KOSSUTH COUNTY—Thousands of bicycle riders will soon descend upon Algona, when RAGBRAI (Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa) pedals through on Wednesday, July 27. Algona is a pass-through community on day four of the week-long ride. The bulk of the riders are expected between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. 

ALGONA—The focus of the committee reports given by officers at the May and June meetings of the Algona Chapter of the DAR was on patriotic observances: Memorial Day, Flag Day,  Recognition of the Vietnam Era Veterans and July 4. 

On Flag Day June 14 State Farm Agent Billy Offerman and Office Manager Amanda Emery were presented a flag by the Algona DAR chapter to hang in their office. 

DES MOINES—Mediacom Communications will provide live-action television coverage of the 50th Iowa Shrine Bowl on Saturday, July 23 at 4 p.m. The game will be played at the UNI Dome in Cedar Falls with exclusive statewide television coverage on Mediacom’s MC22 (Ch. 22 or 822).

 ALGONA—While many car dealers in rural areas are lucky to have even just one certified automotive technician on staff, one local dealership has hit the service jackpot with not just one, but five nationally certified technicians.

BANCROFT—Major Jason T. McCleish, a native of Bancroft, recently retired (at the new National Museum of the US Army at Fort Belvoir, VA) from the U.S. Army after a total of 22 years of service (nine years active duty and 13 years National Guard) to his country.

The Algona High School Class of 1972 celebrated their 50th reunion on July 8 and 9.  Friday night they gathered in Whittemore to hear talented members of the class who had gathered for a street concert. Saturday classmates met at the Algona Country Club for dinner and more reminiscing. 

Sitting:  Denny Payne, Vicki Ricklefs Matuska, Bonnie Willrett Greenwood and Barb Cook Menning.

ALGONA—The informal chess club at the Algona Public Library has been gaining momentum. Anyone of any age and any skill level is welcome to come to the library on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and test their skills at one of the oldest and challenging games.

Kayak School

The Kossuth County Conservation’s summer intern Hunter Thilges will be holding a kayak school on Thursday, July 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. Thilges will be teaching everything a beginning kayaker needs to know. Participants will be able to kayak on the lake. Class will meet at the southside campground shelter house. Questions call 295-2138.

Annual "Portraits of Kossuth" 

Eva Kohlhaas points out the bloom on their banana tree in front of her house on Thorington St. during the historic tour of homes over Founders’ Day weekend.

The tree had become too tall for their sunroom where they normally keep it. Her dad Josh said it will likely produce eight bananas this summer.

ALGONA—The Algona Community School Foundation annual golf outing and silent auction event held July 18 was another success. It brought in just under $50,000 to the foundation, which uses the money to fund classroom enrichment activities and provide scholarships. “The weather was a bit steamy, but the participation was excellent, and the results should provide funding for next year’s wish lists,” stated foundation consultant Barb Teeter.

ALGONA—All sorts of machines on wheels cruised into downtown Algona on Friday, July 8 for the Founders’ Day celebration.

By Kim Wegener

Features Writer

BELIZE—How did Stacy Besch dream up the idea of organizing and leading womens’ faith based empowerment retreats on a private island off the coast of Belize in Central America? 

ALGONA—Algona City Administrator Jacob Tjaden, at left in photo, was the recipient of the “Emerging Leader Award” at the Iowa City/County Management Association (IaCMA) summer conference in July.

The Algona Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star invited members of the Kossuth County Dementia Care Group to share information about their group at the July 5 OES meeting. The dementia group is a non-profit organization providing education, support and resources. They desire families to know “You Are Not Alone”.

New patient beds have been placed in the inpatient unit at Kossuth Regional Health Center due to the generosity of an anonymous donor who included the KRHC Foundation in their estate planning. New Hillrom Centrella Smart Beds were placed in patient rooms along with the KRHC hospice suite.