Several Catholic congregations in Kossuth County are banding together to help their twin parish in Haiti to purchase goats to help sustain those who live in the country.
“It means a lot more to me giving there, just because their need is greater and you know that you are doing something that they are going to appreciate and obviously need,” said Alan Laubenthal, a member of St. Cecelia Catholic Church.

90th birthday
Glen Smith was born Dec. 25, 1927, and will be celebrating his 90th birthday this year. His family, including Judy (Craig) Heyer, three grandchildren and 10 grandchildren, encourage friends and family to send him cards to help him celebrate. Cards and well wishes will reach him at PO Box 365, Titonka, IA 50480.
 
80th birthday

Gabriella Rose Kopitzke
Aaron and Vanessa Kopitzke of Bancroft are the proud parents of a baby girl, Gabriella Rose, born Wednesday, Dec. 8 at Palo Alto County Health System. She weighed 6 pounds and was 19.5 inches long at birth. Welcoming baby Gabriella home are older siblings Damien, Jayden, Cameron and Juliana. 

ALGONA — After a lengthy work session on Monday (Dec. 4) evening, Algona City Council members have directed Bolton & Menk to use a $1.75 million budget for the Dodge Street construction project.
Council members are also asking the architects to reduce the amenities to reach that amount. Amenities include street scaping features, sidewalk pavers, crosswalk pavers and bump outs.
Three different cost estimates were discussed at the work session.

ALGONA — Just over a month ago, Kirstin Bacha, mother of two, employee at the Hancock County Health system and wife of Algona police officer Marc Bacha, heard the news no one is expecting to hear, she was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer.
Upon hearing the news, it didn’t take very long for officer Doug Rahe and his wife Ashley to react, deciding to hold a benefit in Kirstin’s honor. 

ALGONA — At last week’s reception for the Photographer’s Exhibit, those attending heard the artists’ thoughts on changes in photography and the tools that are used.

ALGONA — At last week’s reception for the Photographer’s Exhibit, those attending heard the artists’ thoughts on changes in photography and the tools that are used.

Emillie Claire Kenne and Ryan Allen Brandt were married July 8, 2017 at Call State Park in Algona, with Pastor Eric Hauan officiating.
Emillie is the daughter of Matt and Karla Kenne of Algona. She is the granddaughter of Karen and JW Gardner of Lu Verne, and Sharon Kenne of Algona.

Reed Nicholas Rice
Nick and Toni Rice of Algona are the proud parents of a baby boy, Reed Nicholas, born Monday, Nov. 27 at Iowa Specialty Hospital in Clarion. He weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces at birth. Grandparents are Paul and Kim Kraft of Renwick. Great grandparent is Sally Rice of N.M. Welcoming baby Reed home are older siblings Tyson and Mara.
 

95th Birthday
Bernice Banwart is celebrating her 95th birthday on Saturday, Dec. 16. Cards and well wishes can reach her at 308 8th St. SW Apt 2, West Bend, Ia. 50597

90th birthday
Florence Spear was born Dec. 11, 1927 and will celebrate her 90th birthday this year. Family and friends are invited to an open house in her honor. The open house will take place Saturday, Dec. 9, at Good Hope Lutheran Church from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The address is 323 Dieckman Street, Titonka, IA. Family and friends are also encouraged to send her cards to help her celebrate. Cards and well wishes will reach her at 248 Ripley Street NW, Titonka, IA.

For the 30th year in a row, individuals and families hungry for a good cause have eaten their fill of tacos during the Tacos for Tots event held annually before the Live Greeting Card Windows Display in November.
Proceeds from this event benefit less fortunate children, ensuring that no child wakes up on Christmas morning without a gift under the tree.

After 38 years of working as the City of Algona’s Director of Recreation, Peg Bell has laid down her clipboard for the last time, officially retiring on Friday, Dec. 1 from the city of Algona.
“It is a wonderful feeling and a little strange as well because for 38 years I ran nonstop,” remarked Bell on her retirement.

The process has been initiated and money is already flowing in to help Bishop Garrigan add a chapel onto its Garrigan campus.
“We have been talking for two to three years and what brought it to the forefront to do it now was the fact that St. Benedict (Church) was closing,” remarked Lynn Miller, Bishop Garrigan Schools president.
“The diocese (of Sioux City) honored the wishes of the St. Benedict parishioners that anything Bishop Garrigan wanted, we had first choice.

Austin Lucas Frideres
 
Nick and Mindy Frideres of Algona are the proud parents of a baby boy, Austin Lucas, born Friday, Nov. 24 at Palo Alto County Health System. He weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces and was 20 inches long at birth. Welcoming baby Austin home are older brothers Anthony and Christian.
 
Charlie Patrick Murphy