JL WILKINSON was born in Algona, Iowa on May 14, 1878. His father, John J. “JJ” Wilkinson was the superintendent of schools in Algona at that time. J Leslie Wilkinson learned to play and love baseball in his early years here in Algona. When his father moved the family first to Omaha, Nebraska, and then to Des Moines, the young Wilkinson had become well known in high school and college as a pitcher. 

Well I’m sitting here at my computer wondering what in the world to write about. I remember Dorothy Muckey, who wrote a column for the paper for years and years, telling me once, “Sometimes I can’t think of what to write about so I just look heavenward and tell God He has to help me.” She said it always worked. So I tried that, but God must be busy elsewhere, because I still don’t have a topic. Maybe Dorothy’s Methodist prayers were more appealing than my Catholic ones. Whatever.

Letter to the Editor

Dear sir or madam,

This is to inform you that I greatly enjoy reading Molly MacDonald’s Inkspots. They are my favorite part of the Advance and the first thing I read every time! Each Thursday, I forget if the previous week had an Inkspots and hurriedly search to see if there is a new one. They make me smile, laugh, and, overall, just happy.

Sincerely,

Felicity Huemiller

By Devere Adams, City of Algona

This is the time of year when many people start thinking about home improvements, building projects and other work around the house. Before jumping into a construction project – whether it’s at your home or at a commercial business – keep these general reminders top of mind.

Newspaper comics

I would be awakened by the sound of the front door opening as Dad would grab the Sunday paper off the front step, the cool air temporarily drifting through our cozy, little home. The coffee pot would start churning, and I could hear the clicking of Dad’s lighter and the smell of his cigarette.

Italian Bees available

150 Years Ago

ITALIAN BEES ----- Parties desiring to purchase one or more swarms of Italian Bees should apply to Dr. Forbush of Irvington township at any time before the middle of May.

125 Years Ago

One Pastor’s Perspective

By Chris Burtnett, Pastor at First Congregational United Church of Christ, Algona

From the History of Kossuth County 1912-1976

To the Editor:

So Chill

There have been multiple Social Security system crashes since the Trump / Musk regime "updated" the software, and Musk continues to attempt staff layoffs. Beneficiaries have experienced problems logging in, outages and service disruptions. Some people received messages that they "aren't currently receiving payments."

JESUS CHRIST

Jesus Christ, 33, of Nazareth, died Friday on Mount Calvary, also known as Golgotha, the place of the skull. Betrayed by the apostle Judas, Jesus was crucified by the Romans, by order of the Ruler Pontius Pilate. The causes of death were crucifixion, extreme exhaustion, severe torture and loss of blood.

Jesus Christ, a descendant of Abraham, was a member of the house of David.

Stupid American joke

Imagine being a teenager and spending the bulk of one of your teenage years in another country where you didn’t know a single person, had never been to a single place and could barely speak the language. For most teenagers — including me — that would have been unthinkable. Meanwhile, students from around the globe are foreign exchange students and are thankful for the memorable opportunities and lifelong friendships.

150 Years Ago

THE RIVER. ---- The conduct of the Des Moines has been very exemplary this spring, not withstanding the apparently good reason it had for getting on the rampage and giving a free exhibition of its prowess. The slow and gradual passing off of the large body of snow which covered the ground in the early spring has been favorable to an unusual degree in insuring us against damage from spring freshets.

125 Years Ago

What is it good for?

By John Heille, Lead Pastor at Good Hope, Immanuel and St. John's Lutheran Churches

There’s a line from a song by Edwin Starr. If I say it just right many people know exactly what words come next.

“What is it good for...” That line’s from Edwin Starr’s classic song, “War”.

He asked out loud, “War, huh, what is it good for?”

And his response was simple, “absolutely nothin.”

Of the miraculous return of Christopher Robin

Just after I wrote my last column, telling sadly about the disappearance of my stray cat, Christopher Robin, whom I had been feeding for seven years, he magically reappeared! I suppose he might have read the column and felt guilty for making me sad. However, I don’t think he’s a subscriber to this paper, so there must be another explanation.

Atlas delves deeply into Iowa history

Atlas of Iowa

Shepard, Robert C., et al

University of Iowa Press

ISBN 978-1-60938-959-8

$39.95

At the risk of seeming Iowa-centric (okay, I am), I must admit that Atlas of Iowa, recently published by University of Iowa Press, presents details I had never considered about my adopted state.