By Jordan Buscher

News Intern

ALGONA—Mike Adkinson, a 77-year-old man from the state of Washington, has embarked on his third trip across the country on his John Deere tractor and his trailer in order to raise awareness for Parkinson’s disease. He made a stop in Algona on Friday, May 26, and shared his goals.

Staff and volunteers at the Whittemore Public Library have been hosting new events at the library.

Photo above: Fourteen  people participated in a bar crawl at the library. Participants brought a pan of bars for those attending to sample. Everyone then voted for their favorite bars.

There were a variety of activities for all ages during Red, White and Blue Whittemore Days held during the Memorial Day weekend.

Top photo: A foam party was held Saturday afternoon.

ALGONA—Taylor VanOtterloo and Alex Brooks, students at Algona Middle School, were recognized for their citizenship qualities and awarded the Citizenship Award for the 2022-2023 school year. Taylor and Alex were chosen by their peers and school staff as two students who exemplify the qualities of citizenship. The Algona Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution sponsors the Citizenship Award each year. Taylor is the daughter of Todd and Alison VanOtterloo.

A Memorial Day service was conducted by members of America Legion Post 90 and VFW Post 2541 on the lawn of the Kossuth County Courthouse in Algona Monday morning, May 29.

During the school year, Ag in the Classroom Instructor Sara Preston has been conducting an Adopt a Cow project with the second graders at Algona Lucia Wallace, North Union Swea City and North Union Fenton Schools.

Each classroom zoomed with their cow a couple times during the past few months to see where and how she lives, and they “met” their calves via zoom when they were born this spring.

By Joanne Roepke Bode

City of Algona

Communications Manager

ALGONA—The City of Algona hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, May 26 to kick off the next phase of construction at Central Park. Approximately 60 people participated in the event, including project contractors and donors, city representatives, community members and the Algona Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors.

Popular chain restaurant Chick-fil -A arrived in Algona with a pop-up mobile restaurant last Tuesday, May 23 and set up shop in the Hy-Vee parking lot. People left work early and stood in line much longer than normal to get a taste. Residents would otherwise have to travel as far as Ames or Mankato to get their fill. Anne Tiili photos

ALGONA—Todd Herbst-Ulmer was named the recipient of the annual AHS Class of 1979 Award for Excellence in Teaching at the conclusion of the school year Friday, May 26.  The award is designed to recognize the outstanding contributions of a teacher who goes above and beyond the job of teaching.

KOSSUTH COUNTY—The Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office recognizes Gina Geving of Algona as May’s “1440 Citizen of the Month”. Geving is a high energy self-motivated person that is known to step up and volunteer whenever needed.

The Wesley, American Legion Post 428 held their yearly chicken supper on Memorial Day. Joella Leider photos

Memorial Day services were held at the Lone Rock American Legion Post #557. Commander Darrell Nyman opened with the advancing of the colors. Mary Behrends spoke on the Legion and Auxiliary’s mission statement. Quoted parts of it, “In the Spirit of service not self”; ”for God and Country”.

Nick Ludwig rides the tractor rebuilt by the Algona High School auto class.

Ave and Abigail Eilers show how to make kettle corn.

Kids of all ages had a chance to try their luck at knockerball. Joella Leider photos

ALGONA—The Algona Public Library announces it will now offer the Iowa Libraries Adventure Pass, a service that provides free family passes to museums and attractions in Iowa.