By Katie Ludwig, AHS Journalism

Polly McNeill, third from left, was recently honored for her 50-year membership in AAUW (American Association of University Women). Polly is a member of the Algona Branch. She is pictured with fellow honoree Diane Patton, Ames Branch, (far left) and AAUW Iowa co-Presidents Pat Higby and Kim Folkers.

By Molly Montag, News Correspondent

Supporters of the Kossuth County Fairgrounds are seeking funding from the City of Algona.

Fair Board members asked the Algona City Council on Monday, April 21, if the municipality would contribute $250,000 toward the estimated $2 million project for a major renovation of the grandstand at the dirt auto track at the Kossuth County Fairgrounds in Algona. That would match Kossuth County’s pledged contribution.

Value-added grants help farmers and small businesses expand and diversify the availability of Iowa grown, Iowa raised, and Iowa made food, beverages, and ag products

The West Bend Public Library is pleased to introduce Maverick and his Canine Handler, Carissa Mueller, of Kossuth County Emergency Management. Maverick is a member of Crisis Canines of the Midlands and is a Crisis Canine for Kossuth County Emergency Management. These canine teams are trained to provide comfort and support during times of crisis. From natural disasters to community emergencies, the crisis canine teams are here to bridge the gap between compassion and care.

The First Presbyterian Church of Algona held a fundraiser to support the Meals On Wheels program, which delivers hot nutritious meals to area eligible homebound elderly clients. Meals On Wheels was chartered in 1971 by Algona churches and is still active today.

Thirteen members of the Algona Middle School Band were selected to participate in the River City Honor Band, which was held at the Lincoln Intermediate School in Mason City on Saturday, April 26. These talented musicians had their performance resumes submitted by their teachers, and the top students were chosen for the bands. The students spent the day in rehearsal in preparation for the evening concert.

5th Grade Honor Band above from left:

Row 1:

Join Kossuth County Assistant Naturalist Julie Fosado for a relaxing stroll through the woods of Smith Wildlife Area on Sunday, May 4 at 2 p.m. Along the way you will learn wildflower names, folklore and get a view of the wide expanses of beautiful Bluebell flowers. All ages are welcome but this program is geared toward an older audience. The trail has a few hills and may be muddy.  Meet in the parking area inside the gate.

On Saturday, March 29 at Clear Lake High School, 47 Algona Band students, and 21 Algona Choir students performed in solos and ensembles at the Iowa High School Music Association's State Solo/Small Ensemble festival. Algona High School had eight students that earned Outstanding Performance Honors, five band students and two choir students.

Band

The West Bend Public Library hosts Austina Scott, Librarian at the Livermore Public Library for a guided painting art night. This program is in session October to April.

Above:

Leah Fehr, Sandy Banwart, Beth Banwart and Austina Scott work on the guided painting project.

Below:

Jackie Wirtz gives craft night a try.

Janet Hartman and Sydney Bleuer share a laugh during Craft Night.

By Molly Montag, News Correspondent

Roaming dogs and gallivanting cats, take note: your rambling days are over.

Domesticated animals are now prohibited from running at large in a new animal ordinance unanimously approved by the Kossuth County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, April 29.

Periodic rains throughout the week resulted in just 2.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 27, 2025, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. While needed, the precipitation slowed or stopped fieldwork and cool temperatures hampered crop emergence.

By Megan McPeak , AHS Journalism

By Allee Carr, AHS Journalism

By Olivia Thilges, AHS Journalism

On Monday, April 14, students of the Algona FFA chapter traveled to Ames for the State FFA Leadership Conference. Students Ace Studer, Ryan Barglof, Cassidy Bierstedt, Malea Divis, Walker Eilerts, Grace Luitjens and Grady Ruger participated in a series of events during the three days while down in Ames.