People are accustomed to the large grain elevators that dot the rural skyline, sprouting up where farmers and producers cna sell their corn and soybeans.
However, there are an estimated 350-400 different markets in Iowa where crops can be sold, according to Chad Hart, Iowa State University associate professor of economics, crop market specialist and extension economist.
Read more in the March 5 Kossuth County Advance.

Bishop Garrigan's spring play is hard-hitting this year, a play the director and cast hope points out that runaways are a concern, even in Algona.
The play, "Runaways," has scheduled performances Thursday, March 12 and Friday, March 13 at Friedmann Auditorium at 7 p.m.
Read more about it in the March 5 Kossuth County Advance.

A strategic plan and goal-setting report have been adopted that will drive the city of Algona's planning in the future.
The Algona City Council unanimously adopted a resolution that sets priorities and second-tier plans and projects for initiatives, programs and capital improvements.
Find out more in the March 5 Advance.

After several years of struggling in life and not knowing where God was taking him, the Rev. Steve Nofel said, "The Lord called."
Through all the twists and turns of his ministry career, Nofel landed as the pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Algona and Irvington.
Read the complete story in the March 5 Kossuth County Advance.

Customers could see as high as a 7 percent increase in their water rates after the Algona Municipal Utilities (AMU) Board of Trustees unanimously approved water rate increases during its board meeting Feb. 26.

West Bend-Mallard Eighth grade students developved unique story lines on individuals in an effort to learn more about America's history.
The students competed in National History Day, a competition that takes place around the country. Participants put together a research project about a person, event or idea that meets the theme. Projects fall into exhibit, documentary, performance, paper or website categories.
Read the whole story in the March 5 Kossuth County Advance.

The city of West Bend held a public hearing on its proposed 2020-21 maximum tax dollar levy on Feb. 24. The maximum tax levy rate was increased from $11.03833 per $1,000 valuation to $11.10490 per $1,000.
"There is a lot of difference in the levy rate, but the overall dollar amount is a 5.18 percent increase over last year," said Lisa Sewell, city clerk for the city of West Bend.
Get all the details in the March 5 Kossuth County Advance.

The ag land tax levy remains the same while Whittemore's overall tax levy rate on regular property comes in at $14.50948 per $1,000 for the fiscal year 2020-21 budget.
The revenues are estimated to be $2.7 million, while expenditures are estimated at $2.8 million. The Whittemore City Council approved the budget at its monthly meeting March 2.
Read about  more city council actions in the March 5 Kossuth County Advance.

A public hearing for the fiscal year 2021 budget of West Bend-Mallard School District is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, at 5 p.m. in the West Bend Administration Board room.
Supervisor Amanda Schmidt said the budget is comparable to last year's.
Get all the details in the March 5 Kossuth County Advance.

Kossuth Regional Health Center has been named a 2020 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital by the Chartis Center for Rural Health. This annual award honors rural hospitals and is determined by the results of iVantage Health Analytics Strength Index.
Read more in the March 5 Kossuth County Advance.

While visiting Arizona recently, I read an article in The Arizona Republic newspaper with the intriguing title, "Live life, die dead."
It was written by Karina Bland, a regular columnist for the paper. It was spurred by graffiti saying this very thing, sprayed on the alley-side of a brick fence in her back yard with two-foot-tall letters.
Read the rest of the pastor's column in the March 5 Kossuth County Advance.

As the 2019-20 school year enters its second half, Lynn McMahon is one of seven Algona Community School District teachers retiring at the end of this school year.
McMahon always knew she wanted to be a teacher. As a young girl, she even loved playing "teacher" with her friends.
Read more in the March 5 Advance.

When the Algona City Council takes one final look before adoption of the 2020-21 city budget, it will review a plan with more than $1.3 million allocated for the Algona Public Library renovation project and almost $1 million dedicated to the start of a major Main Street renovation project.
"Otherwise, the upcoming budget is similar to past budgets, other than capital projects," said Curt Wiseman, Algona city administrator.
Get the facts in the Feb. 27 Advance.

Algona Community School District received a positive report on the Iowa School Performance Profile.
The performance profile is a school report card used to show how schools are performing on measures required by the state.
Get all the details in the Feb. 27 Advance.

Judi Bruhn joined the Fenton Forwards in the fourth grade. She has been the leader of the group since 1991. In November, Bruhn received the 4-H Hall of Fame award during the annual 4-H banquet at Trinity Life Center in Algona.
"Fenton Forwards wouldn't be the same without her," said Meredith Tigges, a member of the club. "She has positively impacted many women and girls. I am forever grateful to be one of Judi's 4-H girls."