AMES—Steve and Lisa Thul of rural Bode were named Iowa Master Pork Producers for 2022 by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) and Iowa State University Extension, who co-sponsor the program.

The Thuls were honored at the Iowa Pork Congress banquet in January at the Iowa Event Center in Des Moines. The couple resides in Delana Township and has a small row crop operation as well as a wean to finish hog site contract feeding with Smithfield Foods.

The Noon Kiwanis March Students of the month were honored at a recent Kiwanis meeting. Pictured from top to bottom are: from Garrigan  is Schyler Morse with his mom April, Rob Meister and Bob Ketchum.

From Garrigan, Shiloh Trainer pictured with his parents Cheryl and Tony, Rob Meister and Bob Ketchum.

From Algona High School, Lauren McLaughlin pictured with her parents Noel and Amy, Julie Stein and Bob Ketchum

Displays at the Algona Public Library during March are focused on gardening, including herb gardening this month. Staff says libraries everywhere are extending their focus from just books to include libraries of things.

Algona Public Library staff have created a seed library where people can check out seed packets for their planting needs.

In the topphoto you can barely see author Mary Beth Sartor Obermeyer behind the crowd of people gathered at the Titonka Public Library to hear about her book featuring her grandfather, Dr. Sartor who lived and worked in Bancroft, Titonka and the surrounding communities in the early 1900s. Top right: Titonka Librarian Damien Strecker poses with Obermeyer and her book. Bottom left: Obermeyer addresses the crowd. Submitted photos

Droessler 80th

Robert “Bob” Droessler will celebrate his 80th birthday on March 20.

A card shower is planned in his honor. Cards will reach him if sent to 1109 390th Street, Bancroft, IA 50517.

Clockwise from left: February kindergarten Bulldog Heroes are from left: Charlie Olsen, Atheena Norland, Mathyaus Norland and Henry O’Leary.

February third grade Bulldog Heroes are from left: Carson Broesder, Brennan Sudol, Bailey Merkel and Amelia Reutzel. Not pictured: Easton Bishop.

By Brooklyn Helmers

AHS Journalism

ALGONA—The third annual Mental Health Concert was supposed to be held on Thursday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m. However, due to the weather, the concert is postponed until April 27.

Caitlin Louscher, with the help of other Student Senate members, organized the concert this year. Caitlin Louscher states, “Spend time with people who are good for your mental health.”

Vipond will be responsible for all PFI Operations in his new role

ALGONA—PFI, a manufacturer of sanitary conveying equipment, has named Tom Vipond as Division General Manager of PFI, a manufacturer of sanitary conveying equipment. Vipond will oversee all PFI locations and operations and will continue to report to Bob Grote, chief executive officer of Grote Company,

ALGONA—In 2023, Fratco—a leading manufacturer of corrugated drainage pipe operating in Algona, Iowa—is celebrating 100 years of business.

This centennial celebration is an especially significant milestone for this locally operated and family-owned business serving thousands of customers throughout the Midwest right from the heart of Algona.

Northwest Bank is named a Top Mortgage Lender in 2022. The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) recently announced its 2022 top mortgage lenders. The awards were given to the lending institutions and loan originators who assisted the most homebuyers through IFA programs in 2022.

AMES—Four area students are ranked among the Top 2 percent of students in their college at Iowa State University in Ames.

Algona: Ava Eisenbarth, sophomore, College of Design.

Burt: Jack Snyder, junior, Ivy College of Business and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Fenton: Meredith Tigges, sophomore, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Wesley: Kylie Skow, sophomore, Ivy College of Business.

KOSSUTH COUNTY—The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be conducting controlled burns this spring on Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge and Waterfowl Production Areas in Kossuth County. Controlled burns are used to improve wildlife habitat, control invasive species, restore and maintain native plant communities and reduce wildfire potential.

Thursday, March 16

Ham and potato soup, breadstick, carrot, mixed fruit, dessert

11 a.m. – Exercise

1 p.m. – Cribbage/Canasta

Friday,  March 17

Pizza, breadstick, lettuce salad, dessert

10:30 a.m. – Bingo

1:30 p.m. – Tai Chi

Monday, March 20

Ground beef stroganoff, egg noodles, green beans, mandarin oranges

10:30 a.m. – Bingo

Tuesday,  March 21

DES MOINES—Nominations are now open for the 2023 Iowa Conservation Farmer of the Year. This annual honor is given to an Iowa farmer who has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to environmental stewardship and leadership.

The statewide award and nine regional awards are co-sponsored by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF). The grand prize winner will receive the use of a new John Deere 6E utility tractor for one year.

ALGONA—A meeting for potential vendors at the Kossuth County Farmers’ market will be held on Saturday, March 18 at 10 a.m. at the First Congregational Church in Algona.

The market is held seasonally in Algona on the corner of Dodge and Nebraska Streets on the Carnegie lawn. The market is open on Saturday mornings from the first weekend in June through early October and Wednesday afternoons from July through September.