By Rev. Chris Burtnett - Pastor, First Congregational United Church of Christ

Skip the resolutions.  Covenant instead.

By Gene Miller

Shortly before Christmas there was a world movie premiere in Algona. I would imagine most Kossuth County folks heard about it.  The movie was “Silent Night in Algona.”  It is the story of the construction of the famous nativity scene that resides at the Kossuth County fairgrounds.

By Vicki Mallory

Director,  Algona Area

Chamber of Commerce

Happy New Year!   The Algona Area Chamber of Commerce, Algona Area Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC), Kossuth County Economic Development Corporation (KCEDC) and the City of Algona are constantly working together to foster growth among our existing retail business community.  These organizations also work to bring new retail businesses to Algona.

By Shane Goodman

With Christmas over, warmer weather upon us and the snow melting, some people are acting like it’s springtime in Iowa. They are ditching their coats, hats and gloves and seem to be looking for their flip-flops. Hold tight, Iowans. I shouldn’t need to tell you this, but the worst of the winter weather is yet to come. As Bill Murray famously said in “Caddyshack,” “I don’t think the heavy stuff is going to come down for quite a while.”

The angels did say

Mrs. Robert Kain (top, left) heard about Santa Apples at a cake decorating workshop, and she was able to put that experience to use this holiday season. She helped members  of Mrs. Alan Asa’s first grade class at Lucia Wallace school make their own two-colored frosting Santas atop apples.

When you work with words every day, they tend to be important — much like a mechanic’s tools or a farmer’s machinery. Every industry has its jargon, and the publishing industry is no different. Those outside of our industry may write off these distinctions as simple semantics or splitting hairs, but they are meaningful — and distinct.

If you live anywhere in the Upper Midwest, particularly with our recent blizzard, you can understand the value of a handmade quilt.

Quilting is the subject of a wonderful book, The Farmer’s Wife: Homestead Medallion Quilt, by Laurie Aaron Hird of Shullsburg, Wis. The book, one of a series, was inspired by Ada Melville Shaw, whose own story is both intriguing and inspiring.

I find myself once again in a bit of a time-warp muddle. I’m writing this a few days before I wing my way to California to spend Christmas with daughter Amy, her husband, Dave, their children Dylan and Molly, son Wade, his wife, Jackie, and yet-to-make-first-his-public-appearance, Baby MacDonald. His debut is to be in January. I hope you now have the cast of characters straight. There will be a pop quiz shortly ago.

150 Years Ago

Before this reaches all our readers, merry Christmas will have come and gone.  While to some the time honored anniversary brought with it only sadness and or misery, to the many a measure of sunshine and festive merry-making was vouchsafed. What would we do without this holiday?

125 Years Ago

Your year is not a mistake!

Dear Readers: The following is column written by a fellow named Bob Thompson, who was a teacher and coach in my hometown. It is reprinted with permission.

Here’s the story about a young man who was engaged to be married. He was in love and his life was infected with that special pride and that vibrant joy that is peculiar to lovers.

By Shane Goodman

Local airport gives wings to area economic development

By Barb Smith

Even a small airport can play a big role in economic development. General service airports, like our Algona Municipal Airport, connect our rural community to places around the United States and beyond.

By John Crookshank

House numbers are not only convenient for finding addresses but necessary for emergency responders to locate those in need. When responding to an emergency, seconds matter so be sure the Fire, Police and Ambulances can easily and quickly locate your address.