The Read More Than Ever Before 2023 challenge is complete. The Super Readers were: Adults - Aldine Gramstad, 94 books; Junior Readers: Jessa Walstead, 350 books; and Beginning Readers: Ava McFarland, 101 books.

By Kim Wegener

Features Writer

ALGONA—The doors were officially opened on Friday, January 12 to welcome guests to the new GrandStay Hotel & Suites of Algona. Details on a grand opening for the 57 guest room hotel, located at 840 Hwy 18 W., will be announced at a later date. The  hotel is locally owned by Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company.

Dufel 90th

Former Lu Verne resident Irene Wegner Dufel will celebrate her 90th birthday on Feb. 8. Cards will reach her if sent to 204 Solara Pl, Lincoln, Calif. 95648.

Elsbecker 85th

Geri Elsbecker of Bancroft will celebrate her 85th birthday on Feb. 2. Her family is honoring her with a card shower.

Cards will reach her if sent to 3308 130 Avenue, Bancroft, IA 50517.

Carmen Cecily Wagner

Stoney and Alissa (Zwiefel) Wagner of Algona announce the birth of their daughter, Carmen Cecily, on January 15, 2024, at the Kossuth Regional Health Center. Carmen is welcomed home by a sister, Stella.

Maternal grandparents are Joel and Linda Zwiefel of Fenton. Paternal grandparents are Don and Melody Wagner of St. Joe.

Come join the Kossuth County Naturalist, Billie Wille, inside the huge inflatable Star Lab Planetarium on a tour of the frozen winter sky. Learn the constellations and the amazing mythological stories behind them.  The Star Lab can only hold about 25 people comfortably, so you must pre-register to reserve your space.  The program will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 24 at the Water’s Edge Nature Center.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Iowa Wetland Management District, is initiating a determination of compatibility for using cooperative farming as a habitat management tool as prescribed in the district Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Habitat Management Plan.

ALGONA—The Algona City Council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution that will update the fees associated with a variety of building permits, inspections, and application reviews.

The resolution includes changes to:

Building permit fee schedule, based on the construction value of the project

Inspections and other building permit fees, including new fees related to emergency inspections, re-inspections and inspections performed outside of normal business hours

Sign up now for youth basketball and indoor pickleball

Registration is now open for youth basketball, family dodgeball and adult pickleball league available through the Algona Recreation Department.

Youth Basketball

The Kossuth County Conservation Board (KCCB) is accepting camping and shelter reservations for the 2024 season. Reservable camping sites are available at the Smith Lake south campground and Siems Park campground from May 13-Sept. 9.  At these two campgrounds, 50 percent of the sites are reservable, the rest are walk-in. During May 13-Sept. 9, a 14-day maximum stay limit will be in effect for Smith Lake south, Siems Park and Burt Lake Park

The Kossuth County Community Foundation (KCCF) has announced the distribution of $175,982.50 to 22 projects of organizations serving Kossuth County through its 2023 grant cycle.

ALGONA—The Algona Area Chamber of Commerce has planned activities for all ages during the annual Frostbite Olympics in Algona from Thursday, February 1 to Saturday, February 3.

Morwens Kiwanis Chili Cookoff will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Algona VFW on Thursday, Feb. 1. If you have a great chili recipe, contact the Kiwanis group to be one of the contestants. There is no fee and awards for People’s Choice and Judges’ Choice will be presented.

Schrauth, Hjelle

awarded degrees

from Allen College

WATERLOO—Two Algona residents earned degrees from Allen College in Waterloo during commencement exercises on December 15.

Claudia Schrauth was awarded a master of science degree in occupational therapy.

Bo Hjelle was awarded a doctor of physical therapy degree.

_____________

Area residents

earn Waldorf

dean’s list honors

Monday, Jan. 29

9 a.m.: Presbyterian Church

7 p.m.: Wrestling vs. West Hancock

8 p.m.: G/B BB vs. Webster City

Tuesday, Jan. 30

9 a.m.: Trinity Lutheran Church

10 a.m.: Grace Church

7 p.m.: Wrestling vs. West Hancock

8 p.m.: G/B BB vs. Webster City

Wednesday, Jan. 31

9 a.m.: Faith Assembly of God

10:30 a.m.: Divine Mercy

Catholic Church

7 p.m.: G/B BB vs. Humboldt

Thursday, Jan. 25

Chili, carrots, pears, cinnamon roll

11 a.m. – Exercise

1 p.m. – Activity meeting

Friday, Jan. 26

BBQ chicken, baked potatoes, coleslaw, cobbler

10:30 a.m. – Bingo

Monday,  Jan. 29

Bacon cheeseburger casserole, corn, grapes, dessert

10:30 a.m. – Bingo

Tuesday, Jan. 30

Chicken and rice, peas, banana

11 a.m. – Exercise

1 p.m. – Devotions