By Shane Goodman

My now-predictable comment when I see people older than me on their smart phones is to say to them, “Damn kids and their phones.” It usually prompts a chuckle. Usually.

The truth is that older generations are spending more time on their phones than ever before. Web surfing. Checking email. Texting. And using social media, among other activities.

Birth control leads to fewer abortions

Trial Diary by Jim Sloter

Leadership breakdown by Brad Hicks, publisher

Outrage, overreaction, irrationality, self-justification, intimidation, personal destruction, contextual dishonesty and violence are the weapons of choice in today’s sociopolitical environment. 

Out of the Past by Gene Miller

150 Years Ago

General Items. Cincinnati is going to have a big hotel at the corner of Fourth street and Central Avenue. Building fund $100,000. An Indiana man has caused the arrest of his grandmother, who attacked him in a most cowardly and outrageous manner. The alligator season has opened in Florida, and the absorption of the pensive angler or confiding bather is a matter of daily record. 

153 by  Rev. Thomas Cowell

Pastor, St. John’s 

Lutheran Church, Burt

Partnership Pastor,

Trinity Lutheran Church

By Shane Goodman

Encyclopedias have been around for about 2,000 years, but good luck trying to find a printed edition now. How could something that was so common for generations be essentially non-existent now? As newspaper and magazine publishers discovered, selling anything for a fee can be difficult when you give most of it away on the Internet for free.

By Maureen Elbert - KPCEDC

Kossuth/Palo County Economic Development Corporation is preparing for their 2022 Summer Intern Program for students that have graduated from high school and are enrolled in college. The purpose of the K/PACEDC intern program is to provide opportunities to learn and receive on the job training for the future, and to attract and keep our high school and college graduates in the area to maintain a skilled workforce for future employment. 

Brothers’ keepers by Brad Hicks, publisher

People need a mission, and in most cases the mission needs to be about others rather than themselves.

Opportunity is knocking.

By Jim Sloter

By Molly MacDonald

When the Drake Relays roll around every year, I always think of my dad. When he was at Algona high school (1919-1922), he participated in the Relays and won a medal, which I still have. I’ll take a picture of it and show you.

Out of the Past by Gene Miller

150 Years Ago

Local Matters. Keys has good Cider and we know it. Remember the exercises at Seminary Hall this evening. Hats & Caps by the car load, at J. B. Winkel’s. Wall Paper & Curtain Fixtures at the Algona Drug Store. Saturday seems to have been adopted by mutual consent as general market day. Our streets present a very lively appearance on that day, and merchants are made busy and glad.

To the Editor:

Let your yes 

be yes

By Rev. Steve Nofel - First Presbyterian Church

This is my last article for this good newspaper. I have accepted a new call to serve Jesus in Baltimore, Md., beginning, June 1.

By Shane Goodman