Ava Elaine Berg

Within a week, temperatures shifted from sunny 65 degrees to blustering snowy temperatures in the low twenties, culminating in an end-of-February snowstorm. 
The snowstorm swept into the area on the evening of Thursday, Feb. 23, producing the most snowfall on Friday and covering the area in almost 12 inches of snow. The storm affected the entire county and many regions within the Midwest. 

SWEA CITY— Constructed in 1958, Swea City’s first and only municipal pool is in need of major improvements and repairs. Since its construction, there have been no structural repairs to the pool. 
Over the past several years, the ‘Pool Plunge’ Committee has been endeavoring to raise funds for the project. “We have amped up the fundraising in the last two years,” said Pool Plunge Committee President, Jill Bollinger. 

ALGONA — Snow was a slight factor on Saturday, Feb. 25, as Bishop Garrigan High School hosted the District Speech contest for Northwest Iowa region. Fourteen schools traveled to Algona to present their speeches in front of the judges, aiming for a division one rating.  
It takes student’s weeks or even months to perfect their pieces.  

National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Week brought schools together on Feb. 18-25. 
Students from both Algona High School and Bishop Garrigan High School registered for agricultural classes at the Algona School are automatically enrolled in FFA. Approximately 85 students are enrolled in FFA at AHS, 13 of whom are Garrigan students. 

Marge Lavrenz was born on March 13, 1922 and will be celebrating her 95th birthday this year. Family and friends are encouraged to shower her with cards to help her celebrate. Cards and well wishes will reach her at 314 4th Avenue SE, Clarion, IA 50525.

Kendall Josephine Leigh

ALGONA — One day after the Kossuth County Board of Supervisors extended the collective bargaining agreement for two years, three area legislators provided their take on the issue to a packed house in the Algona Public Library.
At times the discussion became contentious.

WEST BEND — A $2.8 million facility is closer to becoming reality.
On Monday evening, the West Bend-Mallard Community School District held a public hearing to discuss plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated cost for a new administration and athletic facility.

Dreams of a magical afternoon twirled through the air as dancers prepared for their performances at ‘An Enchanted Evening of Dance’ on Sunday, Feb. 19. 
The Bishop Garrigan Danz Squad hosted the spring show at 4 p.m. in the Bishop Garrigan Gymnasium.
Teams and individuals from across the area were invited to perform. Each team or performer had a connection to the Danz Squad, said Colleen Conway Schiltz, Danz Squad head-coach. 
 

80th birthday
Phil Schneider was born on Feb. 27, 1937 and will be celebrating his 80th birthday this year. Family and friends are encouraged to give the lifelong fisherman well wishes to help him celebrate.

90th birthday
Fern Willey was born on Feb. 25, 1927 and will be celebrating her 90th birthday this year. Family and friends are encouraged to shower her with cards to help her celebrate. Cards and well wishes will reach her at 521 West Call Street, Algona, IA 50511.

Dawson Williamson
Sierra Ross and Jacob Williamson of Britt are the proud parents of a baby boy, Dawson, born Thursday, Feb. 5, at Kossuth Regional Health Center. He weighed 7 pounds, 13.9 ounces and was 19.75 inches long at birth. Maternal grandparents are Shawn and Stacey Ross of Britt. Paternal grandparents are Donna Debaun and Robert Williamson of Iowa Falls. Sierra and Jacob both work at Winnebago, Ind. 
 
Quynn Amelia Stevens

ALGONA — After three hours of discussion, many came away with the feeling that Kossuth County has a housing issue.
“I think there was a lot of very good, substantial information that was given from the communities and our business leaders that housing is definitely an issue,” said Kossuth/Palo Alto County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Maureen Elbert. “It is an impact in our area. It sounds very strong that we’re lacking in housing rental available.”

ALGONA — Buscher Bros. is staying in the family.
On Sept. 30, John Buscher, and his wife, Tammie, took over the operation on Main Street, from his cousin, Terry Buscher and his wife, Liz. Terry’s father, Dick and uncle, Gib started the business in 1955. Terry Buscher took over the operation in 1994.
“I’ve been here 20 years and I like this place,” John Buscher said. “My dad worked here and it would be nice to keep the business in the family.”