City kid tries FFA

By Shane Goodman

The year was 1984, and I was choosing some of my elective courses while in high school. Several of my buddies were born and raised on farms, and they were all involved in FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America), which involved classwork. They convinced me, a town kid, to take the class, too. So I did.

Independence Day

By Rev. John Koopman, Pastor at Peace Lutheran Church in West Bend

By Dana Clapsaddle Perry

Last week we learned that women did not have to grow a beard to get a free 4”X5” photo from Brown’s Studio during the 1954 Kossuth County Centennial. Instead, Brown’s took beautiful photographs of women dressed in period costumes.  These photographs were put in the newspaper for promotional purposes leading up to the Centennial.  They were also displayed in the window of Brown’s Studio for advertising purposes for them.

We watched the sun go down on Galway Bay, Part III

By Molly MacDonald

As the memories of our magical trip to Ireland start to fade a little (we went the last week in May), I’m trying to keep all the details fresh. Which, of course, is impossible since remembering anything about anything is a challenge for those of us who are no longer 25 years old.

Telephone to soon connect every town in the county

150 Years Ago

I had my first exposure to debate in a high school speech class. I didn't participate directly in learning how to debate, but I do remember witnessing a certain technique used at competition which I did not have a name for at the time. I have since realized that technique was a form of "gaslighting."

KPACED’s County Wide Breakfast to be held July 31

By Maureen Elbert, KPACED

Kossuth/ Palo Alto County Economic Corporation is pleased to announce that Brenda Clark Hamilton of Fresh Coffee Professional Growth Programs will be this year’s County Wide Breakfast keynote speaker.

The K/PACEDC annual Countywide Breakfast will be held on Wednesday, July 31 starting at 7 a.m. at the St. Michael’s Divine Mercy Parish Center.

Can you dig it?

“Dig deeper.” We have all heard those words, maybe as clear instructions from a boss, co-worker, friend or family member encouraging us to try a little harder at whatever it is we are trying to do. In most every case, it’s good advice.

Bear Good Fruit!  Bear God-Fruit!

By Rev. Chris Burtnett, Pastor at First Congregational United Church of Christ, Algona

It is officially summer now and with it comes one of my favorite things about the season…the seasonal summer fruits, like cantaloupe, watermelon, tomatoes (yes, they are a fruit) and I know, they have been in our grocery stores, farmers markets, etc. for some time now, but work with me here.

By Dana Clapsaddle Perry

Last week we learned that the Jaycees sponsored a Whiskers Club during the 1954 Kossuth County Centennial to recapture the rough and rugged frontier beginning of the County.                                                         

We also learned that Brown’s Studio offered a free 4X6” photo to anyone growing a beard for the Centennial. The ad said, “Women Too!” As it turns out, women did not have to grow a beard to get a free photo.

Summer is always a busy time at the Algona Public Library. June is a whirlwind of summer reading programs, special story times, and all kinds of other activities.

150 Years Ago

INFORMATION WANTED. -- We notice in the State Register an advertisement offering for sale the printing office of a newspaper located at the county seat of one of the best counties of Northwestern Iowa.  The present owner desires to go into another business.  No names are given.  Wonder what office that can be.

125 Years Ago

Rivers

Rev. Briton Nelson, Associate Pastor at St. John's Lutheran, Burt and Trinity Lutheran, Algona

By Dana Clapsaddle Perry

We watched the sun go down on Galway Bay, part two

Okay, I warned you two weeks ago that I would be writing more about my trip to Ireland, so if travelogues bore you, stop here. Of course, my feelings will be a little hurt if you do, but I’ll try not to cry.