By Molly Montag, News Correspondent

Two new deputies have joined the Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies Jason Broad, 28, and Isabelle Davis, 24, were sworn into office Tuesday, Oct. 1, during the Kossuth County Board of Supervisors meeting in Algona.

Mayor Rick Murphy earned his Certified Elected Municipal Official designation in 2024 and was recognized by the Iowa League of Cities at the organization's fall conference.

Molly Montag, News Correspondent

It’s official: solar development is on pause in Kossuth County.

The Kossuth County Board of Supervisors signed the ordinance Tuesday, Oct. 1, imposing a nine-month ban on the processing of applications for any large-scale or utility-scale solar farms in the county.

The Algona Area Philanthropic Community Development and Betterment Fund has been established with the Kossuth County Community Foundation (KCCF). The purpose of the endowment fund is to support the greater Algona area through grants focusing on the areas of community betterment and education and youth development. Don Tietz, a long-time Algona resident and entrepreneur, provided a significant lead gift to establish the fund.

Below in order:

Tails Animal rescue booth brought a few of their resident cats and kittens waiting for adoption.

Most kids didn’t mind getting a little wet at the Greg Penning Duck Grab booth.

Fortune Teller Allison was there with her crystal ball making predictions.

The library pumpkin golf booth was a big hit with the kids.

“Hunt Down the Bison” September 30-October 5th

Monday

• Book/Movie Character Day / (Grades 7-12) Adam Sandler Day

Tuesday

• Beach Day

Wednesday

• Camo or Red/White/Blue Day / (Grades 7-12) Redneck Day

Thursday

• Class color day

     3-4 yr preschool- Green

     PreK- Pink

     Kindergarten-Orange

The Kossuth County Democrats held their 2nd annual Dolores Mertz Scholarship Fundraiser and Chautauqua talk on Sunday. They welcomed special guest Paralympian and State Representative Josh Turek from Council Bluffs. Josh is a two-time gold medalist in basketball having played in four different Olympics. He was elected to the Iowa House in 2022 where he won by just 6 votes. The Mertz scholarship committee was honored to have Josh as our speaker this year.

As a fun way to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Algona’s hospital, Kossuth Regional Health Center, (official anniversary date is Oct. 4, 2024), all of our current employees who were born at the hospital gathered for a photo. A few are missing, but what a fun way to reflect on the past 7+ decades of healthcare in the community.

The Shriner’s had another great cruise on Sept. 25, with 25 vehicles and 45 participants.  They cruised the nursing homes and the residents enjoyed seeing all the vehicles. There were lots of smiles and applause. Dinner was at AK’s Chrome and they did an excellent job of hosting.

The past few months have been a typical Iowa whirlwind of rain, heat, wind and everything in between. It’s been a wild growing season, but it appears that we are heading into another busy harvest for our local farmers. At the Kossuth County Farmers Market we are wrapping up another successful season quite soon - the final days of the market are October 5 and October 12. Be sure to stop by for fall produce, homemade treats and handcrafted gifts.

Iowa continued to experience hot and dry conditions this week allowing Iowa farmers 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 29, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included harvesting both corn and soybeans.

Learn how the colors of fall form in your favorite plants

By Aaron J. Steil

Consumer Horticulture Extension Specialist

Algona Publishing hosted the Algona chamber coffee on Friday, Sept. 27 at its office on E. Nebraska St. During the social event, Algona Publishing’s very own Lyndsey Fowler (center) was presented the Congeniality Award by Lynn Elliott-Carlson (at left). Publisher Brad Hicks is on the right. The next chamber coffee will be Friday, Oct. 4 at Kossuth Regional Health Center clinic.

Local runners and walkers are invited to participate in the annual Tornado Alley 5k, 10k and one-mile fun run on the morning of Saturday, October 5.

The one-mile fun run begins at 8 a.m. followed by the 5k run/walk and 10k run at 8:30 a.m. All races start and end at Algona City Hall. Participants may register online through Thursday, October 3 or in person on race day, starting at 7:30 a.m. The cost of the race is $20 for the one-mile fun run and $30 for the 5k/10k.

The Algona FFA Chapter will be starting their annual fruit, cheese, and sausage fundraiser Thursday, Oct. 3. Members will also be selling Skoglund Smokehouse Meats, gourmet popcorn and pickled herring. Any of these products would make great holiday gifts.