Athol News

Many residents think it's a foregone conclusion the post offices will be closed, something postal authorities repeatedly denied.

The interior of the cabin belonging to the Rev. Samuel Adair is seen Wednesday, May 17, 2000, at the John Brown museum in Osawatomie, Kan.

It's a familiar refrain, and one El Dean Holthus is pushing hard to keep alive. It is, after all, the birthplace of "My Western Home," which, set to music, is today considered by some to be the national anthem of country music and long ago was a favorite around the campfire by cowboys heading West.

A cabin once occupied by Dr. Brewster Higley sits north of Athol, Kan. The cabin is recognized as the birthplace of Kansas' official state song, commonly known as "Home on the Range." Money is being raised to cover renovations to the cabin.

SMITH COUNTY, Kansas - "Home on the Range" is the state song of Kansas. Now the cabin where the song was first penned is in need of some major repairs.