It has been a mixed bag for businesses reopening in Algona over the past month after being closed as long six weeks because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“I thought we would be really busy the first couple of days we opened, and then it would slow down,” said Seth Schaldecker, managing partner for Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. “We have stayed busy every day.”

Jennifer Meister prepares a baby bed at Kossuth Regional Health Center. The local hospital continues to deliver newborns and provide other health services while simultaneously preparing for what the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic may bring. 

Look inside this week's edition (June 4) of the Kossuth County Advance for Algona Publishing’s 2020 Bridal Guide. It’s filled with information about services, merchandise and ideas from local businesses.

The Whittemore swimming pool will open after June 15, according to Linda Farrell, Whittemore city clerk.
During a conference call with the swimming pool manager Megan Besch and other city officials at the May Whittemore City Council meeting, the group discussed the mandates set forth by the state of Iowa and CDC.
“We have purchased plexiglass protective shields required to open, latex gloves and safe masks for those who are in need or want to wear them,” Farrell said.

The only West Bend city facility that wasn’t to open on June 1 is the swimming pool.
At the May 26 West Bend City Council meeting, councilmembers approved opening city hall, the public library, and the shelter house, fire station meeting room and community center for reservations on June 1. “Whoever rents the facilities has to follow CDC guidelines and the governor’s proclamation,” said Lisa Sewell, West Bend city clerk.
Read more in the June 4 Kossuth County Advance.

Internet capabilities and staff versatility on online learning are two issues the West Bend-Mallard School District will address before completion of its return-to-learn plan by July 1.
The school district is developing the required plan, a hybrid plan and face-to-face options. All three plans have some of the same components in them, according to superintendent Amanda Schmidt.
Get all the details in the June 4 Kossuth County Advance.

Many students and alumni will say they “bleed black and gold” as an expression of their allegiance to the University of Iowa. Yet, for the Kollasch siblings of Whittemore, it is easy to say Hawkeye blood runs in their family.

The only two contested races for a local office in Tuesday's primary election were on the Republican ballot.
The results are unofficial until after all the absentee ballots are counted and the board of supervisors completes a formal canvas of the election.

KOSSUTH COUNTY—Kossuth County frontline responders in the battle against COVID-19 will be tested for the novel coronavirus Wednesday, June 3, according to a press release from the Kossuth County Emergency Management Agency.
Testing is only for eligible frontline workers and will not be made available to the public.

UPDATE, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 11 a.m.: Another four people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Kossuth County since the start of the week, bringing the total to 20. The number of tests completed is now 927. Twelve people have recovered. No deaths have been reported.

The city’s swimming pool will not open this summer, the Swea City City Council decided during its monthly meeting.
“The pool is in need of significant repairs,” said Mayor Wendy Zielske. “We hope by closing this summer we can take this time as an opportunity to get an assessment, repairs or redesign.” The city council talked with a consultant from the engineering firm ISG on the phone at its council meeting on Wednesday, May 20, to start the assessment process.

The Patent Pending Players (PPP) of Swea City wish they had better news.
“As we step up to do our part during the  COVID-19 situation, we have canceled our summer play,” an announcement from the group stated this week. The group reported Natalie Henriksen was the director for the summer play and had been working on the project before the curtain was shut.
Get all the details in the May 28 Kossuth County Advance.

Today I am going to enjoy God’s gifts, blessings as some would call it.
I have opened my house this morning. With the drapes pulled back, I am able to enjoy the sunshine and the blue sky. I have opened the windows. A slight breeze is passing through my house and is definitely a breath of fresh air.

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue – isn’t that what people say you need for a good wedding? All of these were also present at the opening day of the Kossuth County Farmers Market on Saturday.

Kossuth County’s libraries are operating differently in the wake of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Here is a roundup of how the libraries are operating, as of earlier this week.
Due to the changing nature of openings across the area, be sure to check with your library if you are unsure of its status.
Get all the details in the May 28 Kossuth County Advance.