ALGONA—The Algona branch of AAUW (American Association of University Women) almost never holds a Primary Candidate Forum, but this is an unusual year with three contested county races. In order for the public to get to know the candidates for these races and their views on various subjects, AAUW and the Algona Public Library plus Home Town Radio KLGA-KLGZ have teamed up to hold a primary candidate forum on Tuesday, April 30 from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Algona Public Library meeting room.

By Kim Meyer, Editor for Bancroft Register and Swea City Herald Press

Quilts of Valor were awarded to local veterans, Harlan Richter and Brian Runneberg on April 7 at the Quilted Steeple in rural Lone Rock. The Quilts of Valor Foundation honors service members who have been touched by war with handmade quilts of the highest quality.

The Stinson Prairie Arts Council held a morning art exhibit for Kossuth County High Schoolers on Monday, April 15 at the Algona Publishing Gallery. Students from Algona High School, West Bend-Mallard High School and Bishop Garrigan High School competed for cash prizes with their favorite piece they created this year.

First place from Algona High School was Breanna Abendroth with her drawing entitled Dissonance. (First picture below)

Kristy Allison, the Children’s Librarian at the Algona Public Library received the Congeniality Award at the chamber coffee last Friday, April 19. Allison was taken by surprise when her name was announced after Chamber Ambassador President Lynn Carlson read the glowing reasons Allison was nominated. Besides her hard work and friendly personality, her eagerness to help anyone in need were some of the reasons she was given the award.

On April 9 the Kossuth County Historical Society held its version of an antique roadshow (no connection to the TV show). Polly McNeill, Nancy Hugo and Marlene Meyer greeted the audience and shared their knowledge of antiques and collectibles with them. More than 50 items were reviewed with comments often from those present. One of the interesting treasures was a Hitler pincushion brought in by a 10-year old boy.

By Gentry Sorenson, ISU Extension and Outreach Field Agronomist

The Algona Business & Community Forum was held April 18, 2024 from 7:30 – 9 a.m. at the Tietz Entrepreneurial Center at the Algona campus of Iowa Lakes Community College. Algona area business CEOs, administrators, Human Resources, and communication managers were invited to attend.

The Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office is honored to recognize Lori Peterson of Fenton as our April 1440 Citizen of the Month! Lori is the City of Fenton Librarian and much more. According to her nomination, Lori goes above and beyond in making the library a welcoming and gathering location for area residents. She provides adult learning seminars and both an afternoon and evening book club.

North Union’s March reading month theme for this year was "Take a Shot at Reading!" They began with a kickoff assembly in the gym with all the students getting pumped up for the weekly goal challenge of classroom reading.  If students met their weekly goal set by their teacher, they received a ticket to Fun Friday. The first Fun Friday was a movie set up in the gym with students split into two groups for the morning. They also wore jerseys each Friday to fit in with the fun theme.

Photos below in order:

More scavenger hunt fun.

Zoey Peterson of Fenton and her little sister Finley Jo make a new friend at the library.

Photos below in order:

March AHS student of the Month is Allison Trunkhill pictured with Rachel Zeutlau, Dustin Trunkhill, Allison, Shannon Trunkhill and Greg Stewart.

Algona Middle School Student of Month for April is Kenzie Throne pictured with Amber Weydert, Kelsey Throne, Kenzie, Adam Throne and Greg Stewart.

Photos below in order:

• Second grade Bulldog Heroes are: Duncan Zeece, Eleanor Schantzen and Tyler Rahe.

• First grade Bulldog Heroes in front row: Ares Ankrum, Brantley Rogerson, Noah Waltman, Drake Mallory, Harrison Schroeder and Ava Sewick. Second grade in back row are: Samantha Fehr, Creed Thilges and Andre Garcia.

The Algona Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution Meeting was called to order on April 9, 2024, by Regent Teri Miller. Following the opening ceremony, these reports were made.

Conversation Partners aims to improve communication and understanding

A new non-profit organization is leading an effort to match local volunteer tutors with individuals and families that would like to learn and practice their English skills.