Members of First Presbyterian Church in Algona recently held a silent auction fundraiser, Bid to Give, in which a variety of different themed baskets, crafts and food items were donated for bid. Proceeds of more than $1,000 was raised to support the Algona Senior Center and the Meals on Wheels Program that serves home delivered meals to approximately 730 older adults and military veterans who are homebound in our community each month.

ALGONA—In a display of commitment and expertise, four employees from Kemna Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM have been recognized by FCA US LLC for achieving certification in the 2022 Stellantis Performance Institute Certified Professionals Program. Bryce Petersen, Terril Johnson, Joe Heyes and Kevin Shaw stand out as exemplary professionals in the automotive industry, setting a high standard for dealership experiences.

The fourth and last winner of the holiday prize drawing was Melissa Riggert who registered at the Feed Mill Coffee Co. and Events Center. She chose the $400 gift certificate from State 5 Theatre. Pictured with Riggert is State 5 Theatre’s manager Juan Chavez.

ALGONA—Emerson Waltz, a junior at Algona High School, was selected as one of seven outstanding Iowa youth that have been named finalists in the prestigious National STEM Challenge. Their exceptional achievements and dedication to STEM excellence have earned them this well-deserved recognition.

When some of Shelby Berte’s sixth grade middle school students expressed an interest in helping thew community Berte knew just who to call.

“They were craving an opportunity to give back to our community. They even made a whole pitch and PowerPoint on why we should have a "Giving Group" basically for kids to get together once a week and do service projects for our community,” Berte said.

The Fenton Library staff hosted their annual holiday open house on December 9. More than 60 members of the community were treated  to  homemade cinnamon rolls, hot cider and coffee along with door prizes and lots of conversation.

Clockwise from top photo: Diane Munch, Kathy Berkland, Judy Thilges, Gerene Shaw, Janice Ramus, Linda Tieman, Madge Clabaugh and Gladys Wegener; the Peterson family, and Mike Bingham, Ed Krause, Jeff Clabaugh and Ted Yager. Submitted photos

Approximately 150 people attended Fenton’s Santa Day on Saturday, Dec. 9 at the Legion building in Fenton.

Santa Claus arrived by fire truck and visited with everyone. Activities included crafts with members of the Fenton 4-H Clubs, refreshments, kid’s drawings for sleds, reading of library memorial ornament donations and musical entertainment by the North Union students.

Everyone's favorite green Scrooge, the Grinch, stopped by the Fenton Library for a visit during the Holly Day Read-In on December 18.

With the Grinch from left: Amelia Bollinger, Laila Griffin, Malori Larsen, Owen Griffin, Jameson Ulfers, Denver Finch, Preston Maday and Kenna Griffin. Submitted photo

The North Union FFA Chapter hosted a community service project, Giftmas, to help support elementary aged students in the school district.

The purpose of Giftmas was to provide a present to every child grades preschool through 5th at both Swea City and Fenton Elementary Schools so that all students could celebrate the holidays.

Kossuth County Cancer Support Foundation’s Henrietta has made the rounds this year and once again has raised money for those battling cancer in the area. During KCCSF’s Designer Purse Bingo events, Henrietta is auctioned off and the highest bidder gets to use her to help collect donations.

Bishop Garrigan third through six  grade students spend four weeks in the fall and spring in the art room with Mrs. Rahm creating a variety of art projects that focus on specific artists or art mediums. Eighth graders spend a semester in the art room creating paper mache masks and colored pencil projects. Art show winners are shown at left and below. Submitted photos

6th grade, Ellie Bartolo - Banksy inspired name plates.

Five senior student council members at Bishop Garrigan School helped set up for the Toys for Tots event in Mason City. The event helps more than 2,000 families have presents for kids for Christmas.

Top photo from left: Logan Nemmers, Lauren Swift, Violet Bode, Brendan Plathe and Nick Laubenthal.

Photo at left: Brendan Plathe and Nick Laubenthal. Submitted photos

Spearheaded by Lisa Louscher and Mandie Studer, a group of teens packed 50 bags at the First United Methodist Church in Algona containing a plush blanket, movie, popcorn, soda and treats for other teens in the community who may not get anything for Christmas. This group also made these gift bags last year and they were a huge success. Organizers said the high schoolers do such an awesome job every holiday making sure families have something special.

ALGONA—A City of Algona greenspace has become the home of the community’s new welcome sign. Large letters spelling out “ALGONA” in front of a colorful backdrop were placed in the small park on the corner of Jones and State Street in mid-November.