For up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Iowa
For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the IDPH webpage at https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus or call the local Kossuth County Public Health hotline at 515-295-4451.
 
Kossuth County operations center requests volunteers

ALGONA — Students may not be in class in the Algona Community School District, but staff will make sure that the students and their families are fed during the school closure.
“This is important because they are our kids, our families. Our families are in need,” said Merrill Mueller, ACSD transportation director. “We, as a district, have to do whatever is possible to lessen the burden on the families.”

TITONKA—Buffalo Creek Activity Center hosted its second annual pancake supper, and effort to assist with fixing up the former school building turned community center.
Behind the scenes of the Saturday, March 14, fundraiser were Mayor Aaron Boyken; council members Mike Fredrickson, Gail Hamilton, Allie Janssen, David LaGue and Barbara Zwiefel; and city clerk Karen Hamilton.

Burt hosts great steak and cattle industry discussion
BURT — When the Kossuth County Cattlemen’s Association has its annual steak supper, it was not just about the food. There are also awards handed out and an update provided on the cattle industry.
“We get together and there is a lot of socializing,” said J.D. Morris, president of the Kossuth County Cattlemen’s Association. “It is just a chance for some people to meet people they haven’t see for a few months.”

About a month ago, my wife and I were able to spend a week in Yuma, Ariz., during which we spent time with some dear longtime friends. The week was packed with times of reminiscing and seeing the sites of the area. During our time there, I was reminded on three occasions of the fact that God is always with us and looking out for us.

While the COVID-19 coronavirus has resulted in the elimination of visits to health care facilities, 49-year-old Gary Laubenthal decided it wasn’t going to stop him from his every-day visit to the residence of his 89-year-old mother, Marguerite Laubenthal, a resident at the Good Samaritan facility in Algona.

KOSSUTH COUNTY—Local agencies say they are prepared for the COVID-19 coronavirus when it arrives, and many local organizations and government offices are now limiting access or schedule adjustments.
“Our main concern with the virus is educating the people,” said David Penton, Kossuth County Emergency Management coordinator. “It is a new virus. There is not a vaccine for it.

ALGONA — City staff continue to develop a scenario that will provide general obligation bonds to re-construct Algona city streets.

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. 

This press release was issued Sunday, March 22, at approximately 1:48 p.m.
Algona - A case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been confirmed in Kossuth County. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), the individual is self-isolating at home.

The Kossuth County Advance will continue to post information regarding impacts of the COVID-19 coronavirus on local events and activities as they are received. Some press releases of more-involved decisions are included. Send information on your organization's activity updates to news@algona.com.
 
Announced Monday, March 16:

Four elected Kossuth County positions are up for grabs this year, and the election season gets underway with the statewide party primaries Tuesday, June 2.
March 2 was the first day for candidates to file for the primaries. The last day to file is March 25. Nomination papers are available and can be filled out at the county auditor's office, where candidates can get direction on details like campaign finance reporting regulations.

Bishop Garrigan seniors Maddie Meister, Emma Fogarty, Katie Noonan and Amanda Miller lead their teammates onto the court as the Golden Bears accept their Class 1A Girls State Basketball runner-up trophy after a two-point loss in the championship game March 7 at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.
Get all the tournament details in the Sports section of the March 12 Kossuth County Advance.

Nominations are now being accepted for the first Advance Awards.
The Kossuth County Advance is seeking your input to recognize 17 Kossuth County residents for their contributions to the community locally and at-large. Nominations are due April 7. Awards will be made public in the Progress Edition to be published Sept. 24.
Get all the details on page B7 of the March 12 Kossuth County Advance.

In an effort to serve patients in the most influential manner and also alleviate physician burnout, Kossuth Regional Health Center (KRHC) has implemented a new rotation for its call systyem for doctors and physician's assistants.
"We hope it preserves our careers," said Dr. Brent Owen, physician chief of staff. "We had talked about how to best utilize our doctors and physician's assistants."