How Your Home Is Assessed (and what to do if you don’t like it)!

By now most Iowans have (probably) paid their property taxes for the year. That payment was actually for the assessment that was done in 2021 because property taxes are paid in arrears. For purposes of this article, we are focusing on residential assessments and property classes (various classes of property are assessed differently and by different entities.)

Pub raised their own trout

By Jim Sloter

The ever-changing car

By Shane Goodman

With all the hype lately over electric cars vs. gasoline-powered vehicles, it got me thinking about how much our vehicles have changed in other ways, too. None may be as significant as the fuel source, but they are all meaningful in some way. Some of these features are now obsolete, and others will be soon.

The end of a matter is better than the beginning

By Dr. Micah Mitchell Pastor, Lighthouse to Nations, Algona

The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 (NIV)

The last thing someone says typically will reveal their heart.

Algona high school will celebrate their Homecoming this weekend with a game against Gilbert at their new stadium.

Will today’s youth be able to match the enthusiasm of the students in this photo from October 17, 1977, in the Kossuth County Advance newspaper.

Anyone who can re-create this photo at this week’s game can send it to

Of Seamus, Christopher Robin and my non-prom

By Molly MacDonald

It’s been awhile since I’ve written about Seamus (my adorable German Shepherd, in case you forgot) and Christopher Robin, my adorable stray cat who camps on my porch until I feed him. And feed him. And feed him.

Visiting friends in Gotzenmuhle in September

By Jim Sloter

Pizza Hut has Grand Opening

By Gene Miller

150 Years Ago

-- The women question -- what did she have on? -- The best safety match -- marrying a rich wife.

125 Years Ago

Of mice and.....

By Shane Goodman

Hickory, dickory, dock. The mouse ran up the clock.

And over the recliner. And under the table. And across the kitchen counter.

I don’t like mice. In fact, I haven’t met anyone who really does. Well, other than cats. But cats don’t count.

Plan now for family fire prevention

By Mitch Ulrick

Fire Chief

The Algona Fire Department will take part in a 100 year tradition in a couple of weeks when we recognize Fire Prevention Week from October 9 through 15.

Christian Greeting Card 101

By Rev. Thomas Cowell

Pastor, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Burt

Partnership Pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church

ALGONA—First Congregational United Church of Christ, in recognition of the International Day of Peace, will host a service of music and prayer for peace on Sunday, September 25 at 4 p.m. on the west lawn of the church, located at 315 South Moore Street in Algona.

Thursday,  Sept 15

Beef stew, whole wheat roll, coleslaw, fruit, dessert

11 a.m. – Exercise

12 p.m. – Kiwanis

1 p.m. – Cribbage

Friday,  Sept 16

Ham balls, roasted sweet potatoes, mixed vegetables, dessert

10 a.m. – Bingo

Monday,  Sept 19

Scalloped potatoes and ham, green beans, pudding

10 a.m. – Bingo

6:30 Kiwanis Bingo

Tuesday,  Sept 20

As Bishop Garrigan gets ready to celebrate their Homecoming for 2022, take time to enjoy a glimpse into the past at their Homecoming festivities from the October 10, 1977 issue of the Kossuth County Advance newspaper. Recognize anyone?

Blessed and Tested

By Rev. Kent Madison, Pastor, First  Presbyterian Lakota,

In the churches that I serve we have been studying the man Joseph, found in the last several chapters in Genesis.