Ottosen leader steps down after 47-plus years

To be the longest serving mayor in the state of Iowa is really something. To have done it without his name being on the ballot is something else. This week, Ottosen Mayor Richard Kinseth is closing the book on what has been an amazing run as leader of this northwest Humboldt County town of 55 folks (according to the 2010 U.S. Census, local leaders say it’s closer to 40 today). Kinseth has been mayor for the past 47-plus years, and presided over his final city council meeting Monday night. He took the gavel long enough to open the meeting, announce his resignation and turn things over to Mayor pro-tem Monte Newton. Richard and wife Ramona will soon be leaving their home at 109 Kinseth Avenue, relocating to Humboldt. To read more about his unlikely experience, subscribe to the Humboldt Independent. Get print or digital editions by clicking on the link at the top of the page.