The Kossuth County Advance (KCA) has announced selections for its annual Academic All-Stars. The students are picked by the KCA staff after nominations are received from the four local school districts the newspaper covers on a regular basis – Algona, Bishop Garrigan, North Union and West Bend-Mallard.

The selections are made based on criteria that involve a complete high school career that included academic performance and involvement in school and community activities.

ALGONA—Kossuth Regional Health Center is excited to welcome Kim Etherington, PA-C back to its medical staff in May 2025. This time, in an acute care role.

By Molly Montag, News Correspondent

City Council members approved salaries for city employees and appointed officials for the next fiscal year.

WEST DES MOINES—Clint Fehr, a student at West Bend-Mallard and Emerson Waltz, a student at Algona High School, were 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.

Most Rev. John E. Keehner, a priest of the Diocese of Youngstown, Ohio, was ordained as the eighth bishop of the Diocese of Sioux City on May 1 at the Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City. He was ordained by Archbishop Thomas Zinkula of Dubuque with Bishop Walker Nickless, bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Sioux City and Bishop David J. Bonnar of Youngstown serving as co-ordaining bishops.

It’s not often that people from our area, or anyone we know, go without necessary hygiene items. But these items are a rarity for many in times of disaster, whether flooding, tornado, etc.

Kit items include: a hand towel, a washcloth, a toothbrush, toothpaste, bar of soap, shampoo, deodorant, hand lotion, a Midwest Mission drawstring bag and a prayer card.

On April 29 seventeen juniors were inducted into the Bishop Garrigan Honor Society.  This organization honors students who excel in academics, school activities, service, and leadership.  The members joining today were Sacha Alesch (the daughter Cody and Teresa Alesch), Emmi Bartolo (the daughter of Lisa and Joe Bartolo), Kyle Bormann (the son of Brian and Gina Bormann), Allison Denker (the daughter of Adam and Colleen Denker), Tate Foertsch (the son of Adam and Jennifer Foertsch), Kayden Gra

While many students spend spring break relaxing, a dedicated group from Iowa Lakes Community College’s Laker Life campus ministry chose a different path—volunteering their time to serve those in need during a week-long mission trip to Chicago.

On Friday, May 2, the streets of Algona came alive with energy, laughter and a splash of color as Algona Middle School hosted its 3rd annual Color Run. Despite the chilly temperatures, the event drew an enthusiastic crowd of students, families and community members eager to support a great cause and have a little fun while doing it.

Six Bishop Garrigan students were selected to participate in the River City Honor Band held on Saturday, April 26 at Lincoln Intermediate School in Mason City. Three 5th graders in the front row from left: Evie Elbert, Nora Miller and Hailey Culbertson. Three 6th graders in the back row from left: Alfred Harren, Carter Kollasch and Lilly Kollasch. Submitted photo.

May is motorcycle awareness month by proclamation of Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and other officials across the country. On May 3 and 4, ABATE of Iowa District 7 held a "Can You See Me Now" food drive at the Algona Hy-Vee store. The group presented the Kossuth County Food Pantry collected cash and groceries to help food challenged people of the area. The group focuses on motorcycle safety, awareness and rider education with various events.

On April 29 a full bus left Algona at 6:30 a.m. for Pella to see the beautiful tulips and experience the Dutch heritage. The Kossuth Area Garden Club was thrilled to have 56 participants commit to this trip.  Mothers and daughters, sisters, couples and friends, all excited for a day adventure. It was a beautiful day to enjoy the tulips, shopping and delicious food.  Dutch letters, bologna and Tulip Geraniums were crowd favorites.  Submitted photo.

By Katie Ludwig, AHS Journalism

The RSVP Pen Pal volunteers held a meet and greet on April 16 with the Bishop Garrigan 3rd graders from Sherry Kutchara and Alisa Altman’s classes. The event took place at the Tietz Center at Iowa Lakes Community College (ILCC) Algona campus. There were 34 students who corresponded by letters with the volunteers from January until April and they finally were able to meet face to face.

The lost art of letter writing was revived and new friends were made.

By Molly Montag, News Correspondent

Officials approved a Fenton homeowner’s request to acquire the tax certificate to a neighboring property.

The Kossuth County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Tuesday, May 6, to assign Allana Finch the tax certificate for 504 Oak St., a residential lot with a vacant one-story home built in 1900. The last deed holder was Integrity Investment REO Holdings, LLC, of Chicago, Ill.