ALGONA - Telehealth capabilities will increase at Kossuth Regional Health Center (KRHC).
“Because of what is going on this will be a fundamental change to access for health care,” said Dar Elbert, KRHC administrator. “I believe there will always be demand for telehealth services for our community in the future.”

ALGONA—A couple of items associated with the COVID-19 coronavirus were passed during the Kossuth County Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday, March 31.
Jack Plathe, board chairperson, also signed a letter to be presented to county employees. The letter addresses various protocols that the board of supervisors, elected officials and department heads have drafted to reduce the potential for transmission of the COVID-19 virus.

KOSSUTH COUNTY—Nonprofits may now apply for grants from the Kossuth County COVID-19 Disaster Response Fund with the Kossuth County Community Foundation (KCCF), an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa (CFNEIA).

ALGONA—Iowa Assessors recently mailed assessment rolls to any property owner who had changes to their 2020 assessed valuations. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, an official state order gives property owners who disagree with property values additional time to petition their local board of review.

KOSSUTH COUNTY—April is here, and many farmers and producers will soon be ready to plant corn and soybeans.
“Right now, probably all of their planting plans are finished,” said Trae Hestness, regional manager for the Iowa Farm Bureau. “They are all geared up and ready to go. They are working on planters. They are working on cultivators. They are getting everything ready for that switch to turn on.”

ALGONA—The COVID-19 coronavirus is impacting the approaching primary election in Kossuth County, with a request to change voting habits and a reduction in polling places.

BANCROFT—It has become a family affair at S&B Farmstead Distillery to make sure there is enough hand sanitizer to assist frontline emergency medical professionals who continue to battle the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

ALGONA—A pallet load of personal protective equipment (PPE) arrived at Kossuth Regional Health Center on Thursday afternoon.
David Penton, Kossuth County Emergency Management coordinator, said the equipment is needed to not only protect the staff who care for people, but also to protect patients from staff who have been around other sick patients.

KOSSUTH COUNTY—Now that the Kossuth County budget has been approved, Jack Plathe, board of supervisors chair, is happy the board didn’t have to make any major increases and it appears the county has a solid budget.

KOSSUTH COUNTY—The Kossuth County Community Foundation (KCCF) announced $127,072 in grant funding to 22 projects of organizations serving Kossuth County as part of its 2020 grant cycle.

ALGONA — A 2018 Algona High School graduate realizes the Algona Community School Foundation (ACSF)has one of the best scholarship opportunities in the United States.

SWEA CITY—In smaller, rural Iowa school districts, school superintendents and school boards do what they can to keep the best employees. It includes funding help from the state of Iowa with supplemental state aid (SSA)  and this year, in addition, transportation equity.
“If we can’t provide raises to employees who deserve it, how are we going to keep them?” asked Travis Schueller, superintendent for the North Kossuth and North Union school districts.

ALGONA—Despite the COVID-19 shutdown of the Algona Public Library, there are still library activities available to the public.
 Wonder of Space Storytime
Fridays through May 15, Wonder of Space Storytime online starts at 10 a.m. and is on the library’s Facebook page. The Beanie Baby puppies will have a short story and other activities to expand a child’s universe. It is for children from birth through age 5.
 How many galaxies game

KOSSUTH COUNTY—Kossuth County officials are asking for donations of supplies to aid local first responders and health providers as the battle against COVID-19 continues.
Dave Penton, Kossuth County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) coordinator, said there is a need for disposable gloves, masks, carpentry face shields, gowns and Tyvek protective suits. Additionally, Kossuth County Public Health on Monday requested donations of thermometers.

KOSSUTH COUNTY—At least two Kossuth County communities have stopped curbside garbage pick-up because of concerns their workers might be exposed to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Kelly Fitzgerald, Burt city clerk, said other counties and cities, Forest City in particular, were told garbage is a concern with coronavirus.
 
Burt
“The (Burt City) council is concerned about worker’s safety. Workers are concerned,” she said.