ALGONA—The Algona Area Garden Club became aware of a garden at Smith Lake that needed a makeover. 
 
The full story on the work of the garden club with two 4-H clubs in the June 3 Advance.

LU VERNE—Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig stopped on a farm near Lu Verne and at Suidae in Algona Friday, May 28. 
During his first stop, he fielded a few questions from media.

DES MOINES—On a 6-3 vote, the Iowa Public Information Board (IPIB) dismissed an open meetings complaint filed by Tracy Carlson of Whittemore against the Kossuth County Board of Supervisors.
Both Carlson and Kossuth County Attorney Todd Holmes, representing the county board, spoke at the May 20 meeting, which was held electronically.

Algona Publishing unveiled its first Advance Awards last year, recognizing a  dozen people for their special contributions in various fields throughout Kossuth County. These winners were featured in our annual Progress Edition in late September.

    ALGONA—City council members have begun their review of a proposed property and maintenance code for all housing in Algona. 
The proposal was discussed during a work session Monday, May 17, at City Hall.

ALGONA—Two years ago, when the Iowa Department of Natural Resources informed the city of Algona it would have to upgrade its sanitary sewer facility by 2026 to be in compliance with new regulations for nutrient removal of nitrates and phosphorus, the city council began discussing how to pay for a $14 to $16 million project. That includes who will pay how much of the bill.
Decision time has arrived.
 
See the full story in the May 27 Advance.
 

ALGONA—Communities need leaders to progress and thrive successfully. If you can’t find them, you grow your own. That’s exactly what the Algona Area Chamber of Commerce did over 20 years ago when it implemented a leadership class.
This year’s class held its graduation ceremony at the Thul Shed on Tuesday, May 18. The class is limited to 12 business representatives and a junior student from each high school.
 
See the full story in the May 27 Advance.

ALGONA-—Algona High School gave out diplomas to 88 graduates and announced winners of local and college scholarships and awards during commencement on May 23. The school hosted a full crowd in the high school gymnasium. 
 
For the full report and lots of photos, see the May 27 Advance.

ALGONA—The StoryWalk program is designed for families to engage in literacy activities while also getting exercise, learning about content areas (STEM, art, social studies) and enjoying the outdoors. 
Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach in Kossuth County is partnering with the Algona Area Chamber of Commerce to host a StoryWalk on Saturday June 5, from 9 to 11 a.m. on State Street in Algona.
 
See the full story in the May 27 Advance.

ALGONA—The Rotary Club’s BRAK ride–Bikes For Kids event will be June 12 and the route will cover the southwest portion of Kossuth County. The starting line will begin in Algona at Nebraska and Thorington streets. Registration is at 7:30 a.m. followed by a short presentation at 8 before riders depart.
Dollars raised by sponsors and riders go to the purchase of bicycles for third grade students recommended by the school guidance counselors and the Kossuth County C.A.R.E. Team. 

ALGONA— The City of Algona is now accepting applications for the Community Development Block Housing Rehabilitation Grant program, according to a press release issued this week.  
Home owner-occupants could receive up to $24,999 for rehabilitation of roofing, windows, doors, gutters, siding/insulation, foundation and exterior stairways.
To qualify, the combined income of all members of an individual household must be less than the following income limits: 

ARMSTRONG—North Union High School held commencement for the Class of 2021 Sunday, May 16.
Class valedictorians were Jordyn Cummins, Ashton Merrill and Halle Rezac. Evan Bollinger was the salutatorian. 
 
See the full graduation story in the May 20 Advance.

ALGONA—Nolte, Cornman & Johnson P.C. last week released an audit report on Algona Community School District.
The press release said the district’s revenues totaled $21,685,626 for the year ended June 30, 2020, a 0.95 percent increase from the prior year. Expenses for district operations for the year ended June 30, 2020, totaled $22,245,837 a 3.18 percent increase from the prior year. 
 
See the full report in the May 20 Advance.

WEST BEND—West Bend-Mallard High School graduates collected academic honors, and the list of scholarships and awards was announced as commencement ended a week of events Sunday, May 16.
The class of 2021 valedictorians were Kara Fehr, Rachel Fehr, Tori Fogarty, Jared Schmidt and Kylee Thilges. Salutatorians were Jenna Montag and Leandra Schupbach.
 
See the full story on graduation in the May 20 Advance.

SWEA CITY—Big plans are in the making for Swea City’s quasquicentennial celebration Friday through Sunday, June 25-27.