A library renovation project can go out for bids after the Algona City Council adopted a resolution that approves plans, specifications, contract and cost estimates at the Monday, Aug. 17 meeting.
The project will be submitted to contractors Aug. 27. Bids will be taken in September and be ready for a contractor in October, according to Tyler Riley, architect with FEH Design.
 
See the full story in the Aug. 20 Kossuth County Advance.

Plans are progressing toward building a new well and locating a possible solar project in land recently purchased by Algona Municipal Utilities (AMU).

Interim Algona City Administrator Jacob Tjaden is one of four finalists for the permanent position, it was reported at Monday’s regular city council meeting. The city received 21 applications for the job. The council also appointed Jodi Alt to fill the vacant Ward 3 council position in the wake of a resignation by Sara Curtis last month, and it dealt with a resident who placed signs in the right-of-way, hoping to slow traffic on East McGregor Street.
 

At its Aug. 10 meeting, the Algona Community School District Board of Directors discussed protocols that will be implemented when school starts.

Two men were honored for their contributions to the Kossuth County Fair last week - James Sparks and the late Bobby Thilges. See what led to the presentation of those honors in the front page stories in the Aug. 13 Kossuth County Advance.

ALGONA—Students in the Algona Community School District (ACSD) will start in the classrooms when school opens Monday, Aug. 24, after the ACSD Board of Directors approved a Return-to-Learn onsite model per guidance from the Iowa Department of Education. The district will use  the Student Services Return to Learn Protocols Table recommended by the school district’s administration.

KOSSUTH COUNTY—The State Library of Iowa has announced the list of libraries that met the conditions for state accreditation as of July 1 as outlined in “In Service to Iowa: Public Library Standards Sixth Edition.” Eleven libraries in Kossuth County made the list.
 
Read more in the Aug. 13 Kossuth County Advance.

WHITTEMORE—Purple Heart winners joined others to tell stories of their time defending the United States during the annual Purple Heart Day at the Whittemore American Legion Friday, Aug. 7.
“I think it is important to recognize our veterans who have been wounded serving our Armed Forces. It’s a way to say thank you, having survived the atrocities of war,” said Dan Green, commander for the Whittemore American Legion.
 
Read more in the Aug. 13 Kossuth County Advance.

ALGONA—Law enforcement officials in north central Iowa counties are concerned about national issues that could impact their communities, as well as state issues they hope can be addressed in the upcoming Iowa State Legislature.
Algona Police Chief Kendall Pals said before the meeting with several area legislators that they want to lobby and be part of the process. 
 
Read more in the Aug. 13 Kossuth County Advance.

CORWITH—A 2019 Algona High School graduate has used his creativity to design a mural on the side of Corwith Farm Service (CFS) that shows the ways of small town life.
“Originally, my only thought was to have something lively coming into town,” Ethan DeGroote said. “It really became an idea of representing the town and doing that in a way that is both enjoyable to look at and a fun piece of the town itself.”

WESLEY—An effort to honor veterans in Wesley is a time-consuming but rewarding endeavor for Tracy and Mandie Studer.

Shoppers at the Kossuth County Farmers Market are often greeted by an array of colors and flavors, but let’s not forget the smells! Whether it’s the aroma of fresh-baked bread, homemade soaps, sweet basil or a crispy cookie, enjoying the various scents of the wares for sale is part of the fun. 
This week the market welcomed a new vendor to the mix. Nic and Missy Stockdale of Stockdale Lavender Farm raise lavender, and a lot of it. 
 

ALGONA – The 72nd annual Band Days has been cancelled due to safety concerns around the COVID-19 Pandemic. The event would have been held on Saturday, Oct. 3.
Algona Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Vicki Mallory and Algona Community School District Superintendent made the joint decision after Monday’s noon Algona Rotary Club meeting.
The chamber is in charge of the parade. The high school is in charge of the event.

SIOUX CITY—Bishop Walker Nickless of the Diocese of Sioux City has authorized and announced the formation of one new parish from the combination of two Kossuth County area parish groupings as a result of the diocese’s Ministry 2025 strategic planning. 
The planning is also in response to the continuing shift in demographics within the diocese and the critical shortage of active priests, according to a press release. 

KOSSUTH COUNTY—While markets are tough for the agriculture community, in an exclusive interview with the Kossuth County Advance, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said he is seeing some movement in the trade market and hog and cattle industry that may provide some positive news for farmers and producers.