Monday, March 17, 2008

Announcements for Monday March 17th, 2008.

Two Hour Late Starts today:

Algona School District
Bishop Garrigan
Seaton School
Exceptional Opportunities
East Fork Alternative School
Algona Rabiner Treatment Center
North Kossuth
Saint Johns of Bancroft
Sentral
West Bend Mallard
North Iowa
Emmetsburg Public and Catholic

No softball or baseball work outs at BGHS this morning.

Algona Head Start will be one hour late with no breakfast!

Trinity Little Lambs pre school will begin today at 10-AM...

Small World Pre School in West Bend will operate today from 10-Am to 12 noon....

Practice for Algona High School Clarinet and Woodwind Choirs will be two hours late...

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

The Court Beat.

The Algona Police Department reports the arrest of an Algona man back on Monday morning at 12:10 on an arrest warrant on charges of Criminal Mischief.Court papers indicate that Jeffrey Allen Nelson is accused of kicking a window to a vehicle, breaking it, and causing 200 dollars damage. The incident was alleged to have happened on January third at 6:48 A-M. An order of protection was issued against a female and male subject by Judge Mark Laddusaw. Nelson is free on a bond of 19-hundred and seventy five dollars.

Accident in Algona.

The Algona Police Department reported a two vehicle accident at Smith and McGregor Road yesterday/Tuesday afternoon at 5:44 P-M.
Those involved in the accident include Courtney Brandow and Amy Meyer, an estimated 12-hundred dollars damage between the two vehicles involved. The accident happened on the west side of Algona.

The Court Beat

A 35 year old Algona man faces serious misdemeanor charges of domestic assault
In Kossuth County Court, Court documents indicate that Todd Hildman is accused of assaulting a female subject by biting and allegedly ripping keys out of her hand and injuring her finger. An order of protection was issued against the female subject by Judge Mark Laddusaw. Hildman is free on bond.

The Crime Beat.

A Forest City woman faces three class d

felony forgery charges in Kossuth County

Court, Court papers identify the woman as

Heather Marguerite Schultz who is accused

of trying to pass forged checks in two

incidents at the Chrome Truck Stop last

month and most recently at the Town Mart in

Wesley. Schultz faces a preliminary hearing

on Friday in Kossuth County Court.

Political News.

In Political News, State Representative Linda Upmeyer a Republican from Garner who serves part of Hancock County, says she will seek a fourth term in office, she represents House District 12.
Ann Marie Fairchild a Democrat from Fertile says she will challenge State Representative Henry Rayhons a Republican from Garner who represents parts of Hancock and Winnebago Counties. Fairchild is challenging Rayhons for a second time.
Also in recent days State Representative Delores Mertz of Ottosen has announced her intent to seek reelection as has State Senate President Jack Kibbie of Emmetsburg.

Accident in Riverdale Township.

A two vehicle accident in Riverdale Township yesterday morning at 8:30 A-M. An Ames man was cited for making an unsafe turn. Kossuth County Sheriff`s Deputy Steve Kollasch identifies the drivers as 45 year old Angela Helleseth of West Bend in a 2006 Ford Expedition, and 30 year Jacob Nelson in a 1998 Ford Tauras. According to the accident report Helleseth was going east of County Road B-63 a half mile east of County Road P-30, Nelson was trying to make a left turn in front of the Helleseth vehicle,Helleseth took the shoulder and was able to avoid a collision, but the vehicle lost control on a slippery surface, ending up in the north ditch and rolling over. Deputy Kollasch says Helleseth was advised to to be checked for possible injuries. There was an estimated 10-thousand dollars damage to the Helleseth vehicle.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Rally Round Ray is Saturday in Saint Joseph.

A Fundraiser for a Bode E-M-T who lost a leg in an accident will be held Saturday afternoon in Saint Joseph. Organizers say the event is called "Rally Round Raymond",
Raymond Christensen last December 4th lost his right leg while trying to help an accident victim on I-35 south of Jewell.
The fundraiser will be at the Saint Joseph School Saturday at 5-PM, a meal and auction will take place, with funds supplemented by Thrivent, and free will donations taken.
The meal is five to seven p-m and the auction is at six p-m.

Celebration to take place in Emmetsburg.

The City of Emmetsburg will be celebrating
the Saint Patricks Day Holiday time frame
with better than a weeks worth of activities
leading up to March 17th which is on a
Monday this year. Organizers say the annual
parade will be Saturday March 15th at 1:30
P-M. The Miss Shamrock pageant is Sunday the
9th. A member of the Irish Parliement will
be on hand and will reign over the
celebration, David Stanton represents County
Cork East from Coppingerstown Midleton in
Ireland.

Monday, March 3, 2008

News about U-S Highway 169.

Proposed safety improvements on U.S. 169 from Iowa 7 in Fort Dodge to the southern
corporate limits of Humboldt will be discussed at a public meeting in Fort Dodge Tuesday,
March 18, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT).
The Iowa DOT will hold the meeting in Room 110 of the Career Education Building, Iowa
Central Community College, 330 Ave. M in Fort Dodge. The public is invited to attend
anytime between 5 and 7 p.m.
No formal presentation will be made at this meeting; however, details of the proposed safety
improvements will be discussed. Iowa DOT staff members will be available to present related
information and discuss the proposal informally with interested citizens.
Through traffic would be maintained on U.S. 169 during construction with the exception of a
1.2-mile reconstruction segment south of Humboldt. Traffic for that segment would be
detoured on Humboldt County roads C-49 and P-29 and Iowa 3.
Although the proposed U.S. 169 improvements are not currently in the Iowa DOT's
transportation improvement program, the improvements will be considered for
programming by the Iowa Transportation Commission during preparation of this year's
highway improvement program.

Algona man hurt in snowmobiling accident.

An Algona man was hurt in a snowmobile accident in the 15-hundred block of U-S Highway 18. The accident was reported back on Saturday morning at 12:34 A-M. The driver was identified as 24 year old Brandon Simpson who was apparently snowmobiling in a field in that vicinity and hit a snow drift and lost control. Simpson was taken to Kossuth Regional Health Center for treatment. Charges are pending in the case.

Political News.

Today (Monday) was the first day that
nomination papers could be filed to run for
poltical office in Kossuth County.
County Auditor and Director of Elections
Joann Bormann says Amber Garman has filed
papers for a run at the County Auditor
Office as a Democrat, Bormann says she will
not run again, for another office in which
an incumbent will not run again County
Sheriff, Steve Kollasch has filed papers to
run for Sheriff as a Democrat, incumbent
Sheriff Paul Gronbach says he will not be
running again. Also Jack Plathe an incumbent
Supervisor for District Two which represents
the Algona area has also filed papers to run
again as a Democrat, Plathe serves as
chairman of the Supervisors.
The Deadline to file nomination papers is
March 26th at 5-P-M at the Kossuth County
Auditors office.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Dallas Clark Speech at Dare Graduation event at AHS tonight.

Tonight will be the DARE program graduation event at Algona High School for Schools in
Kossuth County who have participated in the program. Organizer Deputy Roger Fisher of the Kossuth County Sheriffs Department says the special guest speaker for the event will be
Dallas Clark of Livermore, Tight End of the Indianapolis Colts.
7-PM at Algona High School.

AHS Students to sing anthem at Boys State.

A quartet of singers from Algona High School will sing the National Anthem before
a session of the Boys State Basketball Tournament. Instructor Linda Mertz says the students
include Lisa Nelson, Courtney Westling, Austin Ertelt and Pat Gearhardt. The appearance will be at 6:30 P-M on Wednesday March 5th at Wells Fargo Arena. Mertz says this is the quartet`s third appearance at a state venue during their high school years.

Accident at Phillips and Fair Streets in Algona.

An Algona man was cited for making an unsafe turn in the aftermath of a two vehicle accident at Phillips and Fair Streets Wednesday afternoon. Algona Police Officer Kieth Briggs identifies the drivers involved as 65 year old Wendell Phelps of Algona in a 2001 Ford pick up truck and 45 year old Anne Strayer of Algona driving a 2003 Dodge Van.
Niether driver was hurt, an estimated 25 hundred dollars damage to the Phelps vehicle and four-thousand dollars damage to the Strayer vehicle. The accident happened at 4:24 P-M in the afternoon time. The Algona Police Department made two arrests, 22 year old Anthony Sy Brewer of Burt was arrested on a charge of Public Intoxication Second Offense, and 30 year old Andrea Gail Kollman also known as Andrea Fuller was arrested on charges of Operating While Intoxicated and Driving While Suspended.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

An ancient weather factoid for today.

Today was the snowiest day in February history in Algona`s recorded weather
history. The KLGA weather record book indicates a 15 and a half inch snowfall
on this day 115 years ago in 1893.

A normal school day in the area!

A normal day of school for students today in the KLGA area.
Authorities say with the exception of some patches of black ice roads are decent
for the commute.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

The Kossuth County Board of Supervisors meet in Weekly session at the Courthouse.

The Kossuth County Board of Supervisors talked about a recent trip to the Franklin County Courthouse in Hampton to observe the persons there who do Global Information Systems and Internet Technician work.
Supervisors Chairman Jack Plathe says Kossuth County would like to find persons to fill the GIS and IT roles with Kossuth County by the start of the next Fiscal Year. There is/was a meeting of the so called Conference Board which takes care of the budget for Don Patton the Kossuth County Assesor. Also the date and time for a Public Hearing on the County Budget has been changed to Monday March 3rd at 10:30 A.M. at the Kossuth County Assembly Room.

Two vehicle accident south of Algona.

A two vehicle accident yesterday afternoon three and a half miles south of Algona on U-S Highway 169 at 175th Street, The driver and a Spencer teenager was taken to the hospital as a result. Kossuth County Sheriff`s Deputy Roger Fisher says the drivers are identified as 27 year old Bonnie Lapinskas of Spencer in a 2000 Mazda Van and 18 year old Nate Flick of rural Algona driving a 2000 Oldsmobile Alero. Deputy Fisher says the Flick vehicle had slowed going southbound to turn on 175th Street, the Lapinskas vehicle could not slow down in time to avoid a collision, both vehicles went into the east ditch. Both Lapinskas and 17 year old Constance Lowry of Spencer were taken to Kossuth Regional Health Center for treatment.

Friday, February 22, 2008

North Kossuth School Board meets in Bancroft.

The North Kossuth School Board took no action on a motion to close the Bancroft Elementary School Building and move students to the building at Swea City as they met this week. School Board Secretary Kay Hardt says the Board says a motion to move the idea forward failed for lack of a second to the motion. A motion to table the matter and bring it up next month passed five yes and one no. In other action the School Board approved the rescheduling of conferences to February 25th and 26th from four to eight PM those days, and the School Board also accepted a letter of resignation from NSK assistant baseball coach Matt Bauer. The next meeting for the N-K School Board will be on Saint Patricks Day March 17th at 6:30 at the school building at Swea City.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Details on a Domestic Abuse Assault case in Kossuth County Court.

Some details on an arrest of Algona man on Second Offense Domestic Abuse Charges in Kossuth County Court. 53 year old Ronald Donald Gronbach according to court documents is accused of allegedly throwing a purse at a female subject. The court documents indicate that an order of protection was issued by Judge Mark Laddusaw an order that has since been dismissed by Senior Judge James Andreason. Gronbach entered a not guilty plea to the charge.

The art work of Cliff Long on display at the Algona Public Library.

The Artwork of Cliff Long of Algona continues to be on display at the Gallery of the Algona Public Library in Algona during their normal business hours. The pieces on display include animal paintings and caricatures from a lifetime of artwork done by Long.

The Iowa Lakes Board of Trustees meet on the Esterville Campus.

The Board of Trustees of Iowa Lakes Community College held a public hearing on the 2009 Fiscal Year Budget for the college.
The planned published budget of $38.37 million was approved by the Trustees. Property valuations in the five-county area covered by the college have increased slightly. The increase will generate additional funds for the general and plant fund as well as the equipment replacement funds.
The Iowa Lakes Report featured the fast-growing Wind Energy and Turbine Technology program. Instructor Al Zeitz – who has been with the program since its inception – talked about the new building addition as well as remodeling of the facility used by the Wind Energy students. Zeitz also shared that students in the program are "in demand" when they graduate due to the excellent education the students receive at Iowa Lakes.
The next meeting of the Iowa Lakes Board of Trustees is scheduled for Tuesday, March 18, in Estherville.

Hit and Run Accident south of Algona.

A hit and run accident was reported Tuesday at 6:43 P-M. four miles south of Algona on U-S 169. Kossuth County Sherriff`s Deputy Charles Robinson says three passengers in the vehicle driven by 17 year old Ashley Dreyer of Humboldt were hurt. Deputy Robinson says Dreyer was going northbound when an unknown vehicle going south crossed the centerline and struck her vehicle a 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue, an accident report states that the occupant of the unknown vehicle turned around and looked at the Dreyer vehicle and then went back north without stopping to check on the people in it. Visibility at the time was reduced by blowing snow. The passengers in the Dreyer vehicle are identified as all from Fort Dodge: 16 year old Ashley Streit, 13 year old Corie Harvey, and Stephenie Biggins.
25-hundred dollars damage to the Dreyer vehicle.

Fairboard meeting rescheduled to next week.

The Kossuth County Fairboard decided to reschedule their monthly meeting Thursday February 28th in hopes the weather might be a little more humane. Fairboard members are in the midst of preparation and fundraising for this summers 150th Edition of the Kossuth County Fair. The Fair dates are July 27th to August 3rd. One of the fundraising efforts is a car raffle, another event is a banquet featuring prime rib on March 8th at the Burt Activity Complex. Tickets for the raffle drawing and the banquet are being sold by Fairboard members.

FFA week continues at AHS today.....

FFA week continues at Algona High School today with an Appreciation Pancake Feed and Labor Auction in the Ag room at the High School from 4:30 to 7:00 P-M. Algona FFA President Paige Walker says the event will be an afternoon and evening affair for a change. The Labor Auction will start at six P-M with four hours of labor being auctioned off with proceeds to benefit the Brandon Divis FFA Blue and Gold Scholarship Fund for local members. Colonel Tom Terwilliger will serve as the auctioneer. The Aggie Olympics will also be held this evening featuring bale moving and stacking, nail driving, and two new surprise events. Other events this week have included the scavenger hunt, pie and ice cream for the faculty, and a Toy Show.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Details on an accident near Whittemore.

A 33 year old Algona woman escaped injury in a one vehicle van accident near Whittemore.
Kossuth County Sheriff`s Deputy Mike Sankey identifies the driver as Christina Pottoff.
Deputy Sankey says Pottoff was driving a 1998 Chevy Van west bound on McGregor Road
when she ran into a hard wind blown snowdrift, control was apparently lost due to snow and extremely slick road conditions, the vehicle entered the north ditch and rolled onto its side. Deputy Sankey says
Potthoff was spared injury because she was wearing her seatbelt! Whittemore Fire and Ambulance was alerted to the scene and got Potthoff out of the vehicle. The accident happened at 5:13 A-M on Monday.

Announcements for Wednesday February 20th.

Two Hour late Starts:

Algona Schools
Bishop Garrigan High School
Exceptional Opportunities
Seaton Schools
East Fork Alternative School
Algona Rabiner Treatment Center
CWL
Emmetsburg Public and Catholic
North Kossuth
Saint John`s of Bancroft
North Iowa
Sentral
Trv
GCB
WBM
WCLT

Algona Head Start is one hour late with no breakfast....

Iowa Lakes Community College will have a 10-am start today...


CWL field trip cancelled...
N-K field trip cancelled...
Sentral field trip cancelled...
TRV field trip cancelled...
Britt West Hancock field trip cancelled...
AHS will start with 2nd period...
No AHS faculty meeting this morning...
Vocal Jazz practice at AHS at 9am today...
AHS pitchers and catchers workout at 8:30 AM..
Flute Choir and Percussion Ensemble at AHS practice at 9-am...
A Kossuth and Palo Alto economic development ag meeting for this morning has been cancelled...
Small world pre school of West Bend in operation today from 10-am to noon...
No K-prep at North Iowa Schools...
Early Childhood at North Iowa is on this morning...
No Early dismissal for Britt West Hancock today...
High School I-Teds at WBM have been postponed but students still need to report...

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Kossuth County Fairboard meets in monthly session Wednesday night.

The Kossuth County Fair Board meets for their monthly meeting tomorrow night at
Iowa State University Extension Headquarters in Algona tomorrow night at 7:30 P-M.
The Fairboard is busy making preparations for this summers Kossuth County Fair which will be the 150th edition of the event.
There is also an effort to create a website for information about the County Fair and Fairboard members will have their picture taken for the website after the meeting.

West Bend man arrested.

A 19 year old West Bend has been arrested on charges of Second Degree Sexual Abuse.
Pocahontas County Sheriff Bob Lampe identifies the suspect as Brian Lomax who was arrested yesterday after an investigation by the Laurens Police Department. The charge is a Class "B" felony. Lomax was taken to the Pocahontas County Jail.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Accidents in Algona

The Algona Police Department investigated three traffic accidents in recent days.
Assistant Police Chief Curt Schipper says the first accident was a two vehicle one
at 1214 East Lucas, Darlene Thilges of Algona and Kristin Berte of Algona, 35 hundred dollars damage between the two vehicles, Thilges was cited for Unsafe Backing".
1 one vehicle accident involving a Algona City Dump Truck driven by Rick Schutter of Algona and a Garage owned by Richard Reynolds of Algona, 25-hundred dollars in estimated damage to the garage.
A two vehicle accident at Call and Moore Streets, a minor accident, involving Marion McGregor of Algona and Katheryn Miller of Algona. McGregor was cited for "Unsafe Backing".

Snowmobile Fire in Algona.

The Algona Fire Department responded to a snowmobile fire in an area behind HyVee at 4:22 PM Saturday afternoon, Algona Fire Chief Chuck Bell says the snowmobile that caught fire was an older unit that caused pretty good damage by the time firefighters arrived, the operator was not injured.
Fire crews used a pick up truck to get to the scene, there were 18 respondents, Chief Bell says this incident was just the second fire call of the year....

School Delays today

Two Hour late starts:
Algona School District
Bishop Garrigan High School
Seaton School
Exceptional Opportunities
East Fork Alternative School
The Algona Rabiner Treatment Center
Cwl
North Kossuth
Saint Johns of Bancroft
Sentral
West Bend Mallard
WCLT now closed after an earlier delay.
TRV
GCB

Iowa Lakes Community College will open offices and start classes at 10-am at all campuses...

Exceptional Opportunity busses are running one hour late.

A middle School field trip for the Algona School District is postponed.

Trinity Little Lambs pre school starts at 10-am today.

The North Kossuth School Board meeting tonight was postponed until Tuesday night.

Friday, February 15, 2008

Legislative Forum Saturday at Algona Public Library.

The Algona Chamber of Commerce has sponsored a Legislative Forum set to take place at the Algona Public Library Saturday the 16th. 10-AM is the start time. Chamber of Commerce Director Vickie Mallory says State Senate President Jack Kibbie of Emmetsburg has been invited to attend along with State Representatives Delores Mertz of Ottosen and Marcy Freevert of Emmetsburg.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

The Court Beat

Some more details have been made known about the court case involving the woman from California who was arrested on charges of Identity Theft and Forgery. Court Documents identify the woman as 23 year old Tyish Annesia Hamilton of Antioch California who is being held at the Kossuth County Jail.
The local bank where the crimes allegedly occured was the Bank of America. The case was investigated by Algona Police Officer Josh Missman. Hamilton awaits a day in court on February 20th. The charges against her are Class D Felonies.

Good news story for Algona.

A good news story for the City of Algona.
Algona Mayor Lynn Kueck has put out word that Algona will be the site in which a 61 unit "Holiday Inn Express" will be constructed. The location will be on the north side of U-S Highway 18 near Farm Bureau and the Amercinn. Mayor Kueck says the effort to make the project a reality has been in the works for about a years time.
He says the investor group spearheading the effort is called Ameriplex Corporation.
Whittemore resident Brian Thul is one of the contact people. Mayor Kueck says word of the motel construction is great news for the City of Algona.The Holiday Inn Express is owned by an entity called the Intercontinental Hotels Group which has One-thousand-583 hotels in the U-S and 571 locations in the pipeline including Algona,
there are 178 Holiday Inn Express Facilities in Europe, The Middle East and Africa and nine hotels in the Asia Pacific region, plus another 92 in the pipeline.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Bancroft City Council meets.

The Bancroft City Council met in monthly session Monday night and worked through 17 agenda items. City Administrator Mike Brennan says Council approved some storage shed work that was proposed for Bancroft Memorial Park, also in the works is a proposal for a softball tournament for this upcoming Fourth of July, Brennan says three people were approved to serve as ambulance drivers for the Bancroft area.

More from the Court Beat.

A 42 year old Lone Rock woman faces four Serious Misdemeanor Counts of "Licensee Providing Alcohol to Underage People".
Court Documents identify the woman as Paula Janine Berhard. Fines related to the charges could top eight thousand dollars. The alleged violations took place at an establishment in Lone Rock on February fourth.Bernhard has a court date in Kossuth County Court on February 20th.

The Court Beat.

A woman from California faces two Class D
Felony charges of Identity Theft and Forgery
in Kossuth County Court. Court papers
identify the woman as 23 year old Tyish
Annesia Hamilton of Antioch California is
alleged to have on February the 8th used
someones elses identity to steal six
thousand dollars from a bank account and of
completing and executing in writing so that
it purports to be that of another who did
not authorize the act. The Court documents
indicate their intially was a bond, then the
bond was withdrawn as the suspect was seen
as a flight risk. Hamilton`s date in court
is February 20th.

Board of Supervisor news.

The Kossuth County Board of Supervisors held a weekly meeting at the Courthouse Tuesday.
Kossuth County Auditor Joann Bormann says
the Supervisors worked through a 14 item agenda. The Supervisors were expected to name a new Weed Commissioner for Kossuth County. Bormann says the County Budget is up for publishing in a couple of area news papers as required by law and if all goes well a Public Hearing on the Budget will be held February the 26th at 1-PM at the Assembly Room on the First floor of the Kossuth County Courthouse.

Algona School Board approves budget cuts.

The Algona School Board met Monday night in monthly session.
The Board approved over one million dollars in budget cuts for the next fiscal year
and another four people have applied for the districts early retirment program.
Nine people have applied for early retirment in the district in two months time.


Some other news and notes from the latest meeting of the Algona School Board:
School District Business Manager Carol Kenyon has submitted a letter of resignation after 40 years on the job.
School Board accepted a letter of agreement allowing Jason Bradley and Jim McMahon to serve as Varsity Boys Track co coaches for
the High School.
The Public hearing date on the proposed school budget for the next fiscal year was set for April 7th at 8pm.
The number of students signed up for the ongoing process of Kindergarten round up stands at 98 which is higher than last year at this time, 113 students enrolled last fall.
The Football team will be conducting a fundraiser on April 13th that will feature Tonic Sol Fa in concert.
School Board has accepted the proposed calender for the 2008-2009 School year,
the first day of school is August 20th and the last day of school is May 26th.
School Board approved a proposal to repeal the silo tax and replace it with a state penny as reccomended to do so by Superintendent Marty Fonley.

Monday, February 11, 2008

Legislative Forum planned for Saturday in Algona.

The First Legislative Forum of the session will take place this Saturday morning at the Algona Public Library. Vickie Mallory of the hosting Algona Chamber of Commerce says the forum is slated to begin at 10-AM. She says Senate President Jack Kibbie of Emmetsburg has been invited to attend along with State Representatives Marcy Freevert also of Emmetsburg and Delores Mertz of Ottosen.
The public is invited to attend and ask questions of their Legislators about the current session in progress. Mallory says a number of community movers and shakers are expected to attend and ask questions during the forum.

School Board plans to meet tonight!

The Algona School Board planned to meet in monthly session tonight at Central Administration Headquarters in Algona.
Meeting time is 7:30. Board Secretary Gail Carroll says the Board will work through 14 items on the agenda. Carroll says Superintendent Marty Fonley is expected to give details on a search process for a High School Principal, current High School Principal Bill Fjetland has accepted voluntary early retirement. Also due are reports on the Kindergarten Roundup and the Pre School Operation, Superintendent Fonley is also expected to issue some budget reduction reccomendations.

Snow Advisory today.

A SNOW ADVISORY HAS BEEN POSTED!!!!!'
FROM NOON MONDAY TO 6am Tuesday!!!
A FOUR TO SIX INCH SNOWFALL IS FORECAST DURING THAT TIME FRAME.

Double stabbing at Graettinger

Two men have been arrested by the Palo Alto County Sherriff`s Department after an alleged stabbing altercation at an establishment in Graettinger. Deputy Roger Reed says the victims are identified as 29 year old Travis Schany and 47 year old Monty Schany both of Graettinger who were taken to Palo Alto County Hospital and then transferred to Spencer Hospital. During an investigation Deputies found an abandoned van which led them to the location where two arrests took place. Arrested on charges of Willful Injury with a Weapon, the charges are a Class C Felony were: 42 year old Theodore Hampson and 25 year old Matthew Davis of Graettinger, the suspects were taken to the Palo Alto County Jail, an investigation into the case does continue.
The incident took place at a business called the "Side Street Saloon".

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

They got the snow, we didn`t.

Parts of Iowa got a lot of snow out of the latest go round from Mother Nature. as of late this morning Cedar Rapids had recieved 11.8 inches of snow, 11 inches each in Elmira and New Virginia, 10.5 inches at Oskaloosa and Pleasantville, 9 inches at Solon. Also as of late in the morning Fairfield had recieved the most translatable precipitation from the snow storm at .14 hundreths of an inch.

Tobbacco Compliance Class to offered soon by Algona Reserve Police Officers.

The Algona Police Reserves will be offering a class on Tobacco Law Compliance for area retail workers on Wednesday February 20th at 6-P-M at the City Council Chambers of Algona City Hall. Reserve Police Officer Zeb Besch says those who wish to sign up should do so on line at www.iowaabd.com or in person.
Besch says a compliance check is due of some forty retail outlets in mid April and the two hour class is being offered. Besch says an on line test will be taken at the conclusion of class prior to certification.

Magistrate Court held at the Kossuth County Courthouse.

Today/yesterday was Magistrate Court Day at the Kossuth County Courthouse. This was the first Wednesday in February and appearance day and a busy time at the Courthouse, Magistrate Court is heard by Judge Mark Laddusaw. Magistrate Court Hearings are conducted on the first and third Fridays of the month.

The Algona Police Beat.

The Algona Police Department reported a two vehicle accident in the parking lot of Hy Vee at 5:34 P-M back on Monday afternoon, the Boyken and Barret vehicles were involved,the accident was minor in nature.
A gas drive off of 20 dollars worth was reported at a local conveinence store at 4:33 P-M back on Monday afternoon.

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

News from Mason City.

A sports bar in the Mason City area has been

cited for violating a local fire code for the

second time in a three month span. The

business is called “The Other Place” and it

was hosting an event in which there were

allegedly 345 people in an establishment

designed to hold 225 people. Mason City Fire

Department Fire Marshall Mark Christiansen

says it was a matter of safety.

The place also was cited for an alleged

violation back in November.

News from the County Fair.

News from the 150th edition of the Kossuth County Fair and the Kossuth County Fairboard: A prime rib banquet has been scheduled to raise funds on March the 8th in Burt at the Burt Activity Complex. Organizers say tickets are being sold for 25 dollars apiece with a 5:30 P-M start time that day. The evenings festivities include door prizes, a live and silent auction and a raffle drawing for a 2008 vehicle. Nancy Kayser is your contact person for tickets at 515-368-2567.

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Crime Beat in Martin County.

On the Court Beat from Martin County, two men from Martin County face charges in burglary and damage incidents. Court papers indicate 35 year old Derry Todd Dettmer of Welcome faces 15 burglary,theft and criminal damage to property charges along with aiding and abetting. 22 year old Tracy Lynn Jahnke faces four counts of aiding and abetting.

Other City of Algona news.

The City of Algona will be soliciting Bids for Janitorial Services for the Algona Welcome Center downtown. City Administrator Cole O'Donnell says the city will be looking at price, quality and dependability from bidders.
The City of Algona is looking for a Secretary and Receptionist, the position has been advertised and applications have been recieved, interviews will begin and soon and City officials hope to have the position filled soon.

Algona Airport Commission news.

In News from the City of Algona Airport Commission it appears that Jim Kohlhaas will enter into a lease back arrangement with the City of Algona to put a plane for rent at the Algona Municipal Airport. Kohlhaas will report back to the City on a monthly basis on the planes usage and profit or loss margins. The Airport Commission is expected to evaluate the situation with the rental plane at the end of a years time.

Algona City Council meets at City Hall.

The Algona City Council meets Monday afternoon at 4:30 at Algona City Hall.
Council has drawn up an ordinance increasing the amount of members of the Algona Park Commission and making them non elected appointees. The ordinance will go through the first of three required readings and votes and the public is invited to comment on the issue during the meeting. The Council also has the option of expediting the issue and waiving the second and third readings if they so desire. Council directed City Staffers to draw up the ordinance at a recent retreat.

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Arraignment date set for Bruce Dean Jensen.

An arraignment date has been set for Bruce Dean Jensen of Algona who was arrested on charges of Indecent Exposure earlier this month on an arrest warrant out of Humboldt County. A Judge set an arraignment date of February 11th at 9-A-M where Jensen is expected to enter a plea.

Accidents in Kossuth County.

The Kossuth County Sheriff’s Department reported a couple of accidents the day after the blizzard in the county. The first accident took place at 130th Avenue and 280th; Deputy Jeff Gilmore identifies the driver as 21 year old Phillip Lovstad of rural Burt driving a 2000 Ford Ranger pick up truck that suffered two-thousand dollars worth of damage. The road was slick but the driver was not hurt. The 2nd accident was at rural Lakota on 185th Avenue, Deputy Mike Sankey identifies the driver as 26 year old Bryan Blome in a 1998 Chevy S-10, the weather apparently was to blame, and Blome was taken by Lakota ambulance to the hospital at Blue Earth for treatment.

Layoffs planned for Winnebago Industries plants.

Winnebago Industries in Forest City will be laying off some 200 to 225 workers. The company confirmed the layoffs yesterday in a conference call with industry analysts discussing the retirement of Chief Executive Officer Bruce Hertzke. Company officials say the recreation vehicle industry continues to see a downturn. The last round of layoffs was three years ago. The company employs 32-hundred workers at Forest City, Charles City and Hampton.

News from Iowa Lakes Community College.

In news from Iowa Lakes Community College: spring credit hours are in the increase at the school, school spokeswoman Jane Campbell says the numbers are pointing upward while the numbers of students remain nearly stable.
Campbell says the most significant increase is in the dual enrollment category where high school students study college level coursework, dual enrollments are up seven point five percent. She says online courses are also reflecting strong numbers, and hybrid courses have increased in popularity.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

News from the WCL School District.

The Woden Crystal Lake School Board has approved a proposal to close the Elementary

School in Woden and send Pre-Schoolers and First Graders to Crystal Lake and 2nd

through 5th graders to Titonka. That portion of a whole grade sharing agreement met

approval at a meeting held last night, the Titonka School Board will vote on the matter during

a meeting scheduled for tonight.

Charitable effort at Bode.

525 Dollars was raised and presented in Bode
last night during a make up basketball game
for TRV in the Coaches versus Cancer fight.
Girls Coach Dan Bennet says the charity
drive was a good effort.

Grant applications due soon.

The Kossuth County County Foundation has a
deadline for grant applications this year of
February 15th according to chairman Kirk
Hayes. Hayes says grants are awarded in
eight categories. Hayes says grants will be
announced in April. He says applications are
available on line or at several locations.
For more information contact 295-3732.

City Council Budget Workshop Day Two is today.

This afternoon will be the second of two days of budget workshops for the six members of the Algona City Council. A four p-m meeting time at City Hall. The agenda for today includes: The Crisis Center, The Kossuth County Economic Development Corporation, Recreation, Aqautic Center, Concessions, Police, The Law Enforcement Center,Animal Control, plus the City and Rural Fire Departments. The budget for fiscal years 2008 and 2009 is worth over seven-point-two million dollars and is due for formal approval on March 3rd.

Monday, January 28, 2008

News from the HEC in Algona.

In news from the Algona based Hydrogen Engine Center: The President of The Hydrogen Engine Center in the Country of Canada has passed away. H-E-C Founder Ted Hollinger says Professor Tapan Bose a Physicist died suddenly, Holinger says the Company is saddened by the loss of Professor Bose and vows to continue his work. The HEC Canada is located at Three Rivers Quebec.

Accident

There was a one vehicle accident a quarter mile west of 140th Avenue involving a 38 year old man from Corwith. Micheal Allen Glawe was driving a 1993 Buick Park Avenue that suffered some 25 hundred dollars in estimated damage,a fence was also hit and damaged belonging to John Scuffham. Glawe was taken to Kossuth Regional Health Center
for treament.

The Supervisors meet tomorrow.

A weekly meeting for the Kossuth County Board of Supervisors at the Courthouse tomorrow. County Auditor Joann Bormann says the Supervisors have ten items on their agenda to work through. The Supervisors have recieved a letter of resignation from Weed Commissioner Ken Mulligan of Bancroft and will have to deal with the situation. A formal date for this years Budget hearing wil be set. More work on the budget will conclude the meeting.

Algona native named to Minnesota Court of Appeals.

A man who is a native of Algona was appointed to the Minnesota Court of Appeals.
Matthew Johnson is the 40th person named to the Court and graduated from Algona High School in 1981 and is an alumnus of Saint Olaf College in Northfield Minnesota. Johnson in the past served on the Board of Directors of Iowa State Bank and Mid-Iowa Bancshares in Algona.

Miss Shamrock contestants sought in Emmetsburg.

In Emmetsburg plans are in the works for the annual Saint Patrick`s day festivities there. A spokesperson at Saint Patrick`s day headquarters says entrants for the Miss Shamrock Pageant are being sought and are due on February 15th. Juniors and Seniors in High School are eligible. Entry packets are available by calling Saint Patrick`s Day headquarters in Emmetsburg at 712-852-4326 or by logging on to emmetsburgirishgifts.com...

A warm, windy then back to colder weather.

The weatherman promises a warm windy day and then back to colder temperatures for the
next several days.

Friday, January 25, 2008

The Chase near Thor.

A 37 year old Fort Dodge man was arrested after a chase that started just south of Thor in Humboldt County yesterday afternoon. Trooper Kevin Mills says William Charles Ervin Curtis was driving a 1984 Chevrolet Pick Up
and was clocked going 76 in a 55 zone on Humboldt County road P-66, a chase took place on gravel roads to an area southwest of Goldfield, Trooper Mills says Curtis went into a ditch at a "Y" intersection, the driver put the vehicle into four wheel drive and got out by repeatedly going into drive and reverse, a short time later after going into a field Curtis then fled on foot through timber, across the Boone River, to
a junk yard where he was tracked down hiding under a piece of tin. Trooper Mills says Curtis was wanted on two arrest warrants out of Webster County. He was jailed in Humboldt County and faces numerous charges related to the chase in Humboldt and Wright Counties.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

A raffle at Seaton for Mister Stillman!

In news from the Seaton School/Bishop Garrigan community. Their is a quilt raffle underway to help defray medical expenses for teacher Chuck Stillman. A flannel quilt in the school colors of black and gold will be raffled off, chances are a dollar a ticket or a dozen tickets for ten dollars. A drawing will be held for the quilt shortly after the middle of the month of February.
Raffle chances are being sold at Seaton School at 808 East Lucas Street in Algona.

An appointment for the General Manager of A-M-U by Governor Culver.

Iowa Governor Chet Culver has named Algona Municipal Utilities General Manager John Bilstein to a state panel that is charged with promoting renewable energy sources.
Bilstein was named to the "Iowa Power Board". Governor Culver says the board will manage 100 million dollars in funds, he says Bilstein has the experience and expertise to help make energy decisions that will affect Iowans and the environment. Bilstien says he is humbled by the appointment and looks forward to the experience.

Cold enough for you?

Clinton Iowa turned out to have the lowest low temperature in the state of Iowa overnight today as the mercury sunk to 24 degrees below zero. KLGA had a low of 16 below, downtown Algona bottomed out at -13,
the Algona airport reached -15 for the low.
Bode recored the lowest low in our region with a reading of 20 degrees below.

Trial ends at Kossuth County Courthouse.

A trial has concluded in Kossuth County Court with a guilty verdict. The case was the State of Iowa versus
Jonathan Hanig on a charge of O-W-I Second Offense. The two day trial concluded Wednesday.
The prosecution which was represented by Kossuth County Attorney Todd Holmes and Assistant County Attorney Jessica Reynolds called one witness while the Defense represented by Attorney Eldon Winkel called three witnesses. Hanig was originally pulled over and charged in Bancroft proper, no breath test was administered during the arrest. The case was heard by District Judge Don E.Courtney. a 12 person jury rendered the guilty verdict Wednesday afternoon at the Kossuth County Courthouse.
Hanig is free on bond and awaits a sentencing date.
He could received a prison term of two years as a result of the conviction.

Information

The area is under a Wind Chill Advisory.

The Following Schools are under two hour delays:

Algona
Bishop Garrigan
Seaton School
Exceptional Opportunities
East Fork Alternative School
CWL
North Kossuth
Saint Johns of Bancroft
Sentral
North Iowa
Emmetsburg Public and Catholic
Armstrong Ringsted
Esterville Lincoln Central

Algona Head Start is one hour late with no breakfast.

Iowa Lakes Community College: a 10-am start for all offices and campuses.

No morning weightlifting at Algona High School and the two hour late start means a 1st period start for students.

Loving hands nursery at Algona will be closed this morning.

Emmetsburg Head Start is running two hours late today.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Accident in Lone Rock proper.

There was a vehicle versus parked vehicle accident in the Lone Rock area. Kossuth County Sheriff`s Deputy Micheal Sankey identifies the driver as 31 year old Jeffry V.Isebrand of Whittemore who was driving a 1997 Dodge Ram pick up truck. The legally parked vehicle was owned by Andrew Elbert a 2000 Chrysler Concorde. Minor damage was reported, no citation was issued.

Accident in rural Titonka.

A 17 year old Titonka resident was involved in a one vehicle accident five miles northwest of Titonka near 200th Avenue. Kossuth County Sheriff`s Deputy Charles Robinson says the driver is identified as Jamie Rae Kardoes who was driving a 1998 Chevy Blazer that suffered some 23-hundred dollars worth of damage. Deputy Robinson says Kardoes apparently lost control of the vehicle and entered the ditch and rolled once. Kardoes was taken by family to the hospital in Fairmont for treatment of possible injuries.

Accident near Lakota.

A truck driver from Atalissa Iowa was involved in an accident near Lakota on
Iowa Highway 9. Kossuth County Sheriff`s Deputy Charles Robinson identifies the driver as 47 year old Marvin Laverne Scharff Junior who was hauling for Atalissa trucking and was pulling a trailer with wind generator blades and allegedly hit a set of overhead rail road warning lights owned by the Union Pacific Railroad.

Kossuth County Board of Supervisors meet.

The Kossuth County Board of Supervisors held their weekly meeting at the Kossuth County Courthouse. The Supervisors worked through an 18 item agenda. Among the highlights of the meeting for the Supervisors was a discussion with Kossuth County Sheriff Paul Gronbach, an update on the progress of the Kossuth County Fairboard as preparations for this summers 150th Kossuth County Fair continue, and a montly update from Scott Curtis the administrator of Kossuth Regional Health Center.

The Court Beat.

A Swea City man faces charges of Habitual Offender and Driving While Revoked in Kossuth County Court. Court Documents indicate Tagie Allen Hersleff was stopped while driving a Chevy Impala when he was stopped at 10:51 P.M. back on January 11th. Hersleff was taken to the Kossuth County Jail. Hersleff posted bond and awaits a court date.

Multiple assault charges against Algona residents in Kossuth County Court.

On the Kossuth County Court beat: three Algona residents face aiding and abetting charges, mischief and serious assault charges in connection with an assault case that was allegedly comitted last October. Court documents identify the people as 40 year old Timothy Willard Poulson who faces aiding and abetting charges for allegedly blocking a vehicle with another vehicle to prevent escape, 35 year old Beayonka Kathryn Poulson who faces aiding and abetting charges for allegedly blocking a vehicle with another vehicle to prevent escape, and 21 year old Kylan Neal Poulson faces charges of mischief and serious assault for allegedly grabbing and pushing a person causing bruises and striking and breaking the window of that persons car.

Jury trial underway in Kossuth County Court.

A trial involving a rural Algona man has begun in Kossuth County Court at the Kossuth County Courthouse. The trial is the State of Iowa versus Jonathon Hanig on charges of Operating While Intoxicated Second Offense. Attorney Eldon Winkel represents the defense and Kossuth County Attorney Todd Holmes and Assistant County Attorney Jessica Reynolds represent the Prosecution. District Court Judge Don E.Courtney is hearing the trial. A 12 person jury with no requirement of gender balance or numbers was seated for the trial out of a pool of 20 people.
The Defense and the Prosecution both had four strikes in the jury selection process.
Kossuth County Assistant County Attorney Jessica Reynolds says a trial of this nature is not all that common in this region, and should take the better part of a couple days to reach conclusion.
Among those scheduled to testify in the trial is Kossuth County Sheriff`s Deputy Roger Fisher.

Bingo party Saturday night in Whittemore for the Kossuth County Sheriff`s Reserves.

An annual event for the Kossuth County Sheriff`s Reserves in Whittemore this upcoming Saturday night.
Kossuth County Public Information officer Roger Fisher says the event will be held at the Saint Micheals Parrish Hall in Whittemore Saturday night and the public is invited, Deputy Fisher says because of generous donations a number of items will be utilized as prizes for the bingo players that participate.
Proceeds will be used to further the cause of the Kossuth County Sheriff`s Reserves who operate in support of Kossuth County Sheriff Paul Gronbach and his deputies.

How much snow did we get?

The Algona area recieved five inches of snow in the latest go round.
The most that fell was in the Sioux City area which recieved nine inches of snow.

Algona City Council meets at the snow flies outside City Hall in Algona.

The Algona City Council met in regular session as the snow flew outside of Algona City Hall.
Among the highlights of the meeting was some remarks by Nick Scholer representing the Camp Algona P-O-W Museum talking about how the museum has benefited by receiving funds from the Hotel/Motel tax. Scholer talked about the possibility of a movie being shot about the Algona Nativity Scene and the German Prisoner of War Camp that was situated on the western outskirts of Algona during the Second World War. Scholer also talked about the Museum and its latest display and an activities that is used for school children when they take field trips to the museum. Other happenings at the Council meeting: a contract was approved with the engineering firm of Kuehl and Payer for engineering services in creating a bike and walking trail for the Algona area. Algona resident Marc Singer spoke to Council of his concern about parking near the intersection of Jones and McGregor Streets, Council referred Singer`s concerns to a couple of committee`s for study and a recommendation back to Council for action.

The mercury bottoms out.

The thermometer at KLGA this morning hit -17 for the overnight low temperature.
Still a ways away from the all time low of -29 for this date in Algona`s history set back in the year 1936.

School Announcements.

Two Hour Late Starts today. 1/22/08...

Algona
Bishop Garrigan
Seaton School
Exceptional Opportunities
The East Fork Alternative School at the Algona ILCC campus
The Algona Rabiner Treatment Center
CWL
North Kossuth
Saint John`s of Bancroft
Sentral
West Bend Mallard
TRV and GCB
Emmetsburg Public and Catholic
ILCC all classes on all campuses starting at 10-am today...
Algona head start is one hour late with no Breakfast....

Cold enough for you?

Most Schools in the listening area this morning are on a two hour delay.
We are also under a wind chill advisory till late this morning.
Roads range from mostly covered with snow to normal winter time driving conditions.
The Snow ordinance in Algona is in effect through today.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Accident in Algona.

The Algona Police Department reported a two vehicle accident at Main and Commercial Streets back on Friday. The accident was minor with only 900 dollars worth of estimated damage between the vehicles involved.

Winner from the Whittemore Chili Cook off.

The Whittemore Betterment Committee held its eighth Chili Cookoff event at Saint Micheals Parrish Hall.

The Golden Ladle Winner was the team of Dick Fickbohm and Harry Bormann. The Judge`s Choice winners were:
1st Place: the team of Dave Fickbohm of Harry Bormann,
2nd Place: Gene Thompson, and a third place tie between the teams of Ron and Ellen Meyer and Tom Eischen, Al Frideres and Ed Schmidt, The People`s Choice winners were: Ryan and Cody Henderson, 2nd place went to the Jerry Larsen crew, and a third place tie between the Red Hat Ladies and the Dan Muller crew.

The Best of Show winner was a repeat winner from last year in the team of Ryan and Cody Henderson.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Fisher to run for County Sheriff.

A Swea City man says he wants to run for Kossuth County Sheriff. Roger Fisher says he has taken out nomination papers at the Kossuth County Courthouse. Fisher says he will run as a Republican, Deputy Fisher is a husband and a father of three, he is a native of Kossuth County and has worked for the Kossuth County Sheriff`s Department for 21 years. His opposition on the Democratic side is Steve Kohlhaas. Incumbent Sheriff Paul Gronbach has decided not to run again.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

YMCA Capital Campaign reaches halfway point.

The Algona Family Y-M-C-A has reached the half way mark of a 4 million dollar drive to build an indoor swimming pool and expand the present facility. Executive Director Greg Bradley says the campaign is called “Make a Splash! Let`s Pool Together. Some two million of a four million dollar target has been raised. The Algona Family YMCA has three thousand plus members. Bradley says additional fundraising efforts will be taking place.

Blizzard Bake off to be held in Algona next month!

The Algona Area Chamber of Commerce will be holding another Blizzard Bake Off next month at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Algona. Chamber Director Vickie Mallory says the date of the bake off will be Sunday February 24th. She says applications are available from the chamber office or on line at www.algona.org.
Mallory says tickets will be priced at five dollars and will be sold at:
The Chamber office
Wiltgens Jewelers and Gift World
Diamonds
Any Chamber Ambassador
Any member of the Chamber Board of Directors

The Phone contact number is 295-7201.

Whittemore City Council to have special noon time Council meeting Thursday.

Whittemore will have a special city council tomorrow at noon at city hall in Whittemore. Council will meet with some representatives in regard to a proposed water treatment plant project.

News from the Iowa Lakes Esterville campus.

On the campus of Iowa Lakes Community College at Esterville they are holding their 34th annual jazz band contest. On day one Southern Cal High School was the class 1-a winner, the band is under the direction of Tom Plummer. 3-a and 4-a bands will be featured today and 2-a bands tomorrow.

Non Union County workers salary raises budget by Kossuth County Supervisors.

The Kossuth County Board of Supervisors in the midst of their budget process voted to budget a three point six percent uncrease in salary for non union workers of Kossuth County. The vote came at the regular weekly meeting yesterday. Another budget hearing is scheduled for today.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Burt City Council to meet in special session.

A special session meeting of the Burt City Council Wednesday night at Burt City Hall at 6:30. A spokesperson says Burt is looking for a full time maintenance person and four people will be interviewed. The salary has not been set. Burt has been without a maintenance person for a couple of months now.

Declining enrollment percentages.

The majority of Iowa school districts reported declining enrollment, according to the State Department of Education website three schools in the region had the highest percentage of declining enrollment change this school year: North Kossuth had a percentage change of -17%, Luverne had a decrease of -14%, and Sentral had a percentage decline of -11%.

Ice storm expenses for the Algona School District.

The difficulty of last months first snow, sleet and ice storm prompted the school district to bring in a crew from Reding`s Gravel and Excavating of Algona to help with the removal of ice from the parking lot of Algona High School. The tab was 260 dollars according to the monthly bill list provided to the media at the latest School Board meeting.

Algona School Board approves purchase of a used and a new school bus.

The Algona School Board approved purchasing two school buses for the district, the first is a pre owned 2005 All American Blue Bird with a passenger capacity of 72, the purchase is from School Bus Sales of Waterloo at a cost of 48-thousand-200-dollars. The second bus purchase is a 2007 Thomas M-V-P Diesel with a capacity of 78 passengers from Thomas Bus Sales of Des Moines.

News from Monday nights Algona School Board meeting.

Five Employees of the School District have applied for Voluntary Early retirement at the end of the present school year. The applicants include: Algona High School Principal Bill Fjetland, Bertha Godfrey and Bryant Elementary School Principal Blair Redenius, and teachers Suzanne Taylor, Amanda Redenius, and Karilyn Claude.
Applications and letters of intent were submitted to the Algona School Board for approval last night.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Honor for Algona city Recreation Director Peg Bell.

Algona Recreation Department Director Peg Bell has been honored by the Hershey`s Chocolate Company of Hershey Pennsylvania for her involvement with youth track meets in Algona each year. Algona Mayor Lynn Keuck says Bell was honored with the Hershey`s Outstanding Local Program of the Year for 2007.
Bell organizes the youth track meet in partnership with the Algona Family Y-M-C-A. She has been employed by the City of Algona for 28 years and will be honored at the January 21st Algona City Council meeting at City Hall.

Accident at the K-Mart parking lot.

The Algona Police Department reported an accident in the parking lot at K-Mart back on Saturday afternoon.
The people involved in a two vehicle accident were Lindsey Heiderscheidt and Joshua Fox, there was an estimated 16-hundred dollars worth of damage.

Court news from Kossuth County.

There will be a trial in Kossuth County Court that is scheduled for next Tuesday at the Kossuth County Courthouse. The trial will involve charges of Operating While Intoxicated Second Offense and puts the State of Iowa versus Jonathon Hanig. Magistrate Court will be held Wednesday and Friday and District Court will also be held on Friday as well.

Kossuth County Fairboard meets in monthly session Wednesday night.

The Kossuth County Fairboard will have a monthly meeting Wednesday evening at 7:30 P-M. The Fairboard is making preparations for this summers Kossuth County Fair which will be the 150th edition of the fair. The dates for this summer`s Kossuth County Fair will be Monday July 28th to Sunday August 3rd. The location of the Fair Board meeting will be The Iowa State University extension office along U-S Highway 18th next to the offices of the Kossuth County Food Pantry and the Kossuth County Care Team.

Bulldog quiz bowlers place third in Aplington road trip.

The Algona High School Quiz Bowl team also traveled to
Aplington Parkersburg to compete in a Quiz Bowl
Tournament this past weekend. Coach Twila Wichtendahl
says the team had a third place finish.

Knights of Columbus youth free throw champions crowned.

The Knights of Algona Free Throw Shooting Contest
Champions were crowned at the Friedmann Auditorium on
the campus of Bishop Garrigan High School. Organizer
Scott Curtis says the age division and gender champions
were: 10 year old girls: Gracie Behr, 10 year old boys:
Tyler Schnurr, 11 year old girls: Betty Straub, 11 year old
boys: Luke Terhark, 12 year old girls: Anna Zeller,
Nathan Krieps, 13 year old girls: Shelby Schindler, 13
year old boys: Samuel Lipps, 14 year old girls: Lana
Larson, 14 year old boys: Sam Curtis. Each of the winners
will go on to compete at district competition to be held at
Corrigan Hall at Emmetsburg on February 2nd.

Accident in Algona back on Saturday afternoon.

There was a two vehicle accident Saturday in Algona in the 400 block of South Thorington Street. Algona Police Officer Kendell Pals says the drivers were identified as Laurie Harms of Algona, and Ruth Sigsbee of Algona.
Officer Pals says one of the vehicles was backing out of a driveway and collided with the other vehicle. No one was hurt and an estimated two thousand dollars in damage
between the two vehicles.

Bishop Garrigan academic squads do well over the weekend.

In news from Bishop Garrigan High School the Golden Bear Quiz Bowl team finished second at a tournament at Aplington Parkersburg High School, the Bishop Garrigan Math team finished fourth among small schools at a tournament at Iowa Falls Alden High School.

Friday, January 11, 2008

Algona man arrested on an Indecent Exposure charge in Humbolt County.

An Algona man has been arrested by the Algona Police Department on a warrant out of Humboldt County on charges of Indecent Exposure. Court Documents identify the man as 50 year old Bruce Dean Jensen. According to police records and court documents the charge is the result of an alleged incident at a Humboldt convenience store on December 16th of 2007. Jensen posted a one thousand dollar bond and faces an initial court appearance on January 17th. The criminal complaint was filed with the Humboldt Police Department.

First baby of the year born in Palo Alto County.

Palo Alto County Hospital reports the first baby born of the new year. A spokeswoman for the hospital`s public relations department says Ian Thomas Roethler was born on January the 2nd, his mom is Angie and father is Justin and they are from West Bend. Ian weighed in at 8 pounds 15 ounces and was 21 inches long. The Grandparents are Kevin and Patti Roethler of Algona and Jerome and Cynthia Laubenthal of West Bend. Ian has a sister Jayda who is seven and Caden who is two.

Kossuth Connections group holds Treasure Sale next two weekends.

The Youth Group Kossuth Connections will hold a Treasure Sale the next two Saturdays at the old antique shop location on State Street downtown next to the Lava Lounge. Organizer Angie Asa Lovsted says she is overwhelmed with the amount of donations made for the sale and says there is something for everyone. Hours of 8-3 Saturday and 10-2 next Saturday.

Free throw contest Sunday held by the Knights of Columbus.

The Knights of Columbus host a free throw contest for Kids Sunday afternoon on the campus of Bishop Garrigan High School at the Friedmann Auditorium. Organizer Scott Curtis says the event is for boys and girls ages ten to fourteen. He says the first 96 that sign up will get a free indoor hoop and backboard that can be put up at home for indoor practice purposes. Sign ups will start at 3-PM.

Three other accidents on Thursday on a slippery weather morning.

Authorities reported three additional accidents in the listening area during a period of light to moderate snow that made roads slippery:

One on 5th Street in Whittemore proper.

A two vehicle accident a half mile east of Fenton.

A two vehicle accident at the intersection of Lucas and Garfield Streets in Algona.

No one was seriously hurt in either incident.

IPW wrestling card at the Vault Saturday night.

After being weathered out last month Impact Pro Wrestling will host
a card of wrestling at their training facility called the "IPW Vault" Saturday night
with a bell time of 7-PM. Promoter Troy Peterson says the two featured attractions will be
an 8 person tourney for the vacant IPW "Extreme Title", and a defense of the IPW title as
champion A-J Smooth a wrestler who is billed as hailing from Red Deere Alberta Canada will
defend against "Project Matthew" who is Matt Lappe who has ties to the Algona Area.
The vault is located at 602 South Phillips Street across the street from Subway South and next door to Patterson`s Used Furniture Store.

Girl Scout Cookie Sale underway.

Girl Scouts in the listening area are getting their annual cookie sale
underway. Local Girl Scout organizer Sue Haas says orders will be taken
through February 3rd and delivery will begin on March 8th. She says Cinna-Spins
is the newest cookie for sale along with Caramel deLites, Peanut Butter Patties,
Shortbread, Thin Mints, Peanut Butter Sandwhich, Thanks-A-Lot and Lemonades.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Livermore woman taken to hospital after a one vehicle accident just south of Algona.

A Livermore woman had to be taken by ambulance to Kossuth Regional Health Center after a one vehicle accident nearly two miles south of Algona on U-S Highway 169. Kossuth County Sheriff`s Deputy Jeff Gilmore indentifies the driver as 27 year old Sheri Lyn Curtis who was going north in a 1999 GMC sport utility vehicle when control was lost and the vehicle entered the west ditch and rolled. Curtis was taken by Algona ambulance to K-R-H-C. The vehicle sustained an estimated nine thousand dollars in damage.

Two vehicle accident in Palo Alto County.

Two people were hurt in a two vehicle accident in rural Palo Alto County. Palo Alto County Sheriff`s Deputy Lynn Schultes identifies the drivers as Patricia Keeble of West Bend and Allen Lewis of Cylinder. The accident happened in the 550 block of 390th and the collision was nearly head on. For a while the Keeble vehicle a 2000 Chevy Impala blocked both lanes of traffic. Both subjects were taken to Palo Alto County Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. Both vehicles were a total loss.

Court news from Kossuth County.

A former Algona reserve Police officer has pled guilty to serious misdemeanor charges of 4th degree theft and had
felony charges of misconduct in office dropped although he will serve jail time in Humboldt County. In a case prosecuted by Hancock County Attorney Karen Kaufman Salic, Christopher Robinson was alleged to have prepared 37 false reports of making tobacco compliance checks and also claiming 420 dollars in reimbursement funds for a confidential informant. Robinson entered a written agreement in Kossuth County Court this week.
As part of the plea agreement Robinson will serve 14 days in the Humboldt County Jail and pay restitution of some
22 hundred dollars to the Algona Police Department.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Early Out movie to be shown at Algona Public Library next Wednesday.

The next early out for the Schools in Algona is next week on Wednesday January the 16th. Algona Public Library Childrens Director Vickie Taylor says she plans to show an “Early Out Movie” for the young set that afternoon at 1-PM. Taylor says she will be showing the most recent version of the film: “That Darned Cat”.

West Bend School Board meets tonight.

The West Bend Mallard School Board meets in special session tonight at the West Bend building at 6:30 P.M.
The School Board Secretary says among the six items on the agenda the West Bend Board of Education will work through is a discussion and a decision on purchasing a new basketball scoreboard.

Honors for area High Schools.

Four high schools in the region were given bronze medal status by U.S.News and World Reports and School Evaluation Services. Corwith/Wesley/Luverne, Woden-Crystal Lake-Titonka, Sentral and West Bend Mallard.
The Schools are among 34 in Iowa to receive such an honor.

Snowmobile grooming class to be held tonight.

It looks like the weatherman will provide some more snow for snowmobilers overnight tonight and tomorrow, snowmobile enthusiast Jeremy Walker says there will be a class on the subject of snowmobile trail grooming tonight at Prime Time Restaurant at 6-PM. Walker says the snowmobiling season got underway and was going pretty good until the recent January thaw. Walker says the class is for those in our region over the age of 18 and is required to be able to operate a large snowmobile trail groomer that is used.

Board of Supervisor news.

The Kossuth County Board met in weekly session yesterday. Among a 14 item agenda were four budget proposals including the ag extension department, the County Library Association, Crisis Intervention Service and the Kossuth County Care Team. Two more budget sessions are planned by the Board of Supervisors tomorrow. The Supervisors also plan to participate in a meeting of the Kossuth Emergancy Planning Team at Pizza Ranch during the lunch hour tomorrow. Kossuth County Emergancy management and Homeland Security is planning a drill for first responders at Sentral School at rural Fenton on the 26th of January.

The County Compensation Board meets.

The Kossuth County Compensation Board met at the Courthouse, they are charged with setting a cap on the raises that elected officials in the county and their first deputies can receive, 13 people. Four of the seven board members attended the meeting, Stuart Simonson offered that the cealing be six percent across the board and the vote was four to nothing in favor. The Board of Supervisors will have the final say over raises at budget time. In terms of state rankings County Attorney Todd Holmes is the highest rated salaried elected official at 22nd in the state, the other offices are in the middle of the 99 county pack, Sheriff Paul Gronbach who has announced he will not run again in November is 51st of the 99 Iowa Counties, Kossuth County Auditor Joann Bormann who also has announced she will not be running again is 55th among Iowa Counties in the ranking of her salary level. The five member Board of Supervisors are the 48th highest salary in the state, the Supervisors receive 25,552 dollars a year. The nationwide average annual growth rate in 2008 will increase two-point-five percent.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Snowmobile grooming class at Prime Time tomorrow night.

While snowmobilers in the listening area pray for more snow there is a class on snowmobile grooming to held tomorrow night at Prime Time restaurant on the south end of Algona. Area snowmobling enthusiast Jeremy Walker says there is no registration necessary and the class is required for those who would like to learn how to operate a large snowmobile trail grooming machine.
Walker says the class will be at 6-PM and is for those over the age of 18. He says some pretty good trails were established before the arrival of a January thaw and he hopes for more snow from mother nature this winter before all is said and done. For more information call 515-341-1626.

Accident between Algona and Burt on U-S 169.

Three people were treated and released after a car/semi accident on U-S Highway 169 four and a half miles north of Algona. Kossuth County Sheriff`s Deputy Mike Sankey identifies the truck driver as 37 year old Scot Nairn of Webster City who was driving for the Dart Transit Company, the driver of a 2004 Buick Lasabre was 77 year old Howard Thompson of Bancroft. According to the accident report the Thompson vehicle was slowing down to make a turn into a farm lane and got rearended by the truck as both were going south, the LaSabre was push into a mailbox and post and into the ditch. Deputy Sankey says the occupants of the car including passenger Carol Thompson were spared serious injury by being seatbelted. Truck driver Nairn was cited for Failure to Maintain Control. 27-thousand dollars in estimated damage between the two vehicles.

Monday, January 7, 2008

1st baby of the year born at Krhc.

Kossuth Regional Health Center is pleased to announce the birth of its first baby of the

New Year. KRHC spokeswoman Joanne Roepke Bode says Dionmykel William

Bradshaw was born on Thursday, January 3, at 4:59 p.m. with Dr. Michael Lampe

delivering. His parents are Tara Smith and Dionte Bradshaw of Minneapolis. Smith was

temporarily living in Algona in the months leading up to the birth. Dionmykel was eight pounds

and 10 ounces and measured 20 inches long. Grandparents are Jacquelyn Cunningham of

Algona and Youlanda Bradshaw of Minneapolis. Dionmykel joins two siblings, eight-

year old Kiana Bradshaw and fifteen-year old Cody King.

Two river flood warnings in Iowa.

Two river flood warnings are in effect in Iowa.
There is a river flood warning for the Chariton River at Chariton in south central Iowa. The warning is in effect till further notice, the river is already above flood stage.
Another warning was issued for the English River in the Johnson and Washington County areas. The river is expected to crest a foot above flood stage. The warning for the English River is in effect till tomorrow night.

IPW hosts wrestling at the Vault this Saturday Night.

Algona-Impact Pro Wrestling will host a card of wrestling at its training facility
in Algona called the Impact Pro Wrestling Vault this Saturday night, Promoter Troy
Peterson says doors will open at 6:30 P.M. and bell time is 7:00 P.M. Peterson says there will be
two feature attractions during the evening: an eight man elimination tournament for the vacant
IPW "Extreme Title" and a defense of the IPW Title as champion A-J Smooth will defend against
"Project Matthew". Peterson says the IPW vault is located at 602 South Phillips Street in Algona.

Board Of Supervisor update.

This will be a busy week for the Kossuth County Board of Supervisors. Kossuth County Auditor Joann Bormann says
The Supervisors meet in weekly session tomorrow morning at 9-A.M. at the Courthouse. Bormann says the Supervisors will work through a 14 item agenda including four budget requests from Ag Extension, the County Library Association, Crisis Intervention Service, and the Kossuth County Care Team. Also tomorrow afternoon at 5-P.M. the County Compensation Board will meet.
The Supervisors have a budget meeting on Thursday at 8:30 A-M and also on Thursday they will participate in a lunch hour meeting of the Kossuth Emergancy Planning Team at Pizza Ranch in Algona. Additional budget meetings are planned for later that afternoon and also Friday. Last Friday the Supervisors attended graduation ceremonies held by the Rabiner Treatment Center.

Early Childhood Committee to meet tonight.

The Early Childhood Program Committee of the Algona School District will meet tonight at 6:30 at Central Administration headquarters in Algona. The group was charged with establishing and maintaining a child care program in Algona. A financial update on the “Bullpup Preschool” is on the agenda and also a subcommittee report on the childcare operation at the Algona Family YMCA. Also the committee is looking at grant possibilities for four year olds in the Pre School program from the state of Iowa.

Algona City Council meets today.

The Algona City Council meets this afternoon at City Hall.
(4:30 start time.) City Clerk Rexanne McEnroe says council will work through an agenda that is 13 items in length. There is an opportunity for the public to speak to Council at the beginning and toward the end of the meeting just before adjournment. This will be the first meeting of the new year for Council.

Friday, January 4, 2008

News from the Algona Police Department.

The Algona Police Department made an arrest last night at 7:51 P-M. Arrested was 19 year old Edward Joseph Dailey who was wanted on an arrest warrant out of
Kossuth County.

The Algona Police Department reported a two vehicle accident at Nebraska and Minnesota Streets yesterday morning at 8:59 A.M. No full names of the drivers involved released by the Police Department, there was some two thousand dollars worth of estimated damage.

Politics.

Another potential political candidate to through his hat in the political ring. The Kossuth County Auditor`s office reports that Roger Tjarks with a home address listed at Titonka has taken out nomination papers to run for the District 5 Kossuth County Board of Supervisors seat on the Republican ticket. The seat is presently held by incumbent Eugene Elsbecker of the Bancroft area.

Caucusing on the G.O.P. side.

Republican Candidate Mike Huckabee won in Kossuth, Humboldt, Palo Alto, Pocahontas, Hancock and Winnebago Counties.

Huckabee won by a landslide in Kossuth County getting 51.9 percent of the vote in a straw poll using real numbers. Mitt Romney got 16.8 percent of the vote, Fred Thompson was 3rd with 12.4% of the vote, John Mc Cain got 12.2%, Ron Paul got 4 percent of the vote.

County Democratic Caucus Breakdown.

Taking a look of Democratic Caucus results for the Counties in the listening area:

Senator Barack Obama won in Kossuth County getting 47 delegates to the County Convention, Senator John Edwards was second with 40 and Senator Hillary Clinton was 3rd with 36.

Senator Hillary Clinton won in Palo Alto County picking up 62 County Covention Delegates, Senator Barack Obama picked up 52 and Senator John Edwards got 40.

Senators Hillary Clinton and John Edwards finished in a tie in Emmet County getting 17 delegates to the County Convention apiece, Seantor Barack Obama got 16.

Senator John Edwards won in Pocahontas County picking up 18 County Convention Delegates, Senator Hillary Clinton picked up 16 and Senator Barack Obama 9.

Senator Hillary Clinton won in Hancock County getting 22 delegates to the County Convention, Senator Barack Obama picked up 20 and Senator John Edwards picked up 19.

Senator John Edwards won in Humboldt County picking up 17 delegates to the County Convention, Senator Hillary Clinton picked up 15 and Senator Barack Obama picked up 13.

Senator Hillary Clinton won in Winnebago County picking up 35 County Convention Delegates, Senator Barack Obama picked up 31 and Senator John Edwards picked up
29 delegates.

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Kossuth Counties Auditor will not run again.

Amber Garman of Algona who works in the Kossuth County Auditors office took out nomination papers to run for County Auditor this fall. Incumbent County Auditor Joann Bormann says she will not run again.

Poltical News.

From the Kossuth County Auditor`s office:

Richard Miller of Algona has taken out nomination papers with the
intention of running as a Democrat for the second district Kossuth County Board of
Supervisor seat presently held by Democrat Jack Plathe of Algona.
Miller resides in rural Algona, this is not his first attempt to run
for public office.

Changes in the WCLT school district.

The Titonka School Board during the course of the Holiday break held a public hearing on a Friday night concerning a proposed change to a whole grade sharing agreement with the Woden Crystal Lake school district.
The Woden Crystal Lake School Board decided to close the elementary school in Woden because of a budget deficit. School Superintendent Ron Sadler says under the changed proposal all grades will be shared from Pre Kindergarten to 12th grade, all elementary students will attend school at the Titonka location. Presently high school students go to Crystal Lake, the middle schoolers go to Titonka and each town has an elementary school.
No money will change hands under the proposed revised whole grade sharing agreement.

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Taking out papers at the Courthouse.

Today was the first day that political candidates in Kossuth County can take out papers to run for office.
Kossuth County Auditor Joann Bormann says Deputy Steve Kollasch of Whittemore has taken out nomination papers to run for Kossuth County Sheriff, incumbent Sheriff Paul Gronbach says he will not run for reelection.
Kollasch is running on the Democratic ticket. Amber Garman of Algona has taken out papers to run for
Kossuth County Auditor as a Democrat. And District Two Kossuth County Supervisor Jack Plathe of Algona has also taken out papers to run for reelection. The Primary Election is June 3rd, the general election will be November 4th.

Underage drinking party broken up at rural Wesley.

The Kossuth County Sheriff`s Department responded to a party with underage drinkers in the Wesley area New Years Eve during the 11-PM hour. Kossuth County Sheriff Paul Gronbach says the party was at the Mike and Dawn Reimers residence at rural Wesley at 1907 240th Avenue. Sheriff Gronbach says several people ran out into blizzard conditions and remained out in the cold for two hours! He says several rescue personnel were called to the scene to help with searching efforts for safety reasons. Sheriff Gronbach says six officers from the Kossuth County Sheriff`s office, The Wesley Fire Department, Britt Ambulance, Wesley First Responders, Algona Ambulance and three snowmobilers, there were some 40 respondents.
Sheriff Gronbach says there was a head count of 60 to 80 underage drinkers at this party. He says no charges will be filed and anticipates a lengthy investigation process.

Which candidates are nearby?

Taking a look at the candidates 11th hour schedule, we find Republican Fred Thompson being as near away as Mason City today. Republican Mit Romney will be as close as Clear Lake this afternoon. Democrat Bill Richardson will be in Mason City this afternoon. Republican Mike Huckabee will be at Fort Dodge and Mason City.

Caucus notes.

One day to go until Caucus night for Iowa and the listening area.
Presidential Candidates Senators John Edwards and Joe Biden at this point
appear to have been the final candidates to have visited the area.
Edwards spoke New Years Eve Day afternoon at the VFW Hall in Algona,
Biden arrived late in the evening Sunday night delayed by fog and spoke at
Sister Sarah`s in Algona. Also in recent days President Bill Clinton campaigned
for his wife Hillary and Barack Obama made a Sunday afternoon appearance at
Algona High School. Republicans in Kossuth County will caucus at the Auditorium
area of O-B Laing Middle School and Democrats will caucus at 22 precincts at 12 locations
in Kossuth County.

Board of Supervisors meet today.

The five member Kossuth County Board of Supervisors will have
their first meeting of the new year today at the Kossuth County Courthouse.
Board Chairman Jack Plathe says the budget process is foremost on the minds of the
Supervisors with the new year underway. He says the County is also considering creating an
Internet Technician type of position to help service the computers utilized at the Courthouse.
Plathe says the budget process will continue until March.

Natural tree pick up today and tomorrow.

The City of Algona will be picking up natural Christmas Trees today and tomorrow according to Public Works Director Chad Schaeffer. Schaeffer says place trees by the curb, no wiring, lights, plastic bags or tinsel, he says individuals can also drop off their natural tree at the brush pile at Veterans Park here in Algona.