Out of the Past - By Gene Miller

150 Years Ago

Local News: Kossuth County has 645 men liable to military duty for the year 1872. So says adjutant General Baker. Cerro Gordo has 708, Palo Alto 287 and Clay 640.

Local News: Do not forget to vote for an addition to the number of Supervisors. An increase can do no harm, and it will be likely to create a better feeling throughout that part of the county not represented under the current system.

By Michael Tidemann

The Ghost of Craven Snuggs is a humorous crime novel that takes aim at Big Ag. Author Sandy Moffett is an emeritus professor of theatre at Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa.

As the saying goes, art imitates life. One could say Sandy Moffett’s entertaining and enlightening novel, The Ghost of Craven Snuggs, has a whole lot of life to it.

By Shane Goodman

The title of the 1988 song by Bobby McFerrin reminds us to relax and enjoy life. Follow the link and watch the video. It will make you feel good … and be happy. But what exactly does it mean to be happy?

Your vote will affect education

By Joe Carter

Superintendent

We are almost one quarter through the school year already, and the school year is off to a fantastic start! I continue to be impressed with the professionalism and passion of the staff at the Algona Community School District and their willingness to do whatever it takes and what is best for kids. I am very lucky to have the opportunity to work with such an amazing group.

Now thank we all our God - By Rev. Thomas Cowell, pastor at St. John's Lutheran in Burt and partnership pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Algona

Out of the Past - By Gene Miller

150 Years Ago

The Russell House, since the advent of the new proprietors Ammidon and Cheney is winning golden opinions of all its patrons, for the gentlemanly conduct of its hosts and for the first-class accomodations placed at the disposal of their guests. This house being situated on the public square, is a convenient stopping place for all who have business in town.

125 Years Ago

By Molly MacDonald

I remember . . . I remember . . .

Heather (4) announcing solemnly, out of the blue: “Texas is closed.”

Erin (10) and Meg (8), when confronted with burnt matches in their bedroom window sill: “Meg did it.” “Erin did it.” I blamed Meg since she was always the scalawag, but found out decades later that it was Erin.

By Shane Goodman

My smart phone wasn’t working correctly the other day, so I did what most of you would do: I looked at the signal strength bars to see if I had proper coverage, and I looked at the battery level to see if I had enough juice. That’s about all we do with cell phones today, other than the occasional reboot, of course. The complications come when we opt to purchase a new phone, but that is a column for another day.

Impact Snapshot Report released

By Maureen Elbert

KPACED

The Kossuth/Palo Alto County Economic Development Corporation, is pleased to announce the completion of the 2022 Economic Impact Snapshot for Kossuth and Palo Alto counties. The generation of this report was a collaborative effort. Partners in the project included MidAmerican Energy, Iowa Department of Revenue and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

To the point on EMS Essential

To the Editor:

There are many thoughts and comments going around on the upcoming EMS Essential Service and tax referendum up for vote.

Iowa’s education downhill slide

To the Editor:

The current governor’s  ad paints Iowa as a quaint coffee shop. She and Republicans, who control the State House and Senate, constantly brag in their ads the state has a surplus of over 1.9 billion dollars in the general fund.

This photo shows a typical barbershop in 1939. The barbershops were a social gathering place for men where they could discuss current events and gossip about their neighbors. This one in Bancroft shows barbers Charlie Baker in front, Charlie Fox, middle and Elwin O’Dell in back. The young man in the front chair is unknown but Fox was getting ready to shave Maurice Bernhard and O’Dell’s customer was John Haupert. Does this bring back memories?

4th Reding homecoming queen at Garrigan

150 Years Ago

Draying! We are now fully prepared to perform everything in the line of Hauling or Draying, to and from the Depot, at reasonable prices. Orders for Goods or Express will be promptly and carefully attended to. Orders can be left at the Upper Des Moines office, and at the post office. A. B. Shipman, H. S. Pinkerton.

125 Years Ago

Are you a good neighbor?

Ever wonder if you are a good neighbor? Sure, you keep your lawn mowed. You don’t let your dog bark continually. And you paint your house as needed. Those things all help, but what do your neighbors truly think of you? If you really want to know, ask the neighbor kid. Think I am wrong? Let’s take a walk down memory lane.

EMS funding and the future of county-wide ambulance service

To the Editor:

When it comes to calling the ambulance, most people have an expectation of care, but not an expectation of cost.