Residents will see a $2 per month increase in their storm sewer rates.
City Administrator Curt Wiseman said there has been one rate increase in the past 14 years. "This brings a small amount of money in for emergency repairs," he said. "We are also building money to do larger storm sewer projects."
Read the complete story in the March 7 Advance.

A mission trip to Mississippi opened eyes for 10 Bishop Garrigan High School students.
"It is always important for students to see outside their community and widen their view of the world," Christy Peterson, BGHS principal said. "I also think it reinforces that what you're doing is good for people."
Read the whole story in the March 7 Advance.

The Algona YMCA held its first Generations Prom event Saturday, Jan. 26 at the Thul Shed at the Algona Country Club.
More details in the Feb. 28 Advance

The Ruhnkes built an 8-foot-tall snowman, even before the blizzard that struck Kossuth County over the weekent.
Feb. 28 Kossuth County Advance.

At least 30 people were rescued and sheltered overnight as a major blizzard blew through Kossuth County Feb. 23-24, creating dangerous travel conditions and no visibility.
No deaths were reported due to the blizzard, as of Tuesday, Feb. 26.
Get all the details in the Feb. 28 Kossuth County Advance.

Starting in March, the Kossuth County Board of Supervisors will have discussions on the county's wind energy conversion system ordinance and tax ordinance #207.
There will also be a time for public discussion with possible time limits.
Read the whole story in the Feb. 28 Kossuth County Advance.

Algona was recognized as the third best retirement tax-friendly spot in Iowa. It is known that Algona has an aging retirement community, and it is retail promotions like the Avalanche 500 that contributed to Algona being recognized, according to Algona Area Chamber of Commerce Director Vicki Mallory.
Get the real story in the Feb. 28 Advance

First Congregational United Church of Christ hosts the 2019 World Day of Prayer Friday, March 1, beginning at 1:30 p.m. The theme is Come, Everything is Ready.
This year's service was prepared by the women of Slovenia.
Get all the details in the Feb. 28 Kossuth County Advance.

The city of Algona received a $5,000 grant during a ceremony in city hall Thursday, Feb. 21. The grant will be used for healthy initiatives within the community.
Get all the details in the Feb. 28 Kossuth County Advance.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has rescheduled its Algona meeting when local staff will provide updates on recently completed hunting seasons and discuss possible changes to hunting rules and regulations.
The meeting is Tuesday, March 5, at 7 p.m. at Water's Edge Nature Center, 1010 250th St., near Algona.
Get all the details in the Feb. 28 Kossuth County Advance.

In a few short days many will begin observing the season of Lent. Lent is considered to be the season for personal reflection as we await the celebration of Easter. For many, the purpose of the season of Lent is to set aside time for reflection on Christ's suffering, sacrifice, his life, death, burial and resurrection. With the exception of resurrection, most of these reflection topics do not give themselves to creating a sense of joy in our hearts as we observe Lent. Or, do they?

The West Bend Public Library is becoming an artsy place.
A crafts class started in October and has run monthly. Now, Library Director Lisa Riesenberg has received a grant from the state library through the Institute of Museum and Library Services to do a four-week workshop.
Get all the details in the Feb. 28 Kossuth County Advance.

There were nine teams participating in the annual Hy-Vee Shopping Cart Race to raise money for the Kossuth County Food Pantry.
An estimated $2,750 was raised by the event. The Smithfield trio edged out Iowa State Bank by five seconds to win the overall event. It was the closest race in the 10 years of the event.
Read the whole story in the Feb. 28 Kossuth County Advance.

A big smile came across the face of Algona Public Library Director Mara Strickler when she opened her email in Minnesota. She was with friends and learned the Friends of the Library had received $13,000 from the 100+ Women Who Care, Kossuth County.
Read the whole story in the Feb. 28 Kossuth County Advance.

The Algona High School Standard Jazz Band earned a first place finish and the district title at the North Central Iowa Band Association District Jazz Festival at Clear Lake High School Monday, Feb. 18.
The jazz band was one of seven bands competing in Class 3A.
Get all the details in the Feb. 28 Kossuth County Advance.