ALGONA — On March 1, Bolton & Menk Inc. opened its 18th office location in Algona.
“With the success of our five other Iowa locations, we continue to expand our service areas,” said Wes Brown, principal engineer for the firm. “We did some work on Main Street and are developing relationships with other communities in the area. We see an opportunity for municipal needs in and around Algona.”

ALGONA — The new minister of the First Lutheran Church in Algona had not planned on taking another call after more than 17 years at a church in Fort Dodge.
“There was something about this place that felt very special,” the Rev. David Grindberg said. “The congregation; there is a spirit here that I felt like it didn’t matter what I thought I was going to do, this is where I needed to be. Every minute I have spent here has confirmed that.”

ALGONA — Early in the live auction a bidding war surfaced for a simple item like a Rock star parking spot that included VIP parking and a personalized sign. The more than 400 people sitting at the tables at the Friedmann Auditorium cheered them on.
When finished, two people bid $10,000 each to have the Rock star parking spot.

Frank and Darlene (Vaske) Kollasch were married April 15, 1978 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bancroft and will celebrate their 40th anniversary this year. Frank and Darlene have lived in Bancroft their entire married life. Frank is retired from Hormel Foods, and Darlene works for Welp Hatchery in Bancroft.

Terry and Marie (Diers) Cook were married April 20, 1968 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Bancroft. They will celebrate their 50th anniversary this year. Their family, including their children, Monica (Dean) Preuschl of Whittemore, Sheila (Dan) Schoessler of Omaha, Neb., Doug (Michelle) Cook of Algona, and Joe (Amy) Cook of Armstrong, along with nine grandchildren, encourage family and friends to send them cards to help them celebrate. Cards and well wishes will reach the couple at P.O.

Clarence Casey was born April 14, 1928 and will be celebrating his 90th birthday this year! His family is encouraging family and friends to shower him with cards to help him celebrate. Cards and well wishes will reach him at 2002 170th street, Lu Verne, IA 50560.
 

Roger Long was born April 17, 1933 and will celebrate his 85th birthday this year. Roger is a long-time resident of Algona and sold real estate in the area for 44 years. His wife of 62 years, Mae, along with four daughters, 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren are celebrating with him. Cards and well wishes are encouraged and can be sent to P.O. Box 275, Algona, IA 50511.
 

Nancy Marlow of Algona was born April 13, 1938 and will be celebrating her 80th birthday this year. A card shower is being held in her honor. Cards and well wishes may be sent to 407 West Keith Street, Algona, IA 50511. Celebrating with her are her husband Bob of Algona, and her four children, Brenda (Dale) Oberhelmanof of Pomeroy, Paula (Guy) Limebeck of Bryon, Minn., Dan (Chivonne) Marlow of Decorah, and Cindy (Brian) McClenagan of Plainview, Texas.

Heading into its second decade, those who formed the Little Al Foundation are “amazed” at how far it has come.
In the last five years, 6o families have been helped. The total family count is reaching 100 in the first 10-year period.
“When we made it to three years I was amazed,” said Ryan Miller, president of the Little Al Foundation. “We weren’t where I wanted to be. We’re still not where I want to be.”

ALGONA — An Algona family is trying to make a difference in the lives of children. Chris “Red” Adams and his wife, Amanda, are doing it through being foster parents.
“We wanted to make a difference in a child’s life,” Amanda said. “We saw friends doing it. We wanted to follow God’s lead in doing what we felt was right for kids in general.”

ALGONA — One thing that makes the Bishop Garrigan Gala special each year is that people who attend are not sure what to expect when they walk through the doors at the Garrigan School.
“We try to keep people guessing when they come in. We don’t want it to be stale,” Bishop Garrigan Schools Development Director Mindy Laubenthal said. “What game do we get to play this year? What new auction items have they thought of?”

Leigha Kay Gruis
 

Knox Robert Schneider
 
Courtney Schneider of Algona is the proud parent of a baby boy, Knox Robert, born Thursday, March 29 at Kossuth Regional Health Center. He weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces and was 19 inches long at birth. Maternal grandparents are Gene Schneider and Misty Schneider of Algona. Welcoming baby Knox home is older brother Brecken.
 

Maddox John Lallier
 

Jemma Jane Elman
 
Jason and Beth (Thompson) Elman of Cylinder are the proud parents of a baby girl, Jemma Jane, born Thursday, March 15 at Kossuth Regional Health Center. She weighed 8 pounds, 6 ounces and was 21 inches long at birth. Maternal grandparents are the late James and Susan Thompson. Paternal grandparents are Terry and Joyce Elman of Buffalo Center. Jason is a contractor/owner and Beth is a marketer. Welcoming baby Jemma home is older sister Amelia.