A federal appeals court on Thursday upheld lower court decisions barring counties from imposing safety standards on a pipeline subject to federal safety standards.

The cases involved Summit Carbon Solutions, the company proposing to build a carbon sequestration pipeline through the state, and county supervisors from both Story and Shelby Counties.

The City of Algona on Tuesday announced it received an A1 credit rating from Moody’s Investors Services. The release said it reflects the city’s strong financial position and reliability as a borrower.

“This rating is a key step in the process for Algona’s planned 2025 General Obligation (GO) bond issuance.  Bond proceeds will be used to finance street projects and improvements to city facilities in 2025 and 2026,” the release stated.

DES MOINES, Iowa, – After spring planting is complete, agricultural producers in Iowa should make an appointment with their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county office to complete crop acreage reports before the applicable deadline.

By Molly Montag, News Correspondent

Will A.B.A.T.E. of Iowa help offset the cost of hiring extra Kossuth County EMS staff to have an extra ambulance available to respond to calls at the group’s 2025 Freedom Rally over the Fourth of July weekend?

It depends.

By Molly Montag, News Correspondent

The Algona City Council took the first step to allow fireworks within city limits on certain days.

One block of Thorington Street closed on Monday, June 2

Due to the start of construction on the Nebraska Street Corridor Project, one block of Thorington Street, from Nebraska Street to McGregor Street, will close on Monday, June 2. The Nebraska/Thorington Street parking lot will close later in the week and will remain closed for up to four months.

ALGONA—The Algona High School Class of 1979 sponsors the Excellence in Teaching Award, which is administered by the Algona Community School Foundation. Members of the community nominate current teachers for the recognition, and then a committee reviews the nominations and selects the Teacher of the Year. This is the 24th year of the award. The award is designed to recognize the outstanding contributions of a teacher who goes above and beyond the job of teaching.

ALGONA—Graduates present and past will receive over $1.1 million in financial aid from the Algona Community School Foundation and its associated Thompson, Mahana and Hoenk funds. Over 200 students will receive checks this fall. Go to https://sites.google.com/a/algona.k12.ia.us/algona-school-foundation/sc… to read about the 40+ funds that reach a wide variety of criteria.

Isabella Waechter was recognized by Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Governor Chris Cournoyer for outstanding academic achievement at the 23rd Annual Governor’s Scholar Recognition Ceremony on April 27 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.

The statewide program, sponsored by the Iowa Governor’s Office, Iowa High School Athletic Association (lHSAA) and its title sponsor the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), honored 424 high school seniors from across Iowa.

Opening day of the Kossuth County Farmers Market was full of good fun, good food, and (of course) a little chaos! Picking, packing and loading everything the first time around after the winter break can be a little wild, even for those of us who have done it for years. In some ways, it’s part of the fun. The first week back is like a big reunion, and it was a sunny, special day for all.

This year, 2025, is the 100th Anniversary of the 1925 Serum Run—now known as the Iditarod Race. Celebrate these brave dogs and mushers with Karen Land and Noggin the sled dog on June 16.

Contestants descended on Whittemore with their grills, seasonings and tongs in hand to compete in the annual BBQ contest with meat provided by Smithfield of Algona.

People who attended the event were treated to some of the best BBQ ribs in Iowa and no one went away hungry.

Judge’s Choice:

1st Place - Kevin Long

2nd Place - Team Elbert BBQ

3rd Place - Dru Zimmerman

People’s Choice Winner - Dru Zimmerman

Photos below:

By Molly Montag, News Correspondent

Officials may extend a temporary ban on commercial-scale solar projects in Kossuth County.

Next month, the Kossuth County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing for an ordinance issuing a new temporary ban, which it referred to as a moratorium, on accepting applications for commercial solar energy farms in the county.

By Molly Montag, News Correspondent

A reportedly dilapidated, city-owned home in Algona may soon be for sale.

Algona City Council members unanimously approved a resolution to set a public hearing for a resolution authorizing the sale of 920 N. Minnesota St. Built in 1940, the 795-square-foot house has peeling white paint and a hole in the roof.   

DES MOINES, Iowa – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time.