Approximately 230 people attended the “Cocoa and Carols” holiday evening event at the Algona Public Library on Dec. 9. The celebration featured a hot cocoa bar, live music, prize drawings, tours of the library, story-time, crafts as well as a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Friends of the Algona Public Library board and library board members assisted with the event. More than 689 people visited the newly renovated library last week.

Notice to Readers:

The information included on this page has been obtained from public records — either court files, police and sheriff logs or accident reports. The Kossuth County Advance staff reminds readers that all charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Monday, December 6

6:53 a.m.: Possible dog hit, unable to locate, Algona.

7 a.m.: Cattle out, Algona.

  The winner in the first Chamber holiday drawing prize from Nov. 29 was Gen Blumer who registered at AK’s Chrome Kitchen. Gen, pictured here with Amanda Weig, chose the $400 gift card prize offered from AK’s Chrome Kitchen.

An Algona Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors coffee was held Friday, Dec. 10, at PMC Advantage. An open house was held for Bruce Sundet and Deb Wilcox celebrating their retirement. Submitted photo

Twenty-five area farmers and other interested individuals attended a farm transition workshop, Your Farm, Your Future, at Iowa Lakes Community College in Algona on Dec. 2.

Attendees learned about farm finances, factors involved in farm transitioning, as well as resources available through the Iowa Finance Authority.

KOSSUTH COUNTY—In 2021, Kossuth County was the largest oat-producing county in Iowa at 263,000 bushels, according to estimates released by the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. 

Clayton County was second, with 186,000 bushels. Dubuque was the third largest oat-producing county with 178,000 bushels.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a new program to assist hog producers who sold hogs through a negotiated sale during the period in which these producers faced the greatest reduction in market prices due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program (SMHPP) is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative and addresses gaps in previous assistance for hog producers.

AMES—Even while the weather is cold outside, it is still possible to enjoy fresh herbs for cooking. Taking advantage of a sunny window in your home can allow for herbs to thrive all year. 

In this article, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists answer questions on how to grow herbs indoors. 

Which herbs are best for growing indoors?

BURT—The city of Burt is requesting qualification based proposals from engineering firms for a project intending to seek funding under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program through the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA).

TITONKA—Council members approved the mayor’s resignation and an amendment to the city’s budget during the regular Titonka City Council Thursday, Dec. 9.

Mayor Aaron Boyken submitted his resignation effective Dec. 22. The council voted unanimously to accept it. 

The council was forced to amend the current year’s budget because the water system improvement project was not included in the original budget. There was a public hearing prior to the approval.

By Lynzie Nilles, Community Health 

With new cases of COVID-19 spiking once again nation-wide, it is important that we take proper precaution at our holiday celebrations. 

These precautions will not only protect you and your loved ones from contracting and spreading COVID-19, but also from the many other respiratory infections that tend to circulate during the winter months. 

Scarlett Ann McConnell

Clint and Collete (Haag) McConnell of Armstrong announce the birth of their daughter, Scarlett Ann, on Dec. 1, 2021, at the Kossuth Regional Health Center. Scarlett weighed 7 pounds and was 18 inches long. 

Maternal grandparents are Tom and Patti Haag of Ledyard. Paternal grandparents are Bob and Lisa McConnell of Armstrong.

Clint is a farmer. Collete is the CFO at Kossuth Regional Health Center.

Ronald and Judy Matz of Algona will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Dec. 21. Their family is planning a card shower in their honor. Cards will reach them if sent to 1506 E. Nebraska St., Algona, IA 50511.

Their family includes Renee and Travis McCarthy of Columbia, Mo.; Jon and Rebekah Matz of Marshall, Minn.; Amy and Zach Gotto of Humboldt; and grandchildren: Jadyn, Adeline, Vincent, Isaac, Mason, Aydreanah and Cebilha.