Layout 1 (Page 1) - Iowa Newspapers Inc.

PROGRESS 

The cast from “High School Musical.” 

The world is a stage 

Cameron Lahndorf from 

“Guys and Dolls” 

Clint McGuire from “Guys 

and Dolls” 

Countryside Community Playhouse 

By Nathan Countryman 

Assistant Editor 

ALGONA—Countryside 

Community Playhouse (CCP) has 

been acting out on stage for the past 38 

years. The group was formed in 1972. 

Among its first board of directors 

were Patricia Ann Chrischilles, 

Charles J. Hardgrove, Helen C. Kelly, 

DeAnne McGuire and Joel Chipman. 

The purposes of the corporation as 

listed in the original articles of incorporation 

were to: 

� Stimulate the production of good 

plays and play readings. 

� Provide dramatic training for 

those individuals in the community 

interested in the theater arts 

� Promote good fellowship among 

its members 

Those goals are something the 

organization still strives to achieve 

today. 

Since its inception, CCP has held 

over 70 productions of dramas and 

musicals in Kossuth County. From 

large casts to more intimate sized 

casts, CCP gives people a chance to 

perform. 

“Our focus over the years has 

remained the same,” said Mark 

DeLange, CCP president. “The internet 

has become a major tool in both 

producing and communication when 

putting on shows. Many of the techniques 

and theories behind the theater, 

however, have remained the same.” 

CCP currently has 11 board members, 

and a large number of active 

“Blather, Blarney and Balderdash” “Godspell” 

“Jungle Book for Kids” “Keeper of the Tales” 

community members to draw from for 

its productions. 

“Currently we are trying to produce 

two or three shows a year,” said 

DeLange. 

One of the ways the group provides 

dramatic training for individuals interested 

in theatrical arts is with theannual 

children’s theater productions. 

Besides the works on stage, 

Countryside Community Playhouse 

has also hosted area arts organizations 

like StageWest’s production of 

“Forbidden Broadway” and also has 

hosted workshops, such as an improvisational 

workshop this past July. 

“We also offer scholarships to two 

graduating seniors each year,” 

DeLange said. 

The goal for the group in the future, 

according to DeLange is “to continue 

to promote fellowship in the arts community 

and put on productions.” 

With the future of the O. B. Laing 

Auditorium uncertain, the group could 

be seeking new locations to perform in 

Kossuth County in the coming years. 

All the group knows is that the 

shows must go on. 

The group holds an Annual 

Community Meeting in October to 

which any member of the public is 

invited to attend. Publication of the 

meeting (time, location) is done two 

weeks in advance. Regular meetings 

of the board of directors are held when 

called. For more information on the 

group, email algonaccp@gmail.com.

B2 

2010 

PROGRESS AND PRIDE 

A club with some class 

By Laura Clark 

Special to the UDM 

In 2003, three friends were 

looking for something fun to 

do that wouldn’t put them on a 

planning committee. On Dec. 

11 of that year, the Classy 

Scarlet Belles chapter of the 

Red Hat Society was born. 

All eight of the current 

members were there that day 

at Butterfly Kiss Coffee in 

Algona. These fun-loving 

women continued to meet 

each month, venturing to various 

tea rooms across the area, 

including Blue Belle at St 

Ansgar and Angie’s Tea 

Room in Jefferson. 

Though they didn’t all 

know each other then, they 

have become quite a close knit 

group over the years. Queen 

Mother of the group, Ginger 

Kresbach, said they are a positive 

bunch. 

As the tea rooms in the area 

closed, it became harder for 

the women to gather at a tea 

room. That has not been too 

big of a challenge for this 

group. They simply started 

doing some research on the 

Internet on things to do in the 

area. 

They have participated in a 

variety of activities in the area 

including visiting Hobo Days 

in Britt and the Heartland 

Museum in Clarion, where 

one can learn about the history 

of agricultural machinery 

and there is a display in the 

Hat Parlor of over 500 hats. 

“It’s amazing - all of the 

different things to see and do 

that we didn’t know existed in 

the area,” said member Judy 

Ludwig. 

Classy Scarlet Belles 

TOM WILHITE 

41 Years 

Grocery Mgr. 

Members of the Classy Scarlet Belles are: Ginger Kresbach, Queen Mother; Delores Lallier, 

Vice Mother (Right Hand Glove); Judy Ludwig, Anti-Parlimentarian; Rosemary Dunn, 

Baristress; Leona Stahl, Duchess ; Irene Reding, Lady of Royalty; and Joan Bernardo, 

Duchess of Anxiety; and Marcie, Doughan; Countess. 

They have shopped at craft 

stores, visited bed and breakfast 

homes and apple 

orchards, watched style 

shows, toured a stained glass 

factory, and traveled to various 

libraries and wineries in 

the area. They said that they 

would love to visit the Tulip 

Festival or take one of the 

River Boat Tours in the near 

future. 

These women have been 

seen around Kossuth County 

sporting their purple outfits 

and red hats as they turn out 

for their fun times. The month 

of their birthday they wear a 

red outfit and a purple hat to 

celebrate. They love being 

part of the group. 

The one event they all 

seemed to agree was the most 

memorable was the year 125 

people showed up to a countywide 

gathering at PrimeTime 

in Algona organized by the 

Classy Scarlett Belles. 

“Imagine everyone wearing 

purple with red and no two 

hats alike,” said Kresbach. 

It was the first year it was 

attempted, and everyone 

seemed to enjoy it, so the 

event has occurred a few 

times since then, hosted by 

other chapters. It is a large 

undertaking, so it doesn’t happen 

every year. 

A number of the husbands 

were curious about what this 

group was all about, and they 

made it out to the county-wide 

event. One of them saw how 

much fun the women were 

having that he decided to start 

his own club, The Black Hat 

Club, which now meets every 

TONY HAISMAN 

19 Years 

Asst. Grocery Mgr. 

week. 

“My husband likes to golf, 

so he can’t say anything,” said 

member Delores Lallier with 

a grin. 

The Classy Scarlet Belles 

consists of eight very busy 

women. Ginger Kresbach, 

Queen Mother; Delores 

Lallier, Vice Mother (Right 

Hand Glove); Judy Ludwig, 

Anti-Parlimentarian; 

Rosemary Dunn, Baristress; 

Leona Stahl, Duchess ; Irene 

Reding, Lady of Royalty; 

Joan Bernardo, Duchess of 

Anxiety; and Marcie, 

Doughan; Countess. 

All of the women work at 

least half time, own their own 

businesses or fill their days 

with volunteer work, families, 

and travel. 

The Algona Upper Des Moines Thursday, September 23, 2010 

Fareway offers the freshest produce and 40 feet of 

full service fresh meat featuring USDA Choice Beef 

and Chairman’s Reserve TM Pork. Enjoy shopping 

with our bright, spacious aisles and electronic 

check out systems. For your convenience, 

we’ve got an ATM machine and we acceptttttttttttttttttttttt 

STEVE SMITH 

36 Years 

Meat Mgr. 

Algona Chapter of the Daughters 

of the American Revolution 

Diversity and 

strength core of 

Algona DAR 

Daughters of the American 

Revolution is an active organization 

committed to reinforcing 

the diversity of its members 

and service work. 

Today’s Daughters preserve 

the ideals that made America 

great by serving communities 

across the country. DAR is the 

largest service group in 

America. The mission of the 

group is to promote patriotism, 

education, and historic 

preservation. 

The past 118 years the 

organization has had more 

than 850,000 members. DAR 

work hard preserving the past 

as well as working hard to 

make the organization and its 

programs relevant to today’s 

women. 

The Algona Chapter of the 


Revolution Organization was 

formed April 10, 1924, as a 

part of the National Daughters 

of the American Revolution. 

There are currently 31 

members from Algona, 

Bancroft, Estherville, Laurens 

and Emmetsburg. 

DAR encourages women to 

become part of what is like a 

family by joining the 

Daughters of American 

Revolution. 

“Our chapter meetings have 

a ritual to follow,” said member 

Pat Bilsborough, Algona 

DAR Chapter Regent. “The 

Classy...see page B12 DAR...see page B3 

Pat Bilsborough 

At a 

Glance: 

Daughters of the 

American Revolution 

Chapter Regent: Pat 

Bilsbourgh 

Started: 1929 

Phone Number: 515- 

295-5606. 

Website: 

www.DAR.org 

Check out our complete selection of liquor & wine 

JEREMY SCHOON 

14 Years 

Asst. Meat Mgr.


Providing a valuable service 

Kossuth Amatuer Radio Operators 

By Jennifer Faber 

Special to the U.D.M. 

Ham-ing it up is fun. 

Perhaps that’s why the 

hobby of amateur radio has 

675,000 operators in the 

United States and an estimated 

2 million throughout the 

world. 

Hams, which according to 

the American Radio Relay 

League was originally a slang 

term for poor operators or 

“plugs,” aren’t just about fun 

and games, however. They 

also provide valuable services. 

An amateur radio operator 

picked up a S.O.S call from a 

vessel in danger out in the 

Atlantic Ocean. The vessel’s 

engine had gone bad and it 

lost its generator. Then the 

backup battery went dead, 

stranding the vessel out at sea. 

The captain used his radio 

Ham...see page B14 

All faiths welcome since 1888 

Algona Order of the Eastern Star No. 68 

“The Order of the 

Eastern Star is the 

largest fraternal 

organization in the 

world to which both 

women and men 

may belong. 

Worldwide, there are 

approximately 1 million 

members under 

the General Grand 

Chapter.” 

www.easternstar.org 

Submitted photo 

Francis Platt has been a ham for 25 years. He is a member of Kossuth Amatuer Radio 

Operators. The organization was honored for its volunteerism in 2009. 

By Jennifer Faber 


ALGONA – On June 28, 

1888, 50 men and women 

gathered at the Masonic 

Temple located in the upstairs 

of a building on the corner of 

Hall and State streets with a 

common goal: to begin an 

Eastern Star Chapter. 

With their petition for the 

degrees of the order already 

signed, Worthy Grand Matron 

of Iowa Henriette Ercanbock 

of Anamosa initiated those 

present. Officers of the new 

chapter were elected and 

installed. 

On Sept. 23, 1888, the official 

charter was granted, and it 

still hangs in the temple. 

By the end of the year, charter 

membership had grown to 

72 people. This included 

Henry and Mary Patterson. 

Today, their granddaughters, 

Alice Weil, Jeanne Brostrum 

and Janice Waldera, are members. 

Since 1888, the Algona 

Order of Eastern Star has been 

giving to its community. 

“Eastern Star is a benevolent 

organization, giving help, 

services and monetary aid to 

many people, young and old, 

with local and Grand Chapter 

projects,” stated Mabeline 

Lovstad, secretary of the 

Algona chapter. 

For example, she stated that 

over the decades, the women 

Star...see page B12 

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business meetings are more 

light hearted. We are like family, 

enjoying being together, 

carrying out the various projects 

together and having an 

interesting program. There are 

a variety of projects and interests 

that are part of DAR that 

just about anyone can find 

they are really interested in 

and wish to work on to make 

it even better.” 


Revolution is open to any 

woman who can prove one of 

her ancestors fought in the 

Revolutionary War. 

Kathy Schenck of Houston, 

Texas, celebrated the 150th 

anniversary of her ancestors 

settling in Algona at her family 

reunion. 

She met member Pat 

Bilsborough at this celebration 

and became familiar with 

DAR. Schenck’s grandmother 

had sponsored Bilsborough 

into DAR. Schenck started her 

membership process with a 

developed line and a good 

amount of information. 

“The local DAR members 

knew how to cross reference 

and investigate the missing 

pieces.” Schenck said. “I am 

very grateful for their assistance.” 

She explained how the 

process is similar to assembling 

a large puzzle. The last 

missing pieces are frustrating, 

and then all of a sudden it fits 

and research can continue as 

long as one is curious about 

the past. Schenck feels privileged 

and honored to be 

admitted as a member of 

DAR. The Algona Chapter 

DAR welcomed her into 

membership this June. 

In addition to their multi- 

B3 

DAR from page B2 

tude of efforts, the organization 

supports troops especially 

to women in the service. DAR 

support is given by volunteering 

in VA Medical Centers, 

donating gifts, cash, personal 

items, and donating canceled 

postage stamps. DAR gives 

thousands of hours of time in 

service to America’s Veterans. 

DAR support troops in 

America’s world-wide war 

against terrorism as part of 

DAR Project Patriot. 

The committee of Women’s 

Issues works to better health 

of women. Literacy is another 

area of concern at present that 

many women take on to help 

others. Junior American 

Citizens, or JAC, is an organization 

of youth that members 

can help peers to be better citizens. 

Children of the 

American Revolution is an 

organization of children of 

DAR. They provide training 

in patriotism and leadership to 

today’s youth. 

DAR is also a source for 

scholarships and awards to 

area schools giving a community 

service award to a deserving 

person every year. The 

most recent award was given 

to Alice Benck last January. 

A monetary award is given 

to a graduating senior outstanding 

in history studies. 

Good Citizens from five area 

high schools are invited as 

guests to the November meeting 

each year. The students 

write essays and the winner 

goes on to the District and 

from there goes on to State. 

The winner at State advances 

to the National Contest. 

Good Citizen Medals are 

also given to a boy and girl in 

the middle school each year. 

Call the 

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B4 


Serving the area for over 25 years 

• Professional Shoes and Uniforms 

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• Cushions and Pillows 

• Bathroom Aids 

• Incontinent Supplies 

• Canes, Crutches, and Walkers 

• Stethoscopes, Blood Pressure Units, & Self Diagnostic Equipment 

Insurance Filing • In-Home Set-up • Free Delivery • Education 

RENTALS 

• Oxygen/Respiratory Equipment 

• Commodes 

• C-Pap Units (Sleep Apnea) 

Bi-Pap & Equipment 

• Wheel Chairs 

• Walkers 


Changing the world, one child at a time 

Algona Morwens Kiwanis 

By Nathan Countryman 

Assistant Editor 

ALGONA—The Algona 

Morwens Kiwanis were 

formed in 1971. 

According to history of the 

club, Wes Bartlett was president 

of Kiwanis International 

and his home club was the 

Kiwanis Club of Algona. The 

Kiwanis of Algona determined 

a new club would be 

started and chartered during 

his year as president. 

The building committee for 

the new club was co-chaired 

by Royal Nold and Elgin 

Allen. 

The original Kiwanis Club 

of Algona met at noon, and a 

number of men in the area 

were in careers that didn’t 

allow them to attend those 

meetings, thus the need to create 

a club which could meet at 

an alternate time more beneficial 

for other members. 

A petition was filed to the 

Kiwanis International to charter 

a new club in Algona. 

The club was officially 

chartered on Oct. 1, 1971, the 

first day of Bartlett’s presidency, 

thus the Morwens 

Kiwanis Club was the first 

new club chartered during 

Bartlett’s presidency. 

The name “Morwens” was 

suggested by English teacher 

Jack Celoni, as morwens in 

Old English means morning, 

which reflects the groups’ 

early morning meeting times. 

Ray Johnson was the first 

club president, with Lynn 

Kueck serving as presidentelect. 

Currently, the club has 43 

members, including four 

members from the original 

charter of the organization: 

Gene Will, Chuck Kline, 

Walter Reemstma and Lynn 

Kueck. With the exception of 

Reemstma, all have served as 

president of the club. 

Reemstma is the current vice 

president. 

The current president of the 

club is Kevin Benschoter. 

The club is involved in the 

community in numerous 

ways. 

“Kiwanis is a service club 

oriented towards helping children,” 

said Rick Murphy, 

Morwens Kiwanis Club secretary. 

“We annually put about 

$20,000 back into the community 

through service projects 

such as dictionary distri- 

At a 

Glance: 

Morwens Kiwanis 

President: Kevin 

Benschoter 

Founded: 1971 

Meeting: Wednesday 

mornings at 7 a.m. at 

the Chrome Country 

Inn. 

Website: 

www.algonakiwanis.org 

bution to fifth graders, pumpkin 

decorating near 

Halloween, serving and distributing 

hats and mittens to 

needy school children in 

Algona, Adopt-a-Family at 

Christmas, fishing derby for 

children in early June and a 

talent show during Founder’s 

Day.” 

File photo 

Morwens Kiwanis founder Wes Bartlett greets Kiwanis Internation President Don Canaday, 

of Fishers, Ind., during a meeting in 2008. 

File photo 

Morwens Kiwanis member Brian Thul (left) presented bait supplier Larry Schneider with a 

thank you card from the youth involved in the Morwens Kiwanis Fishing Derby during the 

free Iowa fishing weekend. The Fishing Derby is just one of several events hosted by the 

Kiwanis each year for area youth. 

Besides their service work 

with children, the group has 

also been influential in forming 

two additional Kiwanis 

clubs in Algona. 

In 2002, the Kiwanis organized 

a new Aktion Club in 

Algona with the assistance of 

the Algona Noon Kiwanis and 

the Algona Golden K 

Kiwanis. 

The Aktion Club is organized 

to serve people with disabilities 

from Exceptional 

Opportunities and was the 

first Aktion Club in the 

Nebraska-Iowa District of 

Kiwanis. There are 20 currently 

chartered Aktion Clubs 

in the Nebraska-Iowa district. 

In 2007, the club with the 

assistance of the Algona Noon 

Kiwanians, helped open up 

the Algona After Five Kiwanis 

Club, bringing the total of 

Kiwanis Clubs in Algona to 

MAPLE PARK APARTMENTS 

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For those 50 years of age or older and persons with disabilities. 

Now Accepting Applications • Under New Management 

• Rent is based on income with deductions for medical expenses 

• 50 one bedroom apartments - makes a friendly, small community 

• Community center and activities 

• Mail delivery & trash pickup on-site 

• Beautiful courtyard for your enjoyment 

• Security building with intercom system 

• Emergency call light in every apartment 

• Water & trash removal included 

• Laundry room on each level 

• Scenic view - located next to a park 

• Cable TV at a BIG 

Discounted Rate 

211 S. Smith 

Algona, Iowa 50511 

Call 515-295-5174 

M - F 8 am to 12 pm • 1 pm to 5 pm 

Rhonda Stammer, mgr. 

The grin says it all. Hundreds of area youth are introduced 

to fishing with the annual Kiwanis Fishing Derby. 

four and gives Algona one of 

the highest ratios of 

Kiwanians to community citizens 

in the country. 

“The future of Morwens 

Kiwanis looks bright,” said 

Murphy. “We continue to add 

new members who in turn are 

dedicated to changing the 

world, one child and one com- 

MINNOWA 

MEDICAL 

SUPPLY 

114 EAST STATE 

DOWNTOWN ALGONA 

515.295.3996 

1.800.383.3996 

munity at a time.” 

The Morwens Kiwanis 

meet every Wednesday morning 

at 7 a.m. at the Chrome 

Country Inn in Algona. For 

more information on the club, 

check out their website at 

www.algonakiwanis.org. 

Maple Park does not discriminate 

on the basis of disability status 

in the admission or access to, or 

treatment, or employment in its 

federally assisted programs and 

activities. 

The Joint Commission 

Accreditation #480494


Algona Area Economic Development Corp. 

Algona Medical Clinic II 

Alliant Energy 

Algona Municipal Utilities 

Bancroft Implement 

Bank Plus – Lone Rock/Swea City 

Buchanan, Bibler, Gabor & Meis 

Central Financial Group/Klein Ins. 

Country Maid, Inc. 

Cozzini, Inc. 

Elbert Chevrolet, Inc. 

Erpelding, Voigt & Co., LLP 

Farmers State Bank, Algona 

Farmers & Traders Savings Bank 

Humboldt County Rural Elec. Coop 

Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative 

Iowa State Bank, Algona 

KOFAB 

Kossuth County Community Foundation 

Kossuth Regional Health Center 

MaxYield Cooperative 

Murphy-Brown 

Northwest Bank 

Pharmacists Mutual Ins. Co. 

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. 

Sbemco Matting by Design 

Security State Bank 

Snap-On Tools 

StateLine Cooperative 

Titonka Savings Bank 

Universal Manufacturing Co. 

Algona Publishing 

Aluma, Ltd 

Bank of America 

Cassel, McMahon & Stowater 

City of Whittemore 

Counsel Office & Documents 

Dacken & Associates 

Drs. Klepper & Trainer 

Erpelding Excavating Enterprise 

Farm & Home Services 

Gold-Eagle Cooperative 

Good Samaritan Society of Algona 

Heartland Mutual Insurance 

Hormel Food Corp. 

Maureen Elbert, Executive Director 

KOSSUTH/PALO ALTO COUNTY 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION 

106 South Dodge Street, Suite 210 

Algona, IA 50511 

515-295-7979 | Fax 515-295-8873 

kcedc@kossuthia.com 

www.kossuth-edc.com | www.paloaltoiowa.com 

Hy-Vee 

Kemna Auto Center 

Kossuth Abstract & Title Company 

Kuehl & Payer, Ltd. 

Loren Ehrich 

MidAmerican Energy 

North Iowa Lumber 

Northwest Communications 

Reding’s Gravel & Excavating Co. 

Susan Post, CPA 

Whittemore Municipal Utilities 

Algona Floor Design 

Algona Frame & Auto Body, Inc. 

Algona Glass 

ATC Cablevision 

Bancroft Municipal Utility 

Bob Becker Construction 

Buscher Bros. Corporation 

Countryside, Ltd. 

Deitering Bros., Inc. 

Diamonds 

Dr. Dennis Wymore 

Dump-It 

Electronic Specialties 

Ernie Williams Ltd. 

Farmers Cooperative (Algona/Ottosen) 

Farmers Trust & Savings Bank 

Fenchel, Doster & Buck, Attorneys at Law 

Floors “N” More 

Foertsch Plumbing & Heating 

Heartland Power Cooperative 

Henry-Olson Funeral Homes 

Jerome Menke Construction 

Johnny’s Restaurant 

Kemco Tires 

Landmark Realty 

North Iowa Appliance 

Oakcrest Funeral Home 

Pro Build 

Representative Dolores Mertz 

Roethler Electric 

Schmitt Hardware 

Standard Nutrition – Bancroft 

State Farm Insurance – Rick Atkinson 

Stuart Simonson, CPA 

Titonka-Burt Communications 

Water Connection 

Wessels Crossroads 

West Iowa Bank 

Algona Dairy Queen 

Algona Family YMCA 

Algona Hearing Center 

Algona Lions Club 

Algona Machine & Supply 

Algona Manor 

Algona Rotary 

Allure Salon 

Arnold Motor Supply 

Blair & Amanda Redenius 

Boyken Insurance Agency 

Brenda Hamilton – Fresh Coffee 

Columbia Hall Association 

D. J. Shey 

Elsbecker Builders – Gregg Elsbecker 

Elsbecker Construction – Eugene 

B5 

Exceptional Opportunities 

Friends of Bishop Garrigan 

Innovations Salon and Spa 

Interior Designs & Gifts 

J.B. Mertz & Son 

Jack’s OK Tire 

Johnson Plumbing & Heating 

Kiwanis Club of Algona 

Kiwanis Club of Algona-Morwens 

Kossuth County Farm Bureau 

Lone Rock Telephone 

Mary Schaaf Design 

Motor Inn 

Reutzel Excavating 

Ruhnke Brothers 

Spa Dee Dah, Too! 

Thul Law Firm 

Tom Eischen Sales, Inc. 

Welp, Inc. 

Wine & Spirits Shoppe

B6 

Whenever a Lions club gets 

together, problems get smaller. 

And communities get better. 

That’s because they help 

where help is needed — in 

their own communities and 

around the world — with 

unmatched integrity and energy. 

Algona Lions club celebrates 

it’s 65th Anniversary 

this year. 

“Our focus in Algona is one 

of getting the job done,” said 

Algona Lion Pam Ridner. 

Club projects include: 

� Eyeglasses and hearing 

aids to area needy. 

� Iowa KidSight vision 

screening in partnership with 

the University of Iowa. This is 

a program to objectively 

screen infants and children 6 

to 48 months for loss of sight 

and eye abnormalities, with 

referrals back to local 

optometrists and ophthalmologists. 

� Scholarships for collegebound 

area students. 

� Sponsorship of Algona 

Library summer reading programs 

and area school’s science 

fairs. 

� Lions work with leader 

dogs for the blind program, 

providing auditory sphygmomanometers 

for the blind, collecting 

and recycling of eyeglasses, 

hearing aids and nonprescription 

sunglasses for 

distribution in developing 

countries. 

“Don’t throw away those 

glasses, please drop them off 


to Oakcrest Funeral Home,” 

added Ridner. 

Additionally, Lions help 

provide diabetes education for 

children at Camp Hertko 

Hollow which is a week-long 

camp just for children with 

diabetes, helping them to realize 

they are not alone and 

teaching them to manage their 

disease. 

“We also send the family to 

weekend camps to learn more 

about their child’s disease,” 

said Ridner. 

The Algona Lions motto 

“We Serve” continues in the 

areas of sight and hearing 

statewide. 

The Iowa Lions Eye Bank 

is dedicated to the restoration 

and preservation of sight 

through the collection, processing, 

transporting and distribution 

of human ocular tissue 

for transplantation and 

research in Iowa, partnership 

with the Iowa School for the 

Deaf. 

The Lions have helped with 

providing innovative programming 

to school-aged deaf 

and hard-of-hearing children 

for over 150 years. They offer 

year-round recreational and 

respite care activities at Camp 

Courageous of Iowa for individuals 

with disabilities, as 

well as their families. 

The club is partnered with 

University of Iowa Hospitals 

in pioneering the exciting 

world of cochlear implants, 

and the Iowa Department for 

the Blind program offering 

the specialized, integrated 

services that blind and severely 

visually impaired Iowans 

need to live independently 

and work competitively. 

Globally, the Lions number 

more than 45,000 clubs and 

1.3 million members, making 

them the world’s largest service 

club organization. 

Recent projects of Lion 

pride include sending more 

than $2 million in the January 

to victims of the Haiti earthquake 

to ensure immediate 

needs were met. 

Lions fed 60,000 people in 

a township in South Africa. 

It’s something Lions do 

there every day. 

Lions sent a team of eye 

surgeons to Honduras to treat 

more than 100 adults and children. 

“We work in developing 

countries to treat millions of 

people to prevent river blindness,” 

added Ridner. 

“Everywhere we work, we 

make friends — with children 

who need schoolbooks, with 

seniors who need transportation 

and with people we may 

never meet.” 

History of the Lions 

Beginning in 1917 

A Chicago business leader 

asked a simple and worldchanging 

question – what if 

people put their talents to 

work improving their communities. 

Almost 100 years later, 

Lions Clubs International is 

the world’s largest service 

club organization, with more 

than 1.3 million members in 

more than 45,000 clubs and 

countless stories of Lions acting 

on the same simple idea: 

Let’s improve our communities. 

1920: Going international 

Just three years after its 

founding, Lions became international 

when it established 

the first club in Canada. 

Mexico followed in 1927. 

In the 1950s and 1960s 

international growth accelerated, 

with new clubs in 

Europe, Asia and Africa. 

1925: Eradicating blindness 

Helen Keller addressed the 

Lions Clubs International 


Ready to help where help is needed 


42 

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The Algona Lions Club meets every Tuesday at noon at the Algona Pizza Ranch. 

Certain Teed Corporation 

Convention in Cedar Point, 

Ohio, and challenged Lions to 

become “knights of the blind 

in the crusade against darkness.” 

1945: Uniting nations 

The ideal of an international 

organization is exemplified 

by the clubs enduring relationship 

with the United 

Nations. The Lions were one 

of the first nongovernmental 

organizations invited to assist 

in the drafting of the United 

Nations Charter and have supported 

the work of the UN 

ever since. 

1957: Organizing youth programs 

In the late 1950s, the Lions 

created the Leo Program to 

provide the youth of the world 

with an opportunity for personal 

development through 

volunteering. 

There are approximately 

144,000 Leos and 5,700 Leo 

clubs in more than 140 countries 

worldwide. 

1968: Establishing our foun- 

Lions...see page B11 

At a 

Glance: 


President: Jerry Brown 


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Opened: 1945 

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B7 

Women hammer glass ceiling 

American Association of University Women 

By Dave Smith 


ALGONA – In the fall of 

1881 two women envisioned 

forming an organization of 

women college graduates 

joining together to throw open 

the doors to the hallowed halls 

of higher education to other 

women and seek opportunities 

for them to use their training. 

To that end Marion Talbot and 

Ellen H. Richards called 

together 15 alumnae of eight 

colleges to meet in Boston, 

Massachusetts. 

Less than two months later, 

on Jan. 14, 1882, 65 women 

graduates of eight colleges 

and universities founded the 

Association of Collegiate 

Alumnae, forerunner of 

today’s AAUW. 

Since 1969, Algona has 

been home to one of 1,000 

nationwide branches of 

AAUW. Today the group 

includes more than 30 members, 

more than 100,000 

nationally, and provides 

scholarships, networking and 

numerous other community 

services locally. AAUW chapters 

promote gender-fair practices 

in the classroom, develop 

mentoring programs, initiate 

science and math camps, 

launch community action 

projects and lobby local and 

state legislators on issues considered 

important to mem- 

bers. 

The group has a tradition of 

actively pursuing equity from 

its foundation. That pursuit 

led to them becoming the first 

group ever to picket the White 

House for a political cause, 

when in 1917 college women 

stood vigil outside the White 

House, protesting the fact that 

women did not have the right 

to vote. 

In 1921 the Southern 

Association of College 

Women and the Association 

of Collegiate Alumnae joined 

forces to form the American 

Association of University 

Women, today known as simply 

AAUW. 

“It is great being with other 

Participating in activities to raise awareness about legislation ensuring pay equity for 

women performing the same work as male counterparts is a long-standing traction for the 

AAUW. Pictured in this photo are local women ringing bells for the cause: From left: Linnea 

KOSSUTH COUNTY 

Preparing for the challenges of tomorrow. 

Steve Kollasch 

Sheriff 

Amber Garman 

Auditor 

The official statement of recognition, establishing the Algona Branch of the American 

Association of University Women. Helen Kelley, Marion Ferris and Marianne Chalstrom. 

These three were the first President, Treasurer, and Vice President for Membership, 

respectively. 

women who have similar 

interests in and concerns for 

women. It is also rewarding to 

be part of an organization that 

has and does positively 

impact issues important to 

women and girls (such as) 

education, career opportunities 

and legislation for justice, 

human rights and reform,” 

said Julie Murphy, who is copresident 

of the Algona chapter. 

Susan Bangert is also cochair 

of the organization. 

The local branch blossomed 

form the effort of Helen 

Kelley who spoke to local 

women about founding an 

Algona branch of the organization 

in 1969. Elections were 

Karen Benschoter 

Recorder 

Nick Rahm 

Treasurer 

initially held in September of 

that year. The first officers 

included Kelley as president, 

Lorraine Smith first vice president 

(membership), 

Marianne Chalstrom second 

vice president (program planning), 

Secretary Dorothy 

Campney and Treasurer 

Marion Ferris. In later years 

Mary Cruikshank Grefe, originally 

from Algona, served as 

national president of the 

AAUW from 1979 to 1981. 

The AAUW has an impressive 

list of accomplishments 

since that first election. A few 

of the actions and activities 

that have positively influenced 

the Algona area are: 

In 1973, the Florence Call 

Judy Samp 

Assessor 

Doug Miller 

Engineer 

Todd Holmes 

County Attorney 

Board of Supervisors 

Seated left to right: 

Doug Miller, Engineer 

Pam Wymore, Chairman 

Amber Garman, Auditor 

Standing left to right: 

Eugene Elsbecker 

Don McGregor, Vice Chair 

Jack Plathe 

Don Besch 

Cowles Fellowship 

Endowment was created by a 

gift through the Algona 

Branch to the AAUW 

Educational Foundation. The 

gift of $100,000 was made by 

Mr. and Mrs. John Cowles as 

a memorial to Mr. Cowles’ 

mother who was an Algona 

native and resident. 

In 1982 the chapter sponsored 

a visit for teachers from 

Ghana and Sierra Leone. Two 

teachers from those countries 

visited schools in Algona and 

Burt. 

In 2002 AAUW sponsored 

a North Thorington Street 

Walking Tour during 

Founder’s Day weekend. 

Holmer, Mandy Redenius, Pam Gogerty, Laurel F. Anderson, Greta Meyer and Elna Easter. AAUW...see page B11 

www.co.kossuth.ia.us

B8 


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Helping women become their best 

Soroptimist International of Algona 

A group of women at their 

best, helping other women to 

become their best, can 

describe the dedicated members 

of the Soroptimist Club 

of Algona. 

Soroptimist International of 

Algona is part of Soroptimist 

International, a world-wide 

organization, started in 

Oakland, Calif., in 1921 that 

now has 14,000 clubs in 

America and Internationally. 

The club assists women by 

giving them the resources 

they need to improve education, 

skills, or job prospects. 

Since 1944, when Algona’s 

club was organized by a group 

of 16 ladies, membership has 

reached up to 38 members. At 

present, 22 members comprise 

the Algona Club. 

Commitment to the club by 

the members is exemplary. 

Judith F. Ludwig, club historian 

has held membership for 

38 years, Verna Lee Morgan, 

37 years, Delores Thilges, 36 

years, Helen Limbaugh, 35 

years, and six others including 

Sandy Danielsen, Dolores 

Mertz, Betty Harmon, Karen 

Hammer, Judy Hurn and Faye 

Weydert have all been members 

for 20 or more years. 

Charter member Della 

Welter remained a member 

until her death in 2001 at the 

age of 100. 

Welter was Algona’s first 

female attorney after she 

passed the Iowa Bar Exam in 

1935. 

The club has a rich history 

of fundraisers and projects 

which allows it to make charitable 

contributions to women 

and girls in the community. 

The club organized a variety 

of fund raisers and projects 

over the years from selling 

war bonds and taking 

charge of the USO rummage 

sale in 1944, sales including 

White Elephant sales, bake 

sales, Aplets and Cotlets sales, 

and held a style show in the 

50s, rummage sales, nut sales, 

candy sales and sponsored a 

dance at the Plantation 

Ballroom in the 60s and put 

on salad bar and soup suppers 

in the 70s. 

“During the 80s, we tried 

several ways of making 

money, Ludwig said. “We 

sponsored a cribbage tournament 

in 1982, after three or 

four Sunday afternoons our 

profit from the tournament 

was only $4.09, but we did it 

in the name of community 

spirit and we learn from our 

mistakes.” 

The group commissioned a 

collage depicting sights 

around Algona and sold 

prints, stationery and cards. 

The artist was an Algona High 

School graduate. 

In 1988, they started their 

first Tour of Homes. That, and 

selling Azalea nuts at holiday 

time, remained their two main 

fund raisers until February 

2009. 

Celebrating 50 years of service to Algona and the world. Front row, from left: Nelda Finn, 

Vera Graham, Alice Wilkins, Ruth Kent and Helen Huber. Second row, from left: Ginger 

Krebsbach, Sheila Ewen, Bonnie Hartman, Letha Van Allen, Karen Hammer, Betty Harmon, 

Darlene Claude, Judy Hurn, Faye Kuhlmann and Judy Ludwig. Back row, from left: Faye 

Weydert, Cleo Benschoter, Sandy Danielsen, Alice Loss, Delores Thilges, Rosemary Pingel 

and Verna Lee Morgan. 

Front row, from left: Carol Woods, Dolores Mertz, Betty Harmon, Soroptimist International 

President Alice Wells and Jan Reemstma. Second row, from left: Kris Dettman, Judy Hurn, 

Delores Thilges, Sandra Ley, Jean Brandow, Marcie Doughan, Karen Hammer and Judy 

Ludwig. Back row, from left: Verna Lee Morgan, Faye Weydert, Sandy Danielsen, Grace 

Freeburg, Ginger Krebsbach, Rhonda Ostwald and Joan (Thompson) Fitzgerald. 

“At that time we tried a new 

venture, ‘Ladies Night Out’ at 

the State Street 3 Theatre,” 

Ludwig said. “Our first time 

out proved a huge success so 

we did it again in the new 

State Street 5 Theatre in 

2010.” 

In addition to the fundraisers 

over the past 66 years, the 

club members have focused 

on numerous local projects. 

Algona Soroptimist Club 

participated in district and 

national projects as well. 

In 1994 when they celebrated 

their 50th anniversary, they 

hosted the Soroptimist 

International of America’s 

North Central Region Spring 

Conference. It again hosted 

the spring conference in April, 

2008, with members from five 

states in attendance for the 

three-day event. 

“We were honored to have 

International President-elect, 

and now International 

President, Alice Wells, as our 

guest,” explained Ludwig. 

In the early years the club 

concentrated on the war chest 

and projects aiding in 

European rehabilitation programs 

by sending care packages 

to Belguim and England 

and sending food to Norway, 

Holland and Paris. 

Packages were sent to the 

VA hospital in Des Moines 

and books were collected to 

be sent to Russia in 1945. 

During that period, they 

sponsored Girl Scouts, 

Brownie Troops and a diabetic 

camp. In the 60s, they furnished 

uniforms for Little 

League and organized the 

Heart Fund Drive from 1964 

to 1976. 

Soroptimists...see page B11 

Every time we arrange a 

personalized funeral service, 

we take special pride in going 

the extra mile. No one understands 

the importance of family 

more than we do. 

We are a family, serving families. 

At a 

Glance: 

Soroptimist 

International 

President: Sandra Ley 

Historian: Judy Ludwig, 

515-295-7028. 

Website: www.soroptimist.org


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B9

B10 



Remembering the highlights of racing 

Algona Raceway 

By Chad Meyer 


While the exact beginning 

of car racing in Kossuth 

County is unknown, we do 

know that racing at the 

Algona speed plant dates back 

at least to the Fourth of July 

weekend in 1913. 

According to Don Smith, 

former sports editor at the 

Algona Upper Des Moines 

and member of the Kossuth 

County Racing Hall of Fame, 

races then were promoted by 

civic groups in the Algona 

community and were held on 

Sunday afternoons as there 

were no lights at the speedway. 

When the speedway was 

first constructed, it was a full 

half-mile in length with the 

covered grandstand on the 

east side of the facility, unlike 

its present location to the 

west. It is also unknown to 

many race fans today that the 

fairgrounds track also shared 

its infield with the Algona 

High School football program. 

This history dates back to 

the 1940s when the president 

of National Speedway’s Inc., 

Al Sweeney, began bringing 

the knobby tired beasts of his 

sprint car fair circuit to town. 

The biggest stars of that era 

came to the Kossuth County 

track, including racing legends 

Bobby Grim, Emory 

Collins, Frank Luptow and 

many more. 

Following World War II, 

Sweeney aligned his organization 

with the International 

Motor Contest Association 

(IMCA) and county fair races 

across the country suddenly 

took on a whole new impor- 

tance. Under Sweeney’s 

direction, and with the likes of 

Grim, Collins, and Luptow 

racing at Algona, racing was 

suddenly a big deal in the 

county. 

Many long-time local fans 

still recall watching Bobby 

Grim power the famous 

“Bardahl Special” “Black 

Deuce” around the historic 

Kossuth County half mile. 

Even Grim himself remembers 

slinging dirt here. 

The fair races of the late 

1950’s sometimes saw the 

Kossuth County Fair hosting 

up to four races in one season. 

IMCA would bring in the 

headlining division of “big 

cars” (sprint cars) along with 

midgets. The fair would also 

sometimes host two shows of 

stock cars as well. 

The first weekly racing 

action at Algona started under 

Lamont Wellendorf’s tenure 

as track promoter. In 1961 he 

decided to leave driving race 

cars and offered to become 

track promoter at what 

became Kossuth Speedway. 

The first race under 

Wellendorf was held in 1961 

when the track was still a halfmile. 

The first weekly race 

event was polarizing for many 

in attendance. During that first 

race, driver Larry Cordes lost 

his life in a fiery accident in 

turn four. 

At that time the high school 

football field was located 

inside the half-mile race track. 

Approximately three or four 

daytime races were run until 

Ed Rich turned the lights from 

shining on the football field to 

shining on the race track to 

facilitate night racing. 

According to Wellendorf, at 

one time, Kossuth Speedway 

was rated as the third best 

half-mile track in Iowa. This 

was during a time when 

Wellendorf says there were 85 

half mile tracks in Iowa. 

During that first year of 

weekly racing in 1961, the 

track crew consisted of: 

Lamont Wellendorf, promoter; 

Shirley Wellendorf, payout 

and front gate; Dick Simpson, 

pit steward; Dwight Cook, 

flagman; Dorthy Simpson, 

chief scorer; Phil Diamond, 

track announcer. 

Wellendorf’s ties to the 

Kossuth County Fairgrounds 

ran deep. During the Great 

Depression, his father gave 

the land that the fairgrounds 

sit on in exchange for tax 

abatement and Wellendorf 

grew up in a house that sits 

just outside the race track. 

In 1962, Wellendorf led the 

re-configuration of the 

Kossuth track to a quarter 

mile, precipitated in part due 

to the loss of Cordes in the 

first race of the previous year. 

Wellendorf had helped form 

the Fairgrounds Motor Racing 

Association, Inc, and promoted 

four race tracks until he 

retired from track promoting 

in 1969. He then sold his 

interest in Kossuth Speedway 

to Dwight Cook for $1. 

Cook began his career at the 

Algona track in 1962 as flagman 

and soon became the second 

track promoter of the 

Kossuth County facility. 

When Cook first started 

promoting the speedway, they 

raced on Friday nights; however, 

it wasn’t long after they 

made the change to Saturday 

night racing. The move to 

Saturday was made at that 

time because stores stayed 

open Friday night and the 

Lamont Wellendorf (right), Algona Raceway’s first track promoter, brought weekly car racing 

to Kossuth County in 1961. 

store employees wanted to go 

to the races. 

Cook’s leadership of the 

facility continued until Jim 

and Helen Utt took the promoting 

reigns in 1975. This 

marked the return of sprint 

cars to the racing program at 

Algona. The Utts were supported 

well by the sprint car 

teams as the track fielded 

good car counts. That year 

proved to be Jim and Helen’s 

only year as promoters. 

Weekly racing at the 

Algona racing facility was 

shuttered following the last 

sprint car show in 1975. 

For the next 11 years, the 

Algona track sat idle. 

During its hiatus from 

weekly racing, under the leadership 

of Dick and Dorthy 

Simpson it saw an occasional 

demo derby or enduro race 

during the fair. 

In 1986, the Kossuth 

County Fair Board, Steve 

Krapp and others set out to do 

something about the lack of 

weekly racing. During that 

spring, the fair board and local 

volunteers worked to clear the 

quarter mile raceway and to 

carve an ATV track in the 

infield. 

With the decision to start 

weekly racing from scratch, 

Krapp as the track promoter 

needed cars built fast. He 

credits among others the 

Sidles, Wickman’s, Bill Cook, 

Ed Wolf and Gene 

Schattschneider as key racers 

who got cars built quickly to 

start racing again in Algona. 

The first race in 1986 took 

place on June 6 with a racing 

card included ATV’s, minisprints 

and nine race cars 

competing on that first night. 

Krapp remembers that first 

night the track was prepared 

with too much water applied, 

as seven of the nine cars racing 

got stuck in the mud. Pit 

passes were $5 and a clean 

sweep paid a whopping $60. 

The next week more cars 

and more race fans attended 

the reopened Algona facility 

and by July 4, they boasted 40 

cars. The excitement that year 

built to the Kossuth County 

Fair race in late July of 1986. 

With the help of many volunteers 

and local racer John 

Pletcher, the decision was 

made to bring a relatively new 

class to the fair races, the 

IMCA modifieds. Bob Weber 

recorded the first ever IMCA 

modified that night in front of 

a packed grandstand. 

Krapp feels that looking 

back, the 1986 fair race 

helped cement the return of 

weekly racing to Algona. 

Krapp’s tenure as track promoter 

in Kossuth County lasted 

only one year. After helping 

lead the effort to restore 

racing in Algona, he was 

eager to return to building 

cars and helping racers. Krapp 

said he witnessed everyone 

having fun racing again, and 

he wanted to join the fun. The 

Raceway...see page B15


Soroptimists From page B8 

The club has recently 

returned to sending packages 

to soldiers, and can often be 

found at local stores collecting 

donations of personal 

hygiene products to send in 

care packages. 

The club purchased $600 

worth of warm up athletic 

suits for Exceptional 

Opportunity residents participating 

in Special Olympics. 

They have donated equipment 

to the local hospital and 

Algona Ambulance Service. 

In the 80s they participated 

in the Plant Iowa Program. 

They sponsored the First 

‘Women’s Celebration Day’ at 

Iowa Lakes Community 

College, made tray favors for 

KRHC, rest homes, and Meals 

on Wheels. 

Rocking chairs were donated 

to Algona Library and 

benches to Kossuth County 

Fair Grounds. The club gives 

money contributions to the 

Science fairs at both Algona 

Middle School and Seton 

every year. 

“Our biggest project has 

been our RUOK project,” 

said Ludwig. “This is a computerized 

automatic calling 

service, set up in the police 

department made available to 

anyone in our area that lives 

alone.” 

When people sign up for the 

RUOK, they provide a contact 

person with a key to their 

house. The person is then 

automatically called each 

morning at an assigned time, 

and if they are unable to 

answer, the contact person 

goes to their house to check 

on them. 

Numerous other money and 

item contributions have been 

distributed accordingly within 

the community by Algona’s 

Soroptimist, not limited to, 

turkeys to Community 

Thanksgiving dinners, $2,000 

to the all-weather track which 

serves Algona and Bishop 


From left: Judy Ludwig, Linda Vaudt, Faye Weydert, Verna Lee Morgan, Marcie Doughan, 

Betty Harmon, Faye Kuhlmann and Karen Hammer. Faye Weydert presented a check from 

Soroptimist International to Linda Vaudt for use by the Kossuth County CARE Team. 

Garrigan Schools, DARE 

Officer Trading Cards, an 

oxygenator for Hospice, $500 

to KRHC Obstetric Wing, 

$1,000 to Senior Center, and 

SI of Algona furnished the 

daycare room at YMCA. 

Area firemen and emergency 

medical technicians 

received $2,000 to buy equipment, 

and $1,000 was given to 

the Family Crisis Center for 

furnishings. 

Money has been donated 

for swim tickets, CARE Team 

projects, Kossuth County 

Food Pantry and Algona 

Nature Center. The most 

recent contributions and projects 

sponsored by Algona 

Soroptimists are their ‘Senior 

Girls Night Out’ which is dedicated 

to help prepare girls as 

they go off to college and jobs 

after graduation, helping them 

to be better prepared as they 

face dangers of living away 

from home and family protection. 

A bake sale was held with 

funds going for mammograms 

for uninsured women. The 

Left to Right: 

Linda Kerkove, 

Martha Wagner, 

Aaron Taggart, 

Craig Hjelmeland, 

John Steier 

CARPET 

VINYL 

CERAMIC TILE 

WOOD 

LAMINATES 

AREA RUGS 

RICCAR VACCUMS 

PRATT & LAMBERT PAINT 

compassionate members of 

Soroptimist International of 

Algona also purchased material 

to make and assemble 

Seat Belt Buddies — small 

square pillows one can put 

under seat belts to help ease 

pain in areas after breast or 

abdominal surgery. One may 

contact KRHC, Mercy 

Medical Center, or any SI 

member to obtain the Seat 

Belt Buddy. 

Donations of $1,000 were 

given to Hospice of the 

Heartland and KRHC to 

Transforming Healthcare and 

Building for the Future. 

Algona Meals on Wheels and 

Algona Family YMCA have 

also been monetary recipients. 

The club has given many 

scholarships over the years to 

graduating seniors at Algona 

and Bishop Garrigan high 

schools. Each year, the Violet 

Richardson award is given for 

volunteerism, the Women’s 

Opportunity award scholarship 

is given to women aiming 

toward improving her education, 

and the Soroptimist 

32 

Years 

of Quality 

Flooring! 

213 E. State • Downtown Algona 

515.295.9496 


Ruby award, formerly known 

as the Women Helping 

Women Award. 

The list of International 

Projects Algona SI has made 

contributions toward, like 

their local projects, is extensive. 

To view the projects visit 

the Soroptimist website’s 

‘what we do’ link. 

The 22 members in Algona 

and almost 95,000 other 

Soroptimist members worldwide 

will continue to prove 

the strength of their club by 

successfully making women’s 

lives better and reaching out 

to help others, when help is 

needed. 

If you have interest in joining 

the club or making a charitable 

donation you may contact 

any SI member or visit 

the website. One may also 

educate themselves on issues 

affecting women today or 

learn how to get involved by 

supporting important 

women’s issues on the website 

or by contacting any club 

member. 

Lions From page B6 

cataract, trachoma, river 

blindness, childhood blindness, 

diabetic retinopathy and 

glaucoma. 

Today: Extending our reach 

Lions Clubs International 

extends its mission of service 

every day — in local commu- 

nities and in all corners of the 

globe. The needs are great and 

the services broad, including 

sight, health, youth, elderly, 

the environment and disaster 

relief. The international network 

has grown to include 

more than 200 countries and 

geographic areas. 

The Algona Lions club 

meets every Tuesday from 

noon to 1 p.m. at the Pizza 

Ranch in Algona. 

For further information 

please contact club President 

Jerry Brown 515-295-7275 

jbrown@evcpa.com or membership 

chairperson Reg 

Roberts at 515-295-3731 

regroberts749@yahoo.com. 

LOCALLY 

OWNED FOR 

OVER 

30 

Years 

The tour expanded the next 

year into the All Around the 

Town Walking Tour which 

was also held during 

Founder’s Day festivities. 

In 2003, the Algona branch 

was named a Gold Branch 

Winner in the 21st Century 

Recognition program for the 

walking tour project. The program 

is sponsored by the 

national AAUW and encourages 

branches to work on 

local projects in partnership 

with other organizations. 

In 2009, the Algona branch 

of AAUW hosted a community 

meeting featuring the former 

Lt. Governor Sally 

Pederson, who spoke on 

behalf of the Iowa Initiative 

and its effort to reduce the 

number of unintended pregnancies 

among 18-30 year old 

women in Iowa. 

In 2008-2010 the Algona 

branch sponsored activities 

for Equal Pay Day to promote 

awareness of the gap in 

salaries earned by men and 

women with the same level of 

education. Equal Pay Day is 

around April 20 and reminds 

people that in 16 months 

women earn what men of similar 

education earn in 12 

months. Their most recent 

effort was a bake sale in 

which men were required to 

pay full price for baked items, 

while women got items at 77 

percent, in proportion to their 

salary compared with men. 

The group stays active and 

organized, meeting monthly. 

“In the past we typically 

met in members’ homes,” said 

Ann Gale, secretary for the 

chapter. “This past year we 

have often met at Van Buren 

Terrace. It is convenient for 

some of our older members, 

and has good parking and a 

nice meeting room.” 

The chapter is involved in 

so many projects, programs 

and initiatives locally which 

would be considered the main 

undertaking? 

“It’s difficult to name only 

one,” Murphy admitted. “We 

organize and facilitate a televised, 

broadcasted candidates’ 

forum before each contested 

primary and fall election 

to help educate voters on 

YOUR IDEAS... 

OUR CREATIVITY 

B11 

AAUW From page B7 

At a 

Glance: 

American Association 

of University Women 

Co-presidents: Susan 

Bangert, 515-295-9505, 

and Julie Murphy, 515- 

295-5819. 

Website: www.aauw.org 

candidates’ views from the 

local and state level. 

“The Algona Branch conducts 

a very successful used 

book sale during the autumn 

craft weekend to raise money 

for scholarships that aid local 

women and girls in their college 

careers.” 

Along with those, the chapter 

sponsors scholarships for 

senior girls from Algona and 

Bishop Garrigan High 

Schools who will start college 

in the fall, and for a female 

Iowa Lakes Community 

College student attending the 

Algona campus. Algona 

AAUW members started the 

Women’s Networking event 

before handing it off to the 

Algona Chamber of 

Commerce. It is now an annual 

event. 

Continuing its goal of being 

of assistance to women, members 

founded the Women’s 

Shelter, now operated by the 

Crisis Intervention Service. 

And to promote interest in 

fields where women are not as 

well represented as men, the 

AAUW honors 8th grade girls 

who excel in math and science 

each year. 

Members who are especially 

active within the group are 

honored with a contribution in 

their name to the Eleanor 

Roosevelt fund. Members recognized 

with such contributions 

include Helen Kelley, 

Ella Zumach, Jane Nettleton, 

Maryanna Sarazine, Elna 

Easter, Gloria McClure, 

Midge Andreasen, Jan 

Mullins, Marion Ferris, and 

Cecile Ann Norton. 

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B12 


Photo by Kelly Goetz 

From left: Brandon Baade and his father Ron Baade in front of a car they’re restoring right 

now 

Bringing the G-Force 

By Kelly Goetz 


Opening their own car customization 

shop in November 

2008, Ron Baade and son 

Brandon turned a shared passion 

into a business. 

Starting as a hobby when 

Brandon was in high school, 

the duo had always enjoyed 

rebuilding cars up from their 

framework. 

Ron was previously in the 

vacuum cleaner business, 

serving those in the Algona 

and north central Iowa area 

for many years. Brandon 

worked for Extreme Auto in 

Humboldt for six years. 

Two years ago, they made a 

choice to work together to start 

a shop to provide muscle and 

auto restoration for classic cars, 

trucks, and hot rods or even to 

“trick out a daily driver.” 

“I’ve always just liked 

tricked cars and taking them 

to the next step. There’s a lot 

of satisfaction in a car when it 

all comes together when it is 

done and when people are 

awestruck with your work,” 

Ron said. 

Working out of a garage 

that was previously the U and 

I Used Clothing store, the 

Baades redesigned the shop 

for their needs. They both 

received their degrees in Auto 

Body and Collision from Iowa 

Lakes Community College 

and have obtained specialty 

tools for their line of work. 

Much of what they have 

learned has been through 

hands-on work and displaying 

patience. While there is 

always rewarding results in 

the end, getting a car to 

restoration status doesn’t happen 

overnight. 

“We take every nut and bolt 

apart to the bare frame and 

reassemble, sometimes two or 

three times just to get everything 

to fit right,” Ron said. 

“The devil is in the details.” 

Changes in technology of 

cars today have made the 

restoration process more 

remarkable with modern fuelinjected 

engines being able to 

be put into the late model cars. 

Their web site www.gforcecustoms.net 

shows a gallery 

of before and after pictures of 

several of the projects they 

have worked on in the last 

couple of years. “We bring 

these old cars into the future,” 

Ron said. 

One car they recently 

restored and painted with a 

special Lizardskin spray-on 

insulation product will be featured 

on SpikeTV in October. 

Force...see page B15 

have canned for the poor and 

sewed for the military at times 

of war. Members continue to 

donate thousands of dollars 

throughout the state for 

research, study and grants to 

people in need, such as for 

cancer, heart disease, diabetes, 

lung problems, Lupus, 

children’s diseases, autism 

and crippled children and 

adults, just to name a few. 

“A great deal of money has 

gone to research and study at 

the University of Iowa 

Hospitals,” Lovstad stated. 

“Each year a member of the 

research team gives an 

account of what has been 

done to help on this work.” 

The Algona chapter also 

generously contributed to 

Eastern Star and Masonic 

homes at Boone and Decorah. 

The Eastern Star is comprised 

of people with strong 

spiritual values, according to 

www.easternstar.org. People 

of all faiths are welcome. 

“The Estarl Program is an 

important program for grants 

to people going into the ministry 

and other religious leadership 

roles and have a need,” 

Lovstad stated. “It has been 

common to give grants from 

$40,000 to $70,000 to as 

many as 50 people.” 

One of the grant recipients 

is asked to take part in the 

Sunday morning worship 

service at the yearly statewide 

Grand Chapter Session. 

“I served on this state committee 

many years and was 

president of this education 

board for eight years,” 

Lovstad stated. “This worthy 

program is still important 

even though the number of 

applicants are fewer as we 

have a shortage of ministers 

and pastors.” 

In addition to the Algona 

Chapter of Eastern Star, the 

chapter’s Past Matrons’ Club 

is also very active, meeting 


Star From page B3 

monthly except January and 

February. 

There is also a branch for 

the younger female club 

members. The Order of 

Rainbow Assembly for Girls 

was organized on Nov. 17, 

1967. It was initiated and 

installed into office on Jan. 

20, 1968, with 35 charter 

members. The first Worthy 

Advisor was Phyllis Moulton, 

and current Eastern Star member, 

Charlotte Nold, was the 

first Mother Advisor. The 

chapter’s youngest member, 

Peggy Sue Armstrong, was 

very active in Rainbow, and 

recently went to the top in 

Rainbow Service. 

The first meeting of the 

Algona Eastern Star and 

Masons was held in the 

upstairs of a building on the 

corner of Hall and State 

streets. In 1931, the Masonic 

Temple was moved to the former 

Algona Hospital located 

on the North side of State 

Street, where there is now a 

one-story office building near 

Exceptional Treasures. 

The Temple Board, comprised 

of Eastern Star and 

Masonic members, was 

formed to be in charge of 

maintenance and activities of 

the building. This building 

was used until 1973 when the 

new Masonic Temple was 

built on North McCoy Street. 

The first year, there were 72 

members. 

“Our current membership is 

dwindling as are so many 

organizations,” Lovstad stated. 

“In the ‘40s, there were 

almost 200 members. We have 

88 current members. Thirtythree 

of these members have 

been members for 50 years 

and over.” 

Esther Sorenson was the 

chapter’s oldest member at 

105 when she passed away in 

January. She was a member of 

Kossuth Chapter No. 210, 

At a 

Glance: 

Algona Order of the 

Eastern Star No. 68 

Organization Officers: 

Worthy Matron: Sandy 

Ley, 

Worthy Patron: Bruce 

Thomas 

Associate Matron: 

Charlotte Larsen 

Associate Patron: Gary 

Larsen 

Secretary: Mabeline 

Lovstad 

Treasurer: Sue Thomas 

Conductress: Jackie 

Armstrong 

Associate Conductress: 

Dee Johnson 

Chaplain: Kaylene 

Kiewiet 

Marshal: Verna Lee 

Morgan 

Organist: Mary Georgia 

Hansen 

Adah: Joan Waller 

Ruth: Peggy Sue 

Armstrong 

Esther: Barb Ostrander 

Martha: Sandra Hoover 

Electa: Judi Calhoon 

Warder: Grant 

Ostrander 

Sentinel: Larry Johnson 

Formed: 1888 

Phone Number: 

515-295-3146 

Websites: 

www.easternstar.org or 

www.iowaeasternstar.org 

Burt, before the chapter consolidated 

with Algona, and 

she was a member of Eastern 

Star for 75 years. 

When Alice Murray passed 

away two years ago at 105, 

she had been a member for 84 

years. Murray belonged to 

Rainbow Chapter, Buffalo 

Center, after transferring from 

Truth Chapter of Forest City. 

Rainbow consolidated with 

Algona in 1995. 

“We now have at least 10 

other chapters in consolidation 

with Algona Order of 

Eastern Star,” Lovstad stated. 

“Many of our combined current 

members have served as 

state Grand Officers, Grand 

Representatives, District 

Instructors and Grand Chapter 

Committee members. Sandy 

Ley, Dee Johnson, Joan 

Waller, Judi Calhoon, Mary 

Georgia Hansen and myself to 

name a few.” 

The Algona Chapter of the 

Order of Eastern Star meets 

on the first Tuesday of the 

month, April through 

December, at 6 p.m. for a light 

meal with a meeting at 7 p.m. 

“We all seem to be aging, so 

we get home in better time 

than before with a 7 p.m. or 8 

p.m. meeting,” Lovstad joked. 

The first meetings were 

held on Tuesday on or before 

the full moon in order to have 

moonlight for traveling to and 

from the meetings. Later, it 

was changed to the first 

Tuesday of the month, “moon 

or no moon.” 

For more information on 

the Algona Order of Eastern 

Star No. 68, contact the 

Masonic Temple at 515-295- 

3146 or any chapter member. 

Classy 

from page B2 

They said that they are all 

so busy that one of the biggest 

challenges they face is finding 

one day a month when they 

can all get together for their 

trips. 

When this chapter of the 

Red Hat Society started, there 

were three groups in the area. 

Now there are six. The biggest 

change, Kresbach said, is that 

you can’t find red hats like 

you could back then. 

“Not that I need any more 

red hats,” said Ludwig with a 

laugh. 

The Classy Scarlet Belles 

love being part of the group. 

They like that if members 

meet up with another group 

that just happens to be where 

they are meeting, they are all 

quite happy to meet other 

members of the Red Hat 

Society. They are always willing 

to share.


1950 

Kossuth County Implement 

Ernie bought Kossuth County Implement and began Ernie 

Williams. Our original building was located on the 100 block 

of State Street downtown Algona. 

1952 

Diagonal Street 

In 1952 Ernie moved to Diagonal Street to accommodate 

the growth of his business where he had a larger and 

much improved building. 

1961 Our present day location. 

More room was needed again! Ernie Williams relocated 

to a spot on Highway 18. 

1962 Hwy 18 West 

In 1962 the building was all finished and time to move in. 

At the time this was the finest facility serving the area, 

with plenty of room to grow! 

1974 Expansion 

With the introduction of the 30 series tractor, the old 

facilities were not large enough to handle these larger 

machines; so construction began on a new facility. 

1979 Expansion 

Our facilities continued to expand to accommodate larger 

equipment & handle our expanding business. Many new 

buildings were erected & our main John Deere building 

was added on to 5 times! 

1995 Purchase of Titonka 

With the change in the Agriculture Business climate 

came the opportunity. Reaching out to our customer 

base in a whole new way became available with the 

opportunity to purchase the Titonka John Deere 

Dealership. 

1999 Purchase of Buffalo Center 

Another opportunity became available and we expanded 

our operation to Buffalo Center. 

2001 Purchase of Estherville 

Our last expansion happened in 2001 with the 

purchase of Estherville John Deere Dealership. 

Over 35 years of 

Ernie Williams, Ltd.; Ernie’s Harley-Davidson, Algona, Iowa 

and Okoboji Harley-Davidson, Okoboji, Iowa 

In July of 1975, Ernie Williams, Ltd. acquired the Harley-Davidson franchise to join its 

John Deere lawn mower line and thus started the Lawn & Leisure division of Ernie 

Williams, Ltd. Remodeling of the facility was commonplace, but our first addition to 

the building happened in 1996, along with a major remodeling. John Deere mowers 

and Harley-Davidson® motorcycles were sold side by side until June of 2002, when 

the growth of Harley-Davidson was too much to house both lines in the same facility. 

That was the end of Lawn & Leisure. Now we are known as Ernie’s Harley-Davidson. 

In 2003, to accommodate the needs of our customers and commemorate the 100th 

anniversary of Harley-Davidson, the replica of the 1903 H-D building was built, along 

with needed restrooms. 

In 2005, we expanded our service department and moved it to the building next door 

to allow us to handle the next several decades. This expansion also included more 

showroom space to connect the original building to the new service building. 

2007 brought a new chapter to Ernie’s Harley Davidson with the start of construction 

of a second location in Okoboji. Okoboji Harley-Davidson opened in February of 2008 

and has some of the familiar faces from Algona and many new employees to meet. 

® 

ERNIE 

B13 

2613 HWY. 18 EAST 

ALGONA, IA 

515-295-3561 

800-295-3561 

2120 330TH ST. 

TITONKA, IA 

515-928-2251 

800-458-4428 

715 1ST AVE. NE 

BUFFALO CENTER, IA 

641-562-2228 

877-209-0240 

2603 MURRAY ROAD 

ESTHERVILLE, IA 

712-362-7747 

800-248-3369 

WILLIAMS 

LTD. 

JOHN DEERE 

erniewilliamsltd.com 

Ernie’s 

HARLEY-DAVIDSON ® 

2613 HWY 18E • ALGONA • IA 50511 

515.295.7951 

www.erniesharley.com 

Okoboji 

® 

HARLEY-DAVIDSON ® 

1005 EASTVIEW AVE • OKOBOJI • IA 51355 

712.332.7700 

www.erniesharley.com

B14 

to send the international call 

of distress (S.O.S). The ham 

responded to the captain of 

the stranded ship and then 

contacted the Coast Guard to 

coordinate a successful rescue 

mission. 

“I did not have the privilege 

of receiving the message, but 

the story is one example how 

amateur ham radio operators 

are necessary and useful to 

people worldwide,” said 

Francis Platt, a ham of 25 

years. 

Although Francis wasn’t 

the amateur radio operator 

that responded to a vessel’s 

S.O.S. call, he and his brother, 

Herman Platt, a ham of 16 

years, did serve in time of crisis, 

taking over radio dispatch 

for the American Red Cross 

during a devastating flood in 

Arizona. 

They have also served 

locally as two of the 20 members 

of Kossuth Amateur 

Radio Operators. 

Residential 

Residential 

Care Care 

Vocational 

Services 


KARO meets once a week 

over the airwaves and performs 

drills to insure their 

reliability. 

They also coordinate with 

Kossuth County Emergency 

Management Director Jim 

Kelley and area law enforce- 

Residential 

Care Care 

Vocational 

Vocational 

Services Services 

Supported orted 

Community 

Living 

Day Habilitation 

ment to volunteer their services. 

During times of emergency, 

ham radios can allow communication 

when newer technologies 

fail, such as during a 

loss of power or infrastructure 

failure. Recently, the Kossuth 

County Emergency Operation 

Center was upgraded to 

include a dual ham radio, and 

KARO’s repeater received a 

new dual band radio for linking 

to Des Moines in the event 

of emergency or disaster. 

However, disasters aren’t 

the only time KARO serves its 

community. Members assist at 

community events as well, 

directing traffic, guiding visitors 

or aiding with shuttle 

services. During organized 

runs, hams follow participants 

with handheld radios, allowing 

them to call for an ambulance 

if needed. 

KARO was honored with 

the Governor’s Volunteerism 

Award in 2009 for its 

resourcefulness to the com- 

Residential 

Care 

Vocational 

Services rvices 

Supported 

Supported 

Community 

Community 

Living Living 

Day Day Habilitati 

Habilitation 

Residential 

Care 

Vocational 

Services 

Supported 

Community 

LLiving 

Day Day Habilitation 

Habilitation 

Thank you Algona and 

surrounding areas for helping 

us make a difference in the 

lives of people. 

EXCEPTIONAL 

OPPORTUNITIES, INC. 

Supported 

Community 

Living 

705 1st St. • Burt • 515-924-3251 

munity. 

Kossuth Amateur Radio 

Operators is actively seeking 

new members. 

Current members want to 

increase interest in amateur 

radio and will help any way 

they can with the licensing 

process of new hams. There is 

also a technician class to teach 

skills necessary for acquiring 

an FCC Amateur Radio technician 

level license. 

This license allows hams to 

operate an amateur radio on 


Ham From page B3 

At a 

Glance: 

Kossuth Amateur Radio 

Operators 

President: Scott Walker 

Formed: 1970 


295-5831 


From left: KARO member Herman Platt, Kossuth County 

Sheriff Deputy Ray Fredrich and KARO member Jeff 

Mortensen coordinate communications at the annual 

Water’s Edge Triathlon at Smith Lake. 


Some of the members of the Kossuth Amatuer Radio Operators. Front row, from left: Rick Thompson, Brandy 

Brandenburg, Scott Walker and Merrill Rasmussen. Back row from left: Mark Kelly, Bob Solbeck, Carol Brandenburg, Jerry 

Hackett, Herman Platt and Larry Walker. 

VHF and UHF frequencies. 

Such frequencies are used in 

local Amateur Radio 

Emergency Service (ARES) 

activities, including storm 

watch and emergency communication. 

Demonstrating proficiency 

in Morse code is not a requirement 

to obtain an amateur 

radio license. 

“Interest in code has gone 

downhill and by the wayside,” 

Francis said. 

Following changes in inter- 

national regulation in 2003, 

countries were no longer 

required to demand proficiency. 

In the United States, the 

Federal Communication 

Commission phased out the 

requirement in 2007. 

For more information, contact 

KARO President Scott 

Walker at 515-295-5831 or 

any other KARO member for 

more information about the 

club and how you can become 

a volunteer. 

Francis and Herman Platt 

Francis Platt, and his brother Herman 

Platt, were introduced to ham radio while 

growing up in North Dakota. Francis was 

about 8 when he started visiting his neighbor, 

an amateur radio operator he called 

Andy Gump. 

“The radio was a small chasse made up of 

tubes about the size of a shoebox. It had a set 

of headphones, and Andy Gump would let 

me use one side of the set so I was able to listen 

in on his communications,” Francis said. 

“Electricity was not available where we 

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lived, so being able to listen to the radio was 

interesting and quite fun.” 

Francis’s interest in ham radio became 

serious during WWII when he served in the 

military as a Navy mechanic. The Navy used 

radiotelegraphy for long distance communication 

called “Loran,” or Long Range 

Navigation. Francis became fluent in decoding 

dots and dashes into letters. He combined 

his translated letters to form words and 

a complete message at the rate of 20 words 

per minute. 

MASTIC 

HOME EXTERIORS 

Aaron 

Lewis 

I M P R O V E M E N T 

515.295.5490 • 866.295.5490 • www.meyerhome.com


Raceway From page B10 

track was in good hands moving 

forward as Dan and Sandy 

Danielson became the track’s 

promoter for the next two 

years. 

The momentum that Krapp 

and Danielson built was taken 

even further under the leadership 

of Daryl Brayton, who 

operated the racing facility at 

the Kossuth County 

Fairgrounds from 1989 – 

1993. 

The first year he operated 

the track, it was still in its 

smaller configuration, a quarter 

mile. Prior to his second 

year of track operation, 

Brayton coordinated the 

reconstruction of this racing 

facility to its present configuration, 

measuring 4/10 of a 

mile in diameter. 

Under Brayton’s leadership, 

the track was known as Fair 

Street Speedway. Brayton had 

always been an individual to 

quickly give credit to the 

many businesses and individuals 

who helped with the 

reconfiguration. 

The person who helped 

bring them all together was 

Brayton and much of what we 

have today for a great facility 

and racing surface was started 

years ago with a supportive 

fair board, many supporters 

Arnold From page B12 

Hoping to be known 

for producing quality 

work, the Baades are 

excited to see their work 

displayed on national television. 

“We just really want to 

get a name for our shop,” 

Brandon said. Both hope 

to expand their business 

in the future with more 

space to work and take 

on more projects. 

When asked about 

their competition, the 

Baades hardly blinked. 

“Competition is a word 

invented by those worried 

about the quality of 

their work. Only one who 

attempts the absurd can 

achieve the impossible,” 

Ron said. 

S 

E E 

T H E 

D I F F E 

R E N C E 

John C. Kortenber, O.D. 

and a great leader like Daryl 

Brayton to help pull it all 

together. 

Today, weekly racing at 

Algona Raceway continues to 

flourish under the command 

of long-time track promoter 

Joe Ringsdorf. In an era of 

economic challenges affecting 

all involved in racing, Algona 

has become a Saturday night 

oasis, continuing to offer 

entertainment to motorsport 

enthusiasts. 

In 2006, the Kossuth 

County Racing Hall of Fame 

was created to honor racers, 

promoters and individuals 

who have made racing in the 

county great. To date, 32 legends 

of the sport have been 

enshrined in the hall of fame. 

Even more recent efforts 

have begun to further preserve 

our rich history. The Kossuth 

County Agriculture & 

Motorsports Museum, featuring 

the Benschoter train station, 

is planned to be constructed 

on the northeast corner 

of the fair grounds. 

(Authors note: This look at the 

history of racing in Kossuth 

County is not intended to be all 

inclusive. It is a snapshot of history 

gathered and recorded thus 

far. We look forward to gathering 

more history and stories for many 

years to come.) 

At a 

Glance: 

Business: G-Force Customs, 

LLC Hot Rods and 

Restorations. 

Owners: Brandon and Ron 

Baade 

Opened: 2009 

Location: 313 E. Nebraska 

St., Algona 

Phone Number: 515-295- 

2920 

Hours: Monday through 

Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 

p.m. 

Wayne Patterson 

Construction, LLC 

New Construction & Remodeling 

Whittemore, Iowa 

Wayne Patterson 

515-884-0038 (h & f) 515-320-1448 (c) 

FREE ESTIMATES - 39 YEARS EXPERIENCE 

References Available 

Change 

never looked 

so good! 

We’ve added 

exciting new sunglass 

lines, fun frame lines! 

We offer personalized, 

individual service along 

with great products. 

All of us appreciate your 

support and look 

forward to another 

successful year! 

112 North Thorington St. 


Ph: 515.395.3937 


Grading 

Excavating 

Drainage & More! 

SITE DEVELOPMENT 

SITE CLEARING & GRUBBING 

GPS MAPPING & SURVEYING 

UTILITY INSTALLATION 

SEPTIC SYSTEMS 

DRIVEWAY CONSTRUCTION 

BASEMENT EXCAVATION 

FARM DRAINAGE & TILING 

TRENCHING & BACK FILLING 

GRADING 

B15 

Celebrating the RV lifestyle 

Algonquin Chiefs chapter of the Good Sam Club 

By Kristina McGraine 


Jim Sprout is president of 

the Algonquin Chiefs Chapter 

of the Good Sam Club. This is 

just one division of the nationwide 

group of RV’ers and 

campers who promote the 

spirit of giving back to others. 

In fact, according to Jim’s 

wife, Rose, this is exactly why 

the organization was started. 

The inception of the Good 

Sam Club came about in the 

late 1960s and the Algona 

chapter was organized until 

1978. 

Members of any chapter of 

the Good Sam Club receive 

services such as roadside 

assistance, RV extended warranty, 

insurance, financial 

services and emergency services. 

In addition, the groups 

meet for many fellowship 

events and tours. 

The Algona chapter is 

active in the community in 

many ways. Jim states that 

members completed repairs 

and renovations of the Smith 

Lake shelter house, including 

putting in screens and doors. 

Algona members pick up 

trash around the Smith Lake 

area to maintain a clean and 

welcoming environment for 

fellow campers. 

The group also collects pop 

tabs for the Ronald McDonald 

House, which are delivered to 

the Algona McDonalds. 

The Algonquin Chiefs at Band Day, 2009. 

In the past, the chapter has 

donated funds for Special 

Olympics, Dogs for the Deaf 

and the senior center. 

The Algonquin Chiefs was 

presented a certificate for 

being the fastest growing 

chapter of the Good Sam Club 

last year. 

“There are 15 couples and 

one single in the chapter,” said 

Rose Sprout. 

The group received its 30 

year certificate in 2008. 

One aspect of the Good 

Sam Club is the many rallies’ 

that are held both locally and 

statewide. Past locations have 

been Fort Dodge, Amana and 

Spencer, among others. 

Members gather for fun and 

entertainment, as well as community. 

In 2009, local member Bea 

Miller provided the winning 

theme for the state rally — 

Grand Ole Opry. Participants 

dressed up as Minnie Pearl 

and Grandpa Jones for the festival. 

It is activities such as 

these that make the club not 

just a service club, but one 

with a lighthearted spirit. 

To become and member of 

the Algonquin Chapter of the 

Good Sam Club, it is as easy 

as attending a meeting. 

Meetings are held monthly 

at either the Smith Lake 

campground or the senior center, 

depending on the season. 

For more information, contact 

Jim Sprout at 515-295-5138. 

Information can also be found 

by logging onto the organizations 

website at www.goodsamclub.com. 

1711 E. Spruce St. 

Algona, Iowa 

PHONE: 515-295-2499 EMAIL: eee@netamumail.com 

WEBSITE: www.erpeldingexcavating.com 

Submitted photo

B16 

ALGONA MAIN BANK 

5 East Call St. 

Algona, IA 50511-2499 

PHONE 515-295-3595 

TOLL-FREE 800-ISB-3595 

FAX 515-295-3204 

START A 

VISIT A BANKER AT IOWA STATE BANK 

ALGONA STATE STREET OFFICE 

415 East State St. 


PHONE 515-295-2439 

CORWITH OFFICE 

P.O. Box 180 

103 NW Elm St. 

Corwith, IA 50430 

PHONE 515-583-2390 

FAX 515-583-2532 

RUTHVEN OFFICE 

P.O. Box 249 

1108 Gowrie St. 

Ruthven, IA 51358 

PHONE 712-837-5215 

FAX 712-837-5213 


ALGONA | CORWITH | RUTHVEN | WESLEY 

www.BankISB.com 

Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender | Equal Opportunity Lender 

WESLEY OFFICE 

P.O. Box 218 

108 Main St. 

Wesley, IA 50483 

PHONE 515-679-4533 

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