I had my first exposure to debate in a high school speech class. I didn't participate directly in learning how to debate, but I do remember witnessing a certain technique used at competition which I did not have a name for at the time. I have since realized that technique was a form of "gaslighting."

KPACED’s County Wide Breakfast to be held July 31

By Maureen Elbert, KPACED

Kossuth/ Palo Alto County Economic Corporation is pleased to announce that Brenda Clark Hamilton of Fresh Coffee Professional Growth Programs will be this year’s County Wide Breakfast keynote speaker.

The K/PACEDC annual Countywide Breakfast will be held on Wednesday, July 31 starting at 7 a.m. at the St. Michael’s Divine Mercy Parish Center.

Can you dig it?

“Dig deeper.” We have all heard those words, maybe as clear instructions from a boss, co-worker, friend or family member encouraging us to try a little harder at whatever it is we are trying to do. In most every case, it’s good advice.

Bear Good Fruit!  Bear God-Fruit!

By Rev. Chris Burtnett, Pastor at First Congregational United Church of Christ, Algona

It is officially summer now and with it comes one of my favorite things about the season…the seasonal summer fruits, like cantaloupe, watermelon, tomatoes (yes, they are a fruit) and I know, they have been in our grocery stores, farmers markets, etc. for some time now, but work with me here.

By Dana Clapsaddle Perry

Last week we learned that the Jaycees sponsored a Whiskers Club during the 1954 Kossuth County Centennial to recapture the rough and rugged frontier beginning of the County.                                                         

We also learned that Brown’s Studio offered a free 4X6” photo to anyone growing a beard for the Centennial. The ad said, “Women Too!” As it turns out, women did not have to grow a beard to get a free photo.

Summer is always a busy time at the Algona Public Library. June is a whirlwind of summer reading programs, special story times, and all kinds of other activities.

150 Years Ago

INFORMATION WANTED. -- We notice in the State Register an advertisement offering for sale the printing office of a newspaper located at the county seat of one of the best counties of Northwestern Iowa.  The present owner desires to go into another business.  No names are given.  Wonder what office that can be.

125 Years Ago

Rivers

Rev. Briton Nelson, Associate Pastor at St. John's Lutheran, Burt and Trinity Lutheran, Algona

By Dana Clapsaddle Perry

We watched the sun go down on Galway Bay, part two

Okay, I warned you two weeks ago that I would be writing more about my trip to Ireland, so if travelogues bore you, stop here. Of course, my feelings will be a little hurt if you do, but I’ll try not to cry.

Governor Ray speaks in Ledyard

150 Years Ago

Mr. J. M. Taylor arrived at Oregon, on the 31st ult.  His trip from this place occupied twenty days.  The steamer on which he took passage from San Fransisco was kept in quarantine off Portland four days on account of a supposed case of small pox, which turned out to be measles.  He found the friends all well.  His health is much better than when he set out.

125 Years Ago

It happened on my 19th birthday

To the editor:

We want to hear your stories.

This series will feature reader-submitted stories of no more than 100 words. Send to news@algona.com

Do you have a favorite moment? A favorite book? A favorite librarian? A piece of information the library had that set important wheels in motion? A favorite nook? A favorite smell? An exhibit? A program? Do you love knitting with friends at the library?

It’s a Good Story

By Rev. Dan Jordan, Evangelical Free Church, Algona

In March 1898, Algona voters approved a referendum to establish an electric light franchise by 67 yes votes to 59 no votes. There was a lot of skepticism of electricity as it was a “new-fangled idea.” A group of public-minded citizens of that time underwrote the project for $10,000 and accepted dividends in earnings from the newly built power plant, located at the corner of Hall and Call Streets, where the Algona City Hall now stands.