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Community Stories Project - Kathryn Wirtz

Great communities don’t just happen – they are the result of people who are willing to make a difference. Community Stories, an initiative of the City of Algona, features people from around the area who are making a positive impact through their work, volunteer efforts or other contributions to the community. Stories will be featured on the City of Algona’s website and Facebook page and shared with local media.

 

Northwest Bank donates $10,000 to Algona Community Schools

Northwest Bank in Algona is proud to announce their $10,000 donation to Algona Community Schools to benefit their Fine Arts Program, reinforcing the bank’s ongoing commitment to the community and its future youth leaders. Northwest Bank employees, Amelia Langerman and Lucia Banchs (left) and Jessica Gronau (right) presented the donation to Adam Orban, Preforming Arts Center Manager and Andy Jacobson, Athletic Director Algona Community Schools.

Thousands of shoppers descended on Algona Saturday

Algona welcomed thousands of shoppers on Saturday, Oct. 26, for the 32nd annual Autumnfest Craft and Vendor show at the Algona High School commons, gymnasium and Algona Middle School commons. The event is sponsored by the Algona Area Chamber of Commerce. It only cost shoppers a $5 admission fee to get in the door and then browse through the show between 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.

County delays recreation land purchase

By Molly Montag, News Correspondent

County officials have delayed purchasing recreation land south of Algona to explore whether to create a buffer zone to protect area landowners.

The Kossuth County Conservation Board proposed buying approximately 128 acres along the East Fork of the Des Moines River in Riverdale and Cresco townships. Currently owned by Richard Crail, officials say the land is already enrolled in the federal Wetlands Reserve Program.

Kossuth County reports robust early voting

By Molly Montag, News Correspondent

The presidential election isn’t until Nov. 5. But many voters in Kossuth County aren’t waiting that long.

Late Tuesday morning, two early voters were at the front counter of the Kossuth County Auditor’s Office, one was seated at the ballot box nearby and five more were waiting in the hallway.

Cities mull county’s urban renewal plan

By Molly Montag, News Correspondent

More than a dozen cities in and around Kossuth County have less than two weeks to sign agreements allowing the county’s proposed urban renewal plan to include land within two miles of their borders.

Trudy Huskamp Peterson receives award

Trudy Huskamp Peterson received the 2024 Alumni Humanitarian Award presented by the Iowa State University Alumni Association. She is the daughter of Eugene and Ardis (Voigt) Huskamp of Fenton and graduated from Sentral High School in 1963.

DAR Marian Anderson Legacy Scholarship applications open Nov. 1

Undergraduate and graduate students studying music can apply for the DAR Marian Anderson Legacy Scholarship starting November 1. Application deadline is Jan. 31, 2025. Sponsored by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the scholarship provides a one-time $5,000 award to one student annually who is pursuing undergraduate or graduate study in music.

Wesley throws an epic Halloween party

Photos below:

The Ludwig kids

Joe Thilges works hard to win the toilet paper wrap game.

Mandie Studer helps Cory Bartrum pose with the costume he won at the party.

Tasha Badker waits anxiously to find out if she won a prize. Joella Lieder photos.

Music Bingo fundraiser helps musicians

The first ever Music Bingo fundraiser was held on Oct. 12 at River Road Golf Club. The event was organized by VIP Music Boosters to raise funds for music equipment for K-12 students. “Wow - What a night! Everyone had so much fun and we can't wait to do this again next year!” commented board President Mandie Studer. “We loved all the fun costumes - everyone singing with the songs and recognizing our amazing directors.”

Birthdays

Solbach 90th

Rolf Solbach celebrated his 90th birthday on October 30!

He will be celebrating with his family this weekend.

Cards in celebration can be sent to 53 Stillman Circle, Algona, IA 50511.

Garden Club donates trees

In recognition of National Garden Club week, members of the Kossuth Area Garden Club purchased two trees for the Smith Lake Waters Edge Nature Center. From left is Garden Club’s Treasurer Tracy Walker, Water’s Edge Director Kendall Stumme accepting the check for the trees presented by club President Walter Reemstma and club Vice-President Rebecca Zimmerman.

Culture All event in West Bend

On Tuesday, Nov. 5 The West Bend Public Library will be hosting a Culture All event at Prairie Creek Assisted Living in West Bend from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Ambassador for Culture All, Alex Yakobson, will be conducting his World in the Hat workshop.

Euchre results

The Euchre results for Tuesday, Oct. 22 at Pep’s are:

First place - Lyndon and Mary Fowler with 64.

Second place - Wayne Patterson and George Bierstedt with 57.

Third place - Tie between Bruce Keith/Eddie Rahe and Doreen Koepke/Sandy Boekelman with 56.

Most loners - Tie between Lyndon Fowler and Eddie Rahe with four.

The door prize went to Eddie Rahe.

Bulldog Heroes

Bottom photo showing fourth grade Bulldog Heroes from left are: Grayson Kuecker, Quinn Duff, Mason Eisenlohr, Calista Offerman, Natalee Hoover and Susan Cortez.

Small Business Revolving Loan Fund program

The City of Algona supports small business growth by offering low-interest loans to new and expanding businesses located in Algona.

The Small Business Revolving Loan Fund program has loans available between $5,000 and $20,000 per applicant. The program guidelines limit the interest to half of the prime interest rate, with a maximum of 2.5 percent.

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