Winter weather is welcomed by some and loathed by others. Some want to hibernate until the mercury rises and the warm sun returns, while others relish in the crisp air, fluffy snow and the absence of insects.

A retirement party was held for outgoing Algona Area Chamber of Commerce Director Vicki Mallory on Saturday, Dec. 14 at the River Road Golf Course.

For more than 32 years Mallory served the Algona Community and was the driving force behind many community activities, fundraisers and events.

Photos below in order:

Part of the crowd at Mallory’s retirement party.

There are 26 businesses participating in the drawing, with each business offering a prize valued for at least $400. The Chamber pays for $250 of each weekly prize and the business chosen each week pays the remainder. A business can only be chosen one time.Avery Pedersen photo.

CLIVE — A northern Iowa woman has won a $50,000 lottery prize.

Cynthia “Thia” Allum of Algona won the second top prize in the Iowa Lottery’s “Cyclone™” scratch game. She purchased her winning ticket at Akron Stop, 107 U.S. Highway 18 in Algona, and claimed her prize Friday at the lottery’s Mason City regional office.

By Molly Montag, News Correspondent

The city of Algona’s annual budgeting process will begin next month.

Officials expect to begin working on the fiscal year 2025-26 budget during the Jan. 6 Algona City Council meeting. The process includes reviewing revenues, property taxes and department budgets. There are two public hearings and two special council meetings planned. It will end with a budget hearing and adoption on April 21.

An open house was held at the Fenton Public Library to honor Director Lori Peterson, at left in red, who is retiring from her position at the library. The new director will be Karin Walmer.

Also at the Fenton Public Library, visitors at the were able to decorate Gingerbread houses the first week of December.

Submitted photos.

The Oliver’s Light Foundation has established an endowment fund with the Kossuth County Community Foundation to ensure its mission of assisting animal rescue groups continues for generations to come. This fund will provide a secure way for donors to support the organization’s efforts to bring shelter, care and hope to animals in need.

By Molly Montag, News Correspondent

Two children were checked out at a local hospital after a crash west of Algona.

The Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office says the two juveniles were in a 2005 GMC Canyon pick-up that hit a patch of glare ice and went off  210th Street, known locally as the McGregor blacktop, at about 4:05 p.m., Dec. 17.

During the week of Dec. 9, NEW Cooperative, Inc. held its annual Hams for Hunger Event, benefiting food pantries across Iowa. The Kossuth County Food Pantry received hams from NEW Cooperative this year.

Since 2018, NEW Cooperative has donated hams to local communities in its trade area by partnering with local food pantries to ensure that the appropriate population is reached to help ease food insecurity while making the holiday season more joyous for all recipients.

The West Bend Chamber of Commerce sponsored the West Bend Santa Days with lots of fun activities for the good boys and girls. Submitted photos.

Photos below:

Isabella Bleuer, Cooper and Brynlee Frank and Clayton Banwart decorate cookies.

Emrie Ulrich and Bre Banwart work on a craft project.

Boden, Gibson, and Berkley Bruellman with their mom Sam, visit with Santa.

Children and grown-ups were able to visit with Santa at the Fenton American Legion. There were plenty of food, games, crafts and prizes. Some kids were even able to walk away with brand new sleds. Submitted photos.

Below in order:

Kiwanis Student of the Month from Bishop Garrigan High School, Leo Snider, son of Luke and Jen Snider pictured from left are: Luke, Jen, Leo, Bob Ketchum and Kristie Hough, Principal.

Kiwanis Student of the Month from Algona High School is Gabby Venteicher, daughter of Brett and Rachel Venteicher. Pictured from left are Mike Ford, teacher, Brett, Gabby, Rachel and Bob Ketchum, Kiwanis.

Photos below in order:

Third grade Bulldog Heroes from left are: Rialyn Heyes, Jace Hanlon, Elisabeth Curry, Hadley Stroebel and Lily Eilerts. Not pictured Eleanor Schantzen.

Fourth grade Bulldog Heroes from left are: Lilith Killinger, Finley Birkey, Meg Limbaugh, Zach Woodford, Brynlee Nilles and Ellay Picray.

University extension services in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin offer annual event

By Denise Schwab, Extension Beef Specialist

Iowa State Extension & Outreach

ORANGE CITY, Iowa - The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dairy Team monthly webinar series continues on Wednesday, Jan. 22 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. This program will be presented by Dennis Todey and will focus on the climate and weather predictions for the 2025 growing season.