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Didn’t own much; didn’t owe much

By Shane Goodman

Didn’t own much; didn’t owe much. Read it again. Those six words explain the lifestyle of many families from just a few generations ago.

My mother was born in 1935, in the midst of the Great Depression. Most of us can’t imagine the doom and demise of that time. Those who lived it learned to get by on little of nothing.

Letter to Editor

Letter to the Editor:

Letter to Editor

To the Editor:

Do you ever consider where the most dangerous place to be is? We think of the Middle East or large cities. How about in the womb of a worman who does not want you? You’re helpless and there’s no place to hide .

Where she is killing sanctioned? Sixty-three-million babies have been killed since their killing has been made legal.

Book takes on ag pollution

 

 

The Swine Republic

Chris Jones

Ice Cube Press, LLC

ISBN 9781948509404

$29.99

 

The Swine Republic, a collection of essays on the impact of Iowa’s agriculture on the nation’s environment, is the August featured selection for Writers and Writing. Author Chris Jones is research engineer with IIHR-Hydroscience & Engineering at the University of Iowa.

Out of the Past - Prominent Kossuth County farmer missing

By Gene Miller

150 Years Ago

Last Saturday was a lively day in town. Standing on State Street one could count from forty to fifty teams at almost any time in the afternoon. There must have been at least one hundred teams in town during the greater part of the day. This life and stir is encouraging as giving some faint idea of the Algona of the future.

 

125 Years Ago

Throwback: Ridiculous Days

 

 

Families of Faith

When tradition is lost

Rev.John Koopman

Pastor, Peace Lutheran Church, West Bend

Throwback: Good Sports

Ridiculous Days contest from the Algona Upper Des Moines archives dated July 17, 1956. These gentlemen were good sports for a little ridiculousness. Innocent fun or exploitation? Was anyone offended? How would a contest like this go over today? Definitely a good conversation starter. Share your thoughts at news@algona.com.

Out of the Past

Battery explodes injuring manager

150 Years Ago

In passing through Irvington we could not see that much damage had been to the grain in that section by the grasshoppers. Wheat generally looks very well as did some fields of corn. Dr. Armstrong, has the finest field of corn that can be seen anywhere. The stand is good and even and the ground is as clean of weeds as any floor. They say the Doctor always has a good corn crop.

 

125 Years Ago

Letter to the Editor:

Letter to the Editor:

Ink Spots

Of soapboxes, fireworks and Facebook

Random thoughts at 3 a.m. when not sleeping:

   There doesn’t seem to be much going on in the neighborhood at 3 a.m. Of course, the Fourth of July is over, so no more firecrackers in the neighborhood at 3 a.m. Or midnight. Or 7 a.m.

If I sound bitter, it’s only because I am. I just don’t get what the thrill is of loud bangs. Beautiful, sparkly fireworks are wonderful. Loud explosions are not.

The Daily Umbrella

Teeter and Totter

 

Most all of us spent time on a teeter-totter growing up, learning about balance and timing and force. I am still learning. A little more teeter and a little less totter. Or maybe it’s a little more totter and a little less teeter. I’m not sure. But I do know we can learn from that piece of playground equipment, starting with forgiveness.

Families in Faith

Rev. Chris Burtnett

Pastor, First Congregational United
Church of Christ

Throwback: Telephone operators and kittenball

From the archives of the Algona Upper Des Moines newspaper from March 5, 1981. Telephone operators were sometimes referred to as “The Hello Girls.”

Our Kossuth County

K/PACEDC County Wide Breakfast

By Maureen Elbert

K/PACEDC

 

“It’s Christmas in July” which is the theme for this year’s County Wide Breakfast. K/PACEDC is excited to announce that Debi Durham, State Director for Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority, will be the keynote speaker.

Out of the Past

Gambling squabble ends in court

150 Years Ago

A man named Nixon, formerly a street beggar in Mobile, has just died in Oregon, leaving a fortune estimated at half a million.

 

125 Years Ago

Cheap ranges come and go, but this Majestic is indestructible. Sold at Otto Falkenhainer’s Hardware Store.

 

100 Years Ago

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