Search underway for new economic development director

The Kossuth County Economic Development Corporation was in its infancy as an organization when Maureen Elbert took the reigns as executive director in 1998. Throughout the next 26 years she worked with leaders in business and industry, communities and government within Kossuth and Palo Alto County, as well as contacts throughout the state to build and grow the organization into what it is today.

The Iowa Association of Naturalists (IAN) and the Iowa Conservation Education Coalition (ICEC) are proud to award Kossuth County Conservation’s Naturalists with an IAN/ICEC Award for Excellence in Environmental Education. The award is for Outstanding Environmental Education Program with two or less naturalists. The IAN/ICEC Awards for Excellence in Environmental Education are awarded annually to recognize incredible contributions to the advancement of environmental literacy in Iowa.

Over 30 individuals and families earning less than $64,000 filed their taxes through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program hosted by Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach in Kossuth County.

Absolute Pro Wrestling, one of the hottest wrestling companies in the Midwest, will be having a show at the Floral Hall at the Kossuth County Fairgrounds on Saturday, April 30. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and bell time is at 7 p.m. All proceeds from the concession stand will go to the Kossuth County Fair Board. Sixteen wrestlers will compete in six matches including some local favorites such as Mike “Jason Prentice” Vandy and Death Dealer.

Did you know that March is Read Across Iowa month? Read Across Iowa, a special event that helps motivate kids to read, is organized in collaboration by the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation, ISU Extension and Outreach and Iowa 4-H Youth Development.

To celebrate Read Across Iowa month and promote the joy of reading, ISU Extension and Outreach in Kossuth County visited 4-year-old preschool programs in the county to offer story time and an activity.

By Cameron Giddings

KRHC, ER/Outpatient Coordinator

April is Donate Life Month, a time where we come together to focus our attention on the need for and importance of organ, eye and tissue donation.

Twin Rivers students have been busy this week. The students embarked on a meaningful journey toward holistic well-being as they kicked off the American Heart Kids Heart Challenge. This initiative, centered on promoting whole-body health and nurturing character development, not only benefits the students themselves but also aims to raise vital donations for the American Heart Association, supporting children with special heart conditions.

The Soroptimist International of Algona celebrated their 80th anniversary at their April 8 meeting. The club was chartered April 23, 1944. Soroptimist International is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. Celebrating with current members were a few past members seated in the front row.

DES MOINES, Iowa – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is encouraging school-aged Iowa students to participate in the 2024 Choose Iowa Calendar Contest hosted by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Choose Iowa is the state’s signature brand for Iowa grown, Iowa raised and Iowa made products.

The final Trivia Night sponsored by the Algona Area Chamber of Commerce and held at the VFW Post 2541 took place on Thursday, April 11.

Photos below in order:

Second place winners were The Mom Brains: Jennifer Neisen, Brittany Underberg, Angela Marlow, Brooke Baker, Linda Denner and JoAnn Smith.

Coming in third place was Team Circus Circus: Steve Meints, Katie Meints, Keith Schrauth, Lori Schrauth, Ben Cox and Pam Cox.

Program offered in Kossuth County provides resources for passing on personal possessions

ALGONA-—Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach in Kossuth County will host Who Gets Grandma’s Yellow Pie Plate?™ on April 29 at the Burt Public Library.

The program focuses on making decisions now rather than leaving things up to others after you have passed away.

Kossuth County candidates for local races in the primary elections on June 4 are as follows.

County Supervisor District 2

Will Struecker (R)

Howard Haas (R)

County Supervisor District 5

Christian Schlaefer (R)

Dennis Higgins (R)

Amber Garman (R)

Bruce Meinders (D)

Kossuth County Auditor

Tammy Eden (R)

Kossuth County Sheriff

DES MOINES, Iowa – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time.

Thilges Honored at Phi Theta Kappa Awards

ESTHERVILLE—Hunter Thilges was honored at the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Awards Banquet in Des Moines for exceptional academic achievements, intellectual rigor, leadership, and civic growth along with four others. Thilges was nominated to join the prestigious 2024 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society All-Iowa Academic Team.