Book explores American fixation on the end of the world

Written by Don Ratzlaff Tuesday, 21 August 2012 12:57

Richard Kyle holds his latest book, “Apocalyptic Fever,” which explores America’s interest in the end of the world. Why do Americans love doomsday?

That’s the question Richard Kyle, Tabor College professor of history and religion, addresses in his latest book, “Apocalyptic Fever: End-time Prophecies in Modern America.”

The book, Kyle’s 10th, was released earlier this month by Cascade Books, an imprint of Wipf and Stock Publishers, which combines academic rigor with broad appeal and readability.

That’s the approach Kyle feels he has achieved.

“It’s about the Chicken Littles: ‘The sky is...

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It’s official: Marshmallow roast a record

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 21 August 2012 12:55

In the heat of competition: Roast participants cooked their marshmallows during the March 24 event. Marion County residents can hold their heads high with the official word last week that they helped set a new record with Guinness World Records for “Most People Roasting Marshmallows.”

Steve Hudson, superintendent of Marion County Park and Lake, said his office received confirmation that the attempt he helped organize March 24 at the lake was successful.

“I was on cloud nine,” Hudson said about the news. “My wife and daughter wondered what all the hootin’ and hollerin’ was...

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High school fall sports begin practice Monday

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 14 August 2012 12:52

High schools in Marion County and across Kansas began practicing for fall sports on Monday. At Hillsboro, first-year football coach Lance Sawyer (top photo) directs his Trojan hopefuls during warm-up drills.

At middle, senior Tyrell Thiessen and fellow linemen flip huge tractor tires to build strength and endurance, while backs like junior Scott Brazil (bottom photo) drag car tires at full speed for the same purpose. HHS opens its season Aug. 31 at Lyons.

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Barker, Emler post clear primary wins

Written by Don Ratzlaff Tuesday, 14 August 2012 12:49

Emler Despite losing to Doug Lin­dahl in Marion County, John Barker pulled enough votes elsewhere in the 70th District to win the Republican nomination for the open seat in the Kansas House by a comfortable margin in the Aug. 7 primary election.

District-wide, Barker, a retired judge from Abilene, pulled 59 percent (2,015) of the Republi­can vote to defeat Lin­dahl (1,375), an agri-businessman from Enterprise.

But Marion County voters gave Lindahl a 57 percent to 43 percent advantage over...

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Hillsboro approved for ‘Walking School Bus’

Written by Don Ratzlaff Tuesday, 14 August 2012 12:49

It may not get rolling for up to a year, but families in Hillsboro will have the option of sending their kids to and from school aboard a “Walking School Bus.”

Hillsboro is one of three communities in Kansas to share grant funds for two years totaling $24,575 to be part of the relatively new and innovative program that offers at least three benefits:

• to provide young students with supervised transportation to and from school;
• reduce danger caused by vehicle congestion around...

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