Tag: Rural life

Loss upon loss

August 26, 2015

     According to the latest U.S. Census figures, for the first time in 125 years the population of Blue Rapids dropped below 1,000. For residents of the second largest city in Marshall County, this was big news, distressing news, news that many felt was the harbinger of things to come. Vocal doomsayers knowingly wagged … More Loss upon loss

Inspired by car run, KC artist sets out to paint every town along the Kansas White Way

September 5, 2014

     On a cloudy, humid August afternoon where uncertain skies threatened either sun or storm, David Douglas DeArmond turned off Highway 9 and drove north toward Greenleaf. His maroon Honda CRV slowed at the city limits and thereafter crawled along at a snail’s pace with his head swiveling left and right as if detached … More Inspired by car run, KC artist sets out to paint every town along the Kansas White Way

In memory of Carol Hood: Resetting the pins, a cancer survivor and one really special ball

July 16, 2014

     When Carol Hood saw the ball, she knew she wanted it. Bad.      The ball was marbled pink with prominent breast cancer awareness ribbons and unmarked by finger holes. It was a bowling ball—a very special bowling ball—on display at the United States Bowling Congress 2006 Women’s Championships in Reno, Nev. Hood … More In memory of Carol Hood: Resetting the pins, a cancer survivor and one really special ball

The Kansas White Way Car Run celebrates 100 years of road history

May 16, 2014

      The last shall be the first, and the first last. The phrase kept running through my head as the car run unspooled from its lineup in front of the majestic Brown Grand Theater in downtown Concordia to make its way into the rising sun, the morning cool and clear and virtually windless, … More The Kansas White Way Car Run celebrates 100 years of road history

Fateful journey into the wilderness for the Parker clan

October 27, 2013

     Like other frontier folk, they were always on the move, relocating ever westward as settlements became too populous or their distinct brand of religion clashed with others, or for reasons known only to themselves. Sometimes the still, small voice of God called them forth and at others the land itself through earthquakes and … More Fateful journey into the wilderness for the Parker clan

Home on the range

August 27, 2013

     The sun teetered on the rim of the world before slipping beyond the curvature of the planet and still the big cow stood unmoving by the truck. Crouched several hundred yards away behind a clump of sumac I watched it and waited in the hopes that it would lose interest and move off, … More Home on the range