ALGONA—The Algona High School Class of 1979 sponsors the Excellence in Teaching Award, which is administered by the Algona Community School Foundation. Members of the community nominate current teachers for the recognition, and then a committee reviews the nominations and selects the Teacher of the Year. This is the 24th year of the award. The award is designed to recognize the outstanding contributions of a teacher who goes above and beyond the job of teaching.

ALGONA—Graduates present and past will receive over $1.1 million in financial aid from the Algona Community School Foundation and its associated Thompson, Mahana and Hoenk funds. Over 200 students will receive checks this fall. Go to https://sites.google.com/a/algona.k12.ia.us/algona-school-foundation/sc… to read about the 40+ funds that reach a wide variety of criteria.

Isabella Waechter was recognized by Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Governor Chris Cournoyer for outstanding academic achievement at the 23rd Annual Governor’s Scholar Recognition Ceremony on April 27 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.

The statewide program, sponsored by the Iowa Governor’s Office, Iowa High School Athletic Association (lHSAA) and its title sponsor the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), honored 424 high school seniors from across Iowa.

Opening day of the Kossuth County Farmers Market was full of good fun, good food, and (of course) a little chaos! Picking, packing and loading everything the first time around after the winter break can be a little wild, even for those of us who have done it for years. In some ways, it’s part of the fun. The first week back is like a big reunion, and it was a sunny, special day for all.

This year, 2025, is the 100th Anniversary of the 1925 Serum Run—now known as the Iditarod Race. Celebrate these brave dogs and mushers with Karen Land and Noggin the sled dog on June 16.

Contestants descended on Whittemore with their grills, seasonings and tongs in hand to compete in the annual BBQ contest with meat provided by Smithfield of Algona.

People who attended the event were treated to some of the best BBQ ribs in Iowa and no one went away hungry.

Judge’s Choice:

1st Place - Kevin Long

2nd Place - Team Elbert BBQ

3rd Place - Dru Zimmerman

People’s Choice Winner - Dru Zimmerman

Photos below:

By Molly Montag, News Correspondent

Officials may extend a temporary ban on commercial-scale solar projects in Kossuth County.

Next month, the Kossuth County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing for an ordinance issuing a new temporary ban, which it referred to as a moratorium, on accepting applications for commercial solar energy farms in the county.

By Molly Montag, News Correspondent

A reportedly dilapidated, city-owned home in Algona may soon be for sale.

Algona City Council members unanimously approved a resolution to set a public hearing for a resolution authorizing the sale of 920 N. Minnesota St. Built in 1940, the 795-square-foot house has peeling white paint and a hole in the roof.   

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.

When the sun is shining, the music is playing and you’re living your best summer life, donating blood may not be on your bucket list. But, here is why it should be. Summer is one of the most critical times of the year for blood donation. With schools out and regular routines on hold, blood donations tend to drop, but the need stays strong. Hospital patients don’t get a summer break and local lives depend on a steady, reliable blood supply every day.

Want to show your support for Veterans but not sure how? Make plans to join the Support Our Veterans ride on Aug. 17 starting at The Handlebar in Lu Verne.

Sign in is from 9-10:45 a.m. with a $25 sign in fee per vehicle. Riders will leave Lu Verne at 11 a.m. All types of vehicles welcome and 100 percent of your sign-in fee goes directly back to a veteran of your choice.

Breakfast burritos will be available at sign-in.

Stops include:

Johnny’s/Wesley

To update this information, email news@algona.com or call 515-295-3535. Some changes to schedules may occur without notice.

____Libraries, Museums, Recreation, Events_____

Algona Nativity Scene: Small groups by appointment. Call 515-295-7241.

Algona POW Museum: Saturdays and Sundays 1-4 p.m.; Memorial Day to Labor Day open weekdays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

3•2•Do

Algona Public Library

Thursday, June 5: 10 a.m. - Adult Sewing Workshop; 1-3 p.m. - Speed Cubing with Ethan DeGroote

Friday, June 6: 9:30 a.m. - Morning Movies for All Ages; 1 p.m. - Spanish Storytime/Cuentos en Espanol

Mon. - Wed., June 9-11: 1-3 p.m., Ages 8-12  and 6:30-9:30 p.m., 13-adult - Minecraft Code & Play

Tuesday, June 10: 5:30-7 p.m. - Chess

Notice to Readers:

The information included on this page has been obtained from public records — either court files, police and sheriff logs or accident reports. The Kossuth County Advance staff reminds readers that all charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Monday, May 26

8:57 a.m. Traffic hazard, Algona.

11:02 a.m. Ambulance, Swea City.

11:49 a.m. Speak with deputy, Fenton.

Sunday. May 25

6:24 a.m. Ambulance call.

8:28 a.m. Aided at the jail.

3:08 p.m. Ambulance call.

3:44 p.m. Civil.

4:21 p.m. Death.

5:39 p.m. Open door.

6:38 p.m. Runaway/Missing.

7:35 p.m. Ambulance call.

8:31 p.m. Traffic control.

10:35 p.m. Miscellaneous auto.

11:55 p.m. Peace disturbance.

Monday, May 26

5:40 a.m. Aided with unlock of room.

6:18 a.m. 911 hang up.