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The political winds in Kansas Territory in 1859 were finally turning in favor of potential statehood. An effective constitution was critical for acceptance of statehood by the United States Congress. The fourth attempt to draft that critical document was chronicled by Col. John A. Martin in an address to a 23-year reunion of convention participants at Wyandotte, Kan., July 29, 1882. Martin’s address was published in the July 30, 1882, edition of the Atchison Champion.
Read moreOnce the votes are counted, let’s remember to move forward
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As the weeks of summer melt away, I find my excitement growing for what lies ahead. I hope our students and families have enjoyed some time away from school — we can’t wait to welcome everyone back. Meet your Teacher is scheduled during the afternoon/ early evening of Aug. 15 and then the first day of school is Aug. 16!
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In 1879, big Texas herds bound for the northern ranges of Wyoming, Montana and the Dakotas were following the Western Trail into west central Texas. The trail crossed No Man’s Land, today’s Oklahoma Panhandle, on the way to Dodge City and Ogallala, Neb. While not the preferred route to the far northern ranges, cattlemen still used the Chisholm Trail to reach the grasslands of southern Kansas where exceptionally fine pasture transformed the wild Texas cattle into beefy, contented animals.
Read moreFour years ago, I was asked to become a contributor to this column and had no idea that this would become a regular part of my world. I also didn’t realize how much fun it would be to share experiences and thoughts about farming, rural life, community and the lessons that have formed my values.
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The cowboy is without question the undisputed heroic symbol of the American West. Movies, novels and songs have carried his fame around the world, and yet, the era in which he prevailed lasted only a few decades. Oh, but what decades they were!
Read moreAbilene, Kan., is well-known as the famous end-of-trail cattle town. Cowboys notoriously paraded through its streets, shooting and rampaging with wild abandon.
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