From the July 18, 1984, Algona Upper Des Moines Newspaper. When Pharmacist Mutual celebrated its 75th year and Kossuth County celebrated its 130 year.

Paperback Jack, a crime noir novel by Ann Arbor, Mich., author Loren D. Estleman, based on extensive research of the mass market paperback industry of the ‘50s.

By Michael Tidemann

When was the last time you read a crime noir novel that glued you to your chair?

If it’s been a while, you might try Paperback Jack by Ann Arbor, Mich., writer Loren D. Estleman, prolific author of dozens of novels ranging from crime thrillers to Westerns.

By Maureen Elbert

KPACED

By Gene Miller

150 Years Ago

This is one of the finest days of the season.  Let us hope that Blizzards have returned to their homes in the frigid zone, and that Spring has come to stay.  We are informed by E. Nickerson that a force of 150 men are at work on the road between Calmar and Mason City and that trains are expected to reach the latter place today.

125 Years Ago

By Shane Goodman

Do you ever wonder what is behind the walls of your home or office? Are you curious what might have gotten stuck, or hidden or written for generations down the road to see? You might be surprised.

By Rev. Cindy Finn Pastor,  First United Methodist Church

Love one another

By Nick Diers

City of Algona

We’ve had our share of snow, ice and cold temperatures this winter. It’s a good thing we have some new activities to keep us moving and having fun.

By Gene Miller

150 Years Ago

A Scranton man who came home the other night and found his door locked up, after infinite trouble managed to gain entrance at a back window, and then discovered on the parlor table a note from his wife, reading: “I have gone out; will find the key on one side of the door step.”

125 Years Ago

By Molly MacDonald

I’m still working on answering all the questions in the 118-page “Tell Me About Your Life, Nana” book that my newest grandson, Vincent, gave me at Christmas, a month before he was born. Isn’t it remarkable that he was able to come up with a gift for me at such a young non-age? Of course, all the grandchildren Bing and I have produced are remarkable. Do you know anyone whose grandchildren aren’t remarkable?

By Shane Goodman

As a young man, I never understood why anyone needed a belt. As a middle-aged man, I don’t go a day without one. What happened?

Belts were simply for show when I was a kid, especially if you were fortunate enough to have your name engraved on the back of one, or if you had a big, fancy belt buckle up front. It was the 1970s, after all.

Rev. Patrick Mostek, Assistant Pastor - Grace Church, Algona

You’re not done

There’s a story I recently read of the famed Evangelist, George Whitefield:

“…George Whitefield was relating the difficulties of the gospel ministry to some friends. He said that he was weary of the burdens and was glad that his work would soon be over and that he would depart this earthly scene to be with Christ.

By Gene Miller

150 Years Ago

We have had a couple of weeks of fine warm weather which rapidly melted away our sleighing; but yesterday morning brought with it a great change, and the thaw took a severe cold. A Blizzard would have been in order had there been any snow.

125 Years Ago

By Shane Goodman

By Don Heupel

Ag & Motorsports Museum

The Kossuth County Agricultural and Motorsports Museum is not holding regular hours during January, February and March. However, a visit to the museum can be arranged by appointment by calling Don Heupel 515-341-2904, Edgar Meyer 515-320-5604, or Ron Lohman 515-341-1312.

By Scott Kessler

Administrator, Lakeside Lutheran Nursing Home and Grace Estates Assisted Living, Emmetsburg

In 2022, 19 nursing homes closed in Iowa due to many different factors affecting operations. On Feb. 1, 2023, another four nursing homes went into receivership, and a fifth announced its closure on Feb. 8. Most of these closures are in rural Iowa locations.