The West Bend-Mallard Middle School students dressed as the person they researched for a Civil Rights unit for a recent history night event. The students also displayed their completed projects during the history night event. 

Top photo: Seth Massner as “JFK”  and Trent Morey as “Rube Foster;” and Ellie Gerber as “Dr. Mildred Jefferson” and Avery Weydert as “Gabby Douglas.” 

By Pat Kinney 

IowaWatch

BANCROFT – The city of Bancroft, called “the garden spot of Iowa” for almost 90 years, may not be growing in population. But like a good perennial plant with solid roots, it is regenerating and flowering.

Located in northern Kossuth County in north-central Iowa about 20 miles south of the Minnesota state line, Bancroft has a population of 699 residents, according to 2020 Census data, down from 732 in 2010.

ALGONA—After a hearing during which there was no public input, the Kossuth County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution stating its maximum property tax dollars collected from its main levies for the coming year.

The action came at the Tuesday, March 1 meeting.

Highlights from the Bishop Garrigan High School pops concert held in the Friedmann Auditorium last Friday evening include (photos left to right): Front: Joey Doerning, Isabella Waechter and Molly Peterson. Middle: Drew Casey, Eli Ricke and Nathaniel Darling. Back: Lexi Galligan, Audi Crooks, Ethan Kuper and Benjy Trainer. Senior Ella Muller performed a solo with the show choir.

Bishop Garrigan students earned 14 Division I or “excellent” ratings and two Division II or “good” ratings at the Iowa High School Speech Association district individual contest held Saturday, Feb. 26 at Newell-Fonda High School in Newell.

ALGONA—On February 26 Algona residents participated in a focus group workshop as part of the Iowa Living Roadways Community Visioning Program. The focus groups are part of an input-gathering process underway to identify transportation needs and opportunities in Algona.

The Algona Family YMCA Wingding was deemed a success with 201 tickets sold and 189 people attending the event Saturday evening at the Columbia Events Center in Algona.

 The silent auction raised a little more than $9,000 and featured 74 items. This was the first year for the Wingding. 

The Algona Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting during their weekly coffee at McDonald’s last Friday, Feb. 25, to welcome the new owners Jon and Anna Jo. The Jos, from Houston, Texas, took over ownership Nov. 1, 2021. This McDonalds is one of eight that they own in Iowa. Jon Jo said they fell in love with Iowa’s hospitality. The next chamber coffee will be at EXOP’s Jones St. location on Friday, March 4. Amy Frankl-Brandt photo

The Algona Area Chamber of Commerce held their coffee at White Barn Picket Fence on Friday. Feb., 18. Owner Amanda Krumweide talked about her new store in Clear Lake and the new hours for both locations will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Amy Frankl-Brandt photo

The CHIPS Woodworking Club has made a $250 donation to Vicki Mallory, Caddy Shack  committee member, for sponsorship of a hole at the Caddy Shack miniature golf course in Algona. Pictured is Ron Matz, Richard Schiek, Vicki Mallory, Derald Goetz and Vern Koestler. To learn how you can sponsor a hole or if you have any questions, contact the chamber office at 515-295-7201 before March 15. Submitted photo

Kindergarten Bulldog heroes are from left: Lincoln Baade, Claire Radmaker, Gunner Geitzenauer, Xander Stuart and Ava Iversen.

First grade Bulldog heroes are back row from left: Karly Rotert, Ryder Crawmer, Natalee Hoover, Shay Oman and Peyton Metzen.

Front row from left are: Camron Kramer, Evan Hansen, Garrett DeVries and Jace Jansen.

SHERIFF

Monday, February 21

12:31 a.m.: Traffic stop, Swea City.

1:14 a.m.: Aided Hancock County, Woden area.

1:52 a.m.: Ambulance, Titonka.

6:21 a.m.: Request for a deputy, Lone Rock.

8:14 a.m.: Report of information, Lu Verne.

8:16 a.m.: Driving complaint, Algona.

9:59 a.m.: Request to speak to deputy, Swea City.

10:02 a.m.: Ambulance, Titonka.

11:09 a.m.: Ambulance, Wesley.

Monday, March 7

9 a.m.: Presbyterian Church 

7 p.m.: AHS Dance Team Spring Show

Tuesday, March 8

9 a.m.: Trinity Lutheran

10 a.m.: Grace Church 

7 p.m.: City Council

9 p.m.: AHS Dance Team Spring Show

Wednesday, March 9

9 a.m.: Faith Assembly of God 

10:30 a.m.: Divine Mercy Catholic Church 

11 a.m.: City Council

7 p.m.: Pops Concert

Thursday, March 10

Thursday, March 3

Hearty chicken stew, corn bread, peas, strawberry fluff Jell-o-salad; 11 a.m. – Exercise 

12 p.m. - Kiwanis

Friday, March 4

Salmon loaf, baked potato, broccoli, mixed fruit; 10 a.m. – Bingo

Monday, March 7

Salisbury steak, Mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, baked apple; 10 a.m. – Bingo 

 6 p.m. - Kiwanis Bingo

 7:30 p.m. - Legion meeting

Tuesday, March 8

ALGONA—Kossuth Regional Health Center announced it has been recognized as a 2022 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital, the third year in a row the hospital has been recognized with this award. 

Compiled by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, this annual recognition program honors outstanding performance among the nation’s rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance Index.