa author Darcy Dougherty Maulsby will bring these stories to life on Friday, October 6, at 1:30 p.m. for the “Adventures in Iowa’s Culinary History” program the West Bend Library. This free event will be hosted by the West Bend Public Library and the West Bend Friends of the Library.