Lawmakers have good idea on cell phones

There is proposed legislation at the Statehouse that would make it illegal for a driver to use a mobile communication device unless it is done hands free or voice activated. This is a good idea. Drunk driving has long been a scourge on our roads, but distracted driving can be every bit as dangerous and is more commonplace. 

By Rev. Steve Nofel - First Presbyterian Church

Hey dad, I finally know the stuff I am supposed to... 

I thank my God every time I remember you. – Philippians 1:3

Part of my job as a Christian leader is to let children and teens talk to me about whatever they want to talk about. I need to listen and respond. It all goes back to my own youth.

When I was a kid, I always realized I talked too much after I talked too much.  

Legalizing marijuana issue 

not so simple to dissect

To the Editor:

I contacted Brad Hicks, Editor to comment that I thought his editorial in the January 13, 2022 edition of the Kossuth County Advance, about legalizing marijuana was woefully incomplete and that marijuana and alcohol are very different substances. For one thing marijuana does have medicinal value while alcohol does not. 

By Bo Miller

Chief of Police

When I became a member of the Algona Police Department 16 years ago, I pledged to protect and serve this community. In my current role as the police chief, I can tell you that our officers fulfill that duty daily and often go beyond it to help, educate, and support our community.

By Brad Hicks

Gov. Reynolds rolled out the idea of a 4 percent flat tax for Iowans during her Condition of the State Address a few weeks ago. It didn’t take long for people to line up along party lines and either jump for joy or claim it’s the end of Iowa as we know it. 

By Shane Goodman

With winter weather in the forecast, I can’t help but think of the countless hours I spent as a child playing in the snow. Sledding down hills. Having snowball fights. Making snowmen. But there was one snow activity I could never seem to master — igloo making.

By Jim Sloter

Ink Spots by Molly MacDonald

Random thoughts whilst sitting at the computer staring at a blank screen. I haven’t a clue what to write about this week. Not a clue.

 My friend, long-time columnist Dorothy Muckey, once told me when that happened to her, she would just look heavenward and say, “Ok, God, I need help.” She said it always worked, and I’ve tried to emulate her ever since. So . . . Ok, God, I need help.

Out of the Past by Gene Miller

150 Years Ago

The boxes in the P. O. have been repainted. Perhaps our P. M. thinks that they will bring a good price on account of their improved appearance - when the new Post Master takes charge.

125 Years Ago

Go to budget hearings

So many taxpayers don’t understand how government works. Here is a lesson. Right now, your local governments are building budgets for the 12 months that start July 1. They are determining how to spend dollars right now. When your local governments implement these changes isn’t the time to question or learn about them. That time is now. Read the proposed budgets and go the hearings. 

By Rev. Al Foote, Pastor, Evangelical Free Church, Algona

When COVID-19 began to spread throughout this country about two years ago, fear became a commodity. Politicians began trading in it immediately, seizing power and taking measures they determined were for our own good. Some health experts became the go-to for people based solely on their personal beliefs. Some great scientists who had a handle on what was happening were ignored in favor of the outrageous.

The Iowa Legislature gaveled into session last week. Below are excerpts of what lawmakers had to say about it. Included are Rep. Henry Stone, R-Forest City, and Rep. Terry Baxter, R-Garner, both of whom represent portions of Kossuth County in the Iowa House; Sen. Dennis Guth, who represents Kossuth County in the Iowa Senate; and Jennifer Konfrst, D-Windsor Heights, who is the House Democratic Leader.

By Jim Sloter

By Gene Miller

150 Years Ago