County assessors begin their work

150 Years Ago

Bank Directors. ---- At the annual election of Directors of Kossuth County Bank, held on Tuesday, January 12, 1875, the following gentlemen were elected. Wm. H. Ingham, E. C. Buffum, J. B. Jones, T. Chrischilles, D. H. Hutchins, F. W. Hawes and Lewis H. Smith.

125 Years Ago

Light in the darkness

By John Heille, Lead Pastor at Good Hope, Immanuel and St. John's Lutheran Churches

Winter can be long, dark, and sometimes bitter cold. Truth is, there’s plenty of cold and darkness in our world even when it’s not wintertime, and we all need some warmth and some light. For a fleeting moment in time, many of our homes were filled with holiday lights and Christmas trees.

From the Nov. 25, 1968 Kossuth County Advance

Keep your eye on the sky

I wrote a column a couple years ago about a drone I own that sparked many comments from readers. With all the sightings of these much larger devices hovering in the air around New Jersey recently, it seemed worth revisiting.

Simple steps to stay healthy through the winter months

From KRHC

As the winter months arrive, staying healthy can be a challenge. Cold weather, shorter days, and the holiday season often lead to changes in our routines, making it easier to neglect our well-being. However, by following a few simple steps, you can stay healthy, boost your immunity, and enjoy the season to the fullest.

Presidential debates in IPTV

150 Years Ago

Old January returned to this place last week, after nearly a year’s absence and brought along some pretty snapping cool weather. He has managed to keep the mercury below zero most of the time since his arrival.

125 Years Ago

Predictions

By Jason Fischer, Lead Pastor of Algona Faith 

As I write this article, it is the end of 2024. Many people will reminisce about their year and make predictions for the new one. Some may theorize what movies, music, and entertainment will come out in the new year.

From the Dec. 16, 1968 Kossuth County Advance newspaper.

Mrs. John (Ruby Poulsen) Dixon of Lone Rock, a Seneca school graduate, constructed the Seneca school replica at right out of cardboard. She is shown with her work, including the playground equipment, etc.

Also on display at the recent Seneca Alumni banquet was a book composed by Mrs. Dixon containing class pictures of graduating classes from 1920 until the school closed in 1957.

Of my glitch-free Christmas travels - imagine!

Believe it or not, I managed to wing my way from Minneapolis to Nashville, then to Los Angeles, then back to Minneapolis over the Christmas holidays without a single glitch. I spent time with all five of our offspring and six of our grands - something of a record, I think.

Memoir blends science and nature

23 Woodcock in 22 Years

Jeff Wilkerson

University of Iowa Press

ISBN 978-1-60938-987-1

$24

At first glance, Jeff Wilkerson’s memoir of science and nature, 23 Woodcock in 22 Years, seems a bit of an anomaly. The subtitle Reflections on Hunting, the Night Sky, and Our Place in the Universe seems even more incongruous.

Happy New Year!

By The Algona Area Chamber

The Algona Area Chamber of Commerce is looking forward to serving our members, the Algona community, and surrounding areas in 2025. We are here to support local businesses and provide engaging opportunities for our community to thrive.

Choo choo.......all aboard

As a child, my buddies and I would sit by the railroad tracks in our hometown and watch in awe as the trains passed by. By the 1970s, train usage had changed drastically, but that steam engine and those rusty railcars still made for an amazing sight.

Swea City family meets Jerry Rice

150 Years Ago

Town and Country.  =====  Mrs. Taft is not expected to live. She is very low and liable to drop at any moment. Her little boy died on the last day of December, as will be seen in our obituary notices.

125 Years Ago

Christmas

By Kent Madison, Pastor at Frist Presbyterian Church in Lakota 

Isaiah 9:6-7, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.”

From the Kossuth County Advance published Dec. 23, 1968.

The two children of the Eduard Kaibs joined in the Christmas festivities Sunday during the children’s program at the Algona Methodist church. Norbert shown standing at the right  portrayed Joseph while Cornelia, kneeling near crib in center of picture, played the part of Mary in the pageant.

Other children in the pageant are kneeling in the foreground.