Andres Mata is the CEO and founder of the Kansas Civic Network, a Kansas-based civic engagement organization focused on helping communities connect, collaborate, and participate in public life.

In this episode of Ask A Kansan, we sit down with Steven Kimmi, a Kansan, educator, and local explorer who is on a mission to change the way people see Kansas. What started during the pandemic as a response to negative portrayals of the state quickly turned into a passion for exploring Kansas’s state parks, small towns, and the best burgers and pizza along the way.

Greg Peterson is the oldest of the Peterson Farm Brothers and a Kansas farmer, creator, and storyteller. Farming alongside his brothers near Lindsborg and Assaria, Greg helped launch the Peterson Farm Bros into YouTube fame by blending agriculture, education, and music to connect audiences with modern farming.

Colby Sharples-Terry is the Public Relations and Communications Manager for Kansas Tourism and the host of the travel television series On the Road into the Stars. With nearly a decade of experience in tourism promotion, Colby has built a career around telling Kansas stories in a way that inspires people to get out and explore.

Rosa Cavazos serves as a Special Projects Coordinator with Kansas Tourism (Kansas Department of Commerce), where she helps lead statewide initiatives that inspire Kansans to get involved, explore, and celebrate what makes the state unique.

Trooper Joe Owen is a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper and the agency’s Lead Recruiter, bringing more than 20 years of law enforcement experience to the role.

Brandon Sokol is the Facility Director of the Prairie Paws Manhattan Animal Shelter, where he helps lead a community-focused, “no-kill” approach to animal welfare—balancing compassionate care for cats and dogs with the real-world constraints of shelter capacity, staffing, and municipal contracts. Prairie Paws operates its main campus in Ottawa and also manages contracted shelters for Emporia and Manhattan, partnering with local governments to provide animal control impound se

Winter in Kansas can be brutal, and most people wouldn’t consider it a good season to be outdoors, let alone hiking. However, those who take advantage of a warm afternoon, or are just a little off their rocker and brave the elements enjoy several benefits unique to winter hiking. The first is solitude. Don’t get me wrong a busy state park and the hum of boats on the water are great, but we can enjoy that in the warmer months. There’s something special about being the only one

On the edge of Concordia, Kansas, the National Orphan Train Complex preserves the story of children sent west during the Orphan Train Movement from 1854–1929. As the nation’s only museum dedicated to this history, it shares the artifacts and personal stories of the riders whose journeys helped shape Kansas and America.

Hikers across Kansas kicked off the new year with First Day Hikes at 24 Kansas State Parks. This year’s hike at Glen Elder State Park offered a fog-filled, three-mile walk through nature and a chance to reflect on the area’s deep history, including the sacred site of Waconda.

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, a key stop along the Central Flyway, shelters hundreds of thousands of migratory birds each year. Among them, the endangered Whooping Crane finds safety in the refuge’s rare inland salt marsh. A family of cranes, including a juvenile, was spotted before taking flight over the Kansas horizon—a striking reminder of Quivira’s vital role in protecting these majestic birds.

his week’s Curious Kansan segment takes us to “The Best Square Mile on Earth”. Lindsborg, Kansas home to the beloved Svensk Hyllningsfest.

In recent years, Kansas has exploded with murals — from small towns to major cities. Each mural serves its own purpose, reflecting the unique character of the community it represents. For many towns, murals have become a way to revive spaces, showcase creativity, and spark community pride. Increasingly, they’ve also become a tool for tourism — drawing travelers off highways and encouraging them to stay a little longer and explore. One of those towns is Salina, home to the ann

In 1867, the Peace Treaty between the U.S. government and Plains tribes was signed along Medicine Lodge Creek. Today, the legacy lives on through the Peace Treaty Festival each September. Highlights include the Intertribal Powwow at Memorial Peace Park, where traditions like the Gourd Dance are shared—keeping culture alive while honoring the past.

Maxwell Wildlife Refuge hosted its 10th annual Mountain Man Rendezvous. From trappers to flintknappers, 1,300 visitors—including 350 students—experienced life on the 1800s prairie.

Fire up the grills, line up the marching band, and pack the stands; it’s a typical Friday night in Kansas. Across the state, communities...

For over 50 years, this little northwest Kansas town has run its own carnival — rides, games, and that quirky “four smalls for a medium, four mediums for a large” prize swap that leaves grandpa buried in stuffed animals by the end of the night. It’s all powered by volunteers who check every ride, run the games, and make sure nothing sits idle when the gates swing open. And when they do? Generations of families return, proud to be part of a tradition that makes Oberlin feel l

The 48th annual Smoky Valley Saddle Club Rodeo brought big crowds to Marquette, Kansas, for a weekend of family fun and rodeo action. From crowd-favorite Mutton Busting to high-energy bull riding, this long-standing Kansas rodeo tradition continues to draw local talent and spectators alike. With cooler temperatures and a heartfelt tribute to founder Lawrence Wayne Spohn, the community once again proved that it’s committed to keeping this iconic event alive.

The 45th Annual Leadsled Spectacular , hosted by Kustom Kemps of America (KKOA) , rolled into Salina the weekend of July 24–27 and...

Kansas is more than prairies and sunsets—it's a state filled with diverse stories, rich history, and resilient people.