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Posted in American Countryside Illinois World War II

The Pig that Built a Battleship…Sort Of

It costs a lot of money to build a battleship.  The U.S. government was building all kinds of ships as fast as possible during World…

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Posted in American Countryside Illinois World War II

The 4-H Pig That Became A War Hero

Let’s face it – most hogs are destined to become pork chops and bacon.  But this hog had a change of course.  Perhaps it was…

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Posted in American Countryside Nebraska

The First Encounter with Wild Bill Hickok

Mention the name Wild Bill Hickok and many people have images of a western lawman not afraid to enter a  shootout to bring about justice. …

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Posted in American Countryside Nebraska

Ruts That Are Never Filled

If someone cuts ruts down a muddy dirt trail, someone else will probably need to come and fill them in before the road can be…

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Posted in American Countryside Kansas

The Flying Priest of Bolivia

Buying a plane seemed like a good idea.  Then again, Mike Gould didn’t know how to fly.  It turned out to be one of his…

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Posted in American Countryside Kansas

Bolivia on Horseback

It’s been nearly seventy years since Mike Gould was assigned to work in Bolivia.  He’s spent almost all of those seven decades working in South…

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Posted in American Countryside Illinois

Finding New Markets in a Pandemic

When the Covid pandemic hit this country, this small business suddenly found half of its sales gone.  It was a staggering blow that caused them…

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Posted in American Countryside Illinois

Ropp Jersey Cheese

It may be difficult for a small dairy producer to make a living.  However, just outside of Normal, Illinois, Ken Ropp is doing just that,…

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Posted in American Countryside Illinois

The Ropps of Ropp Road

Ken laughs when people tell him he must be pretty famous to have a road named after him.  It is true the road bears the…

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Posted in American Countryside Illinois

The Bronze Star Optometrist

Over two decades after he first entered the army…Kermit Bell was now on his way to Vietnam.  Not only would he serve in that conflict…but…

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