–Former Iowa Governor and U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad will be the featured speaker at a Chataqua Talk next Saturday at the Wilcox Performing Arts Center in Algona. The Kossuth County Democrats are hosting the event as a way to honor the memory on longtime state legislator Delores Mertz and the scholarship that has been set up in her name. Josh Manske with the Kossuth County Democrats spoke with KLGA News about the event taking place on Saturday, June 28th.
The Mertz Scholarship was established in 2023 as a way to honor the longtime legislator who passed away in October of 2022. It is given to High School graduates from Kossuth County to help further their education, as applicants must complete an essay on being a good citizen. Branstad and Mertz had a strong relationship despite being members of opposing political parties.
Branstad is Iowa’s longest tenured Governor, serving four terms from 1983-1999 before being elected again in 2010 and 2014. Branstad left midway through his 6th term to become our nation’s ambassador to China. Manske says attendees will get the chance to interact with Branstad in a couple of different ways.
The Chataqua talk and fundraiser will be held on Saturday, June 28th beginning at 2 PM inside the Wilcox PAC. There is no cost to attend, but a free will donation will be accepted and directed to the scholarship fund. Chataqua talks were popular in the early 20th century, as they provided a chance for civic engagement, education and entertainment for the community. Another Chataqua talk is being scheduled for September 20th in Algona, as that event will feature former U.S. Senator Tom Harkin. For more information, you can go to www.kossuthdemocrats.org.
