By Brad Hicks

There is a wide gap between true selfishness and true selflessness. But the two concepts are separated by a hard line, a line that comes down to one of two choices.

Do for others, or do for myself.

Build, or tear down.

Believe, or doubt.

Trust, or forsake.

Protect, or attack.

If there were a contest to name the shedding-est dog in the world, I think Seamus would win, paws down. I’ll include a picture of him here, in case you’ve forgotten how handsome he is. He sheds all year long, but twice a year, for several weeks, he increases his production to buckets-full of hair. Enough hair to knit you an afghan, if I were into knitting afghans. Which I’m not.

By Gene Miller

150 Years Ago

To Teachers -- We have just printed a quantity of cards for teachers to take the place of rewards for merit, for distribution to pupils.  We think they are very handsome as well as very novel and appropriate, and something every teacher will appreciate.  They are printed on the very best bristol board, in purple and carmine. They will be kept for sale at the REPUBLICAN office and also at the post office.  Don’t fail to examine.

Misguided gov’t proposal targets ‘vexatious’ people

By Randy Evans

Many decades ago, Mrs. Gentry and Mr. Halferty put up with an inquisitive kid’s classroom questions about American democracy and the workings of government.

Letter to editor:

Hatchie: Keeper of the Secret

Release Date: July 12, 2023

Publisher: Main Street Books

ISBN-13: ‎979-8218238384

Available from Amazon.com and BN.com

Some college students flip burgers during summer breaks; some have internships; and occasionally, one is plunged into an overwhelming flood of historical revelations with biblical implications.

Rev. Briton Nelson Associate Pastor, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Burt and Trinity Lutheran Church, Algona

The receptive life

When’s the last time you remember going to the circus? The circus used to visit almost every town in the country every year, but with controversy over ethical practices and mistreatment of animals, as well as humans, it’s very rare to find a traveling circus anymore.

To the Editor of the Kossuth Co. Advance:

Thank you for the extensive article about the work of Educate Haiti in Durissy, Haiti in the August 17th edition of the paper. The photos added to the excellent narrative. The descriptions were authentic and heart-felt. Amy was the dedicated reporter who spent an afternoon with us. We send our thanks to her and to the amazing people of Algona, who welcomed us with love and caring interest.

To the Editor,

By Shane Goodman

Those words are the name of a hit song recorded by Andrew Gold in 1978. Those of you familiar with the song likely know it because of the cover by Cynthia Fee that was the theme song of the NBC sitcom “The Golden Girls.” In fact, you are likely singing along now.

By Gene Miller

150 Years Ago

Rev. DAN JORDAN

Pastor, Evangelical Free Church, Algona

I once was lost but now I’m found

These photos from the June 17, 1988, Upper Des Moines newspaper shows Kossuth County 4-H kids having fun at 4-H camp. Do you recognize anyone?

By Jane Koppen

Kossuth County Extension

As the schools welcome back students for a new school year, county youth coordinator, Jane Koppen, is preparing for a new 4-H year. September 1 marks the start of the 2023-2024 year for 4-H members. Clubs will be welcoming new and returning members for a year of learning by doing.