Kristen Epps is a historian, author, and educator whose work explores the people and events that have shaped Kansas and the nation. A professor at Kansas State University, Epps also serves as editor of Kansas History: A Journal of the Central Plains, a peer-reviewed publication produced in partnership with the Kansas Historical Society. Although born in Colorado and raised in the Pacific Northwest, she considers herself an adopted Kansan after discovering a deep appreciation

Fifty-one people representing nearly 20 countries became United States citizens during a naturalization ceremony at the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene. As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, the ceremony served as a powerful reminder that citizenship is both a privilege and a responsibility—one that many spend years working to earn.

Jeri Brungard is the co-founder of Women Hiking Kansas and Beyond, a community that has inspired thousands of women to discover the beauty of the outdoors while building lasting friendships. What began in 2019 as a way to organize hikes with a handful of friends has grown into a thriving Facebook community of more than 12,000 members. Through monthly hikes across Kansas and annual adventures beyond the state's borders, Jeri and Cindy have helped create an organization that we

Professional football is thriving in Kansas. When the Salina Liberty and Southwest Kansas Storm met in the National Arena League Championship, the game became more than a battle for a title—it was a showcase of two communities, passionate fan bases, and the growing impact of professional football across the state. From Salina to Dodge City, Kansas was the real winner.

Cowboy, historian and author Jim Gray joins Ask A Kansan to share stories from Kansas' cattle-driving era, reflect on the evolution of the cowboy way of life, and discuss his role in preserving the unique UFO history of Geneseo, Kansas. From cattle towns and trail drives to prairie horizons and unexplained encounters, Gray offers a fascinating look at the people, places and legends that continue to shape the Kansas story.

The Smoky Hill River Festival celebrated its 50th year by bringing thousands together for four days of music, art, food, and community. While the festival has grown tremendously since its beginnings, its greatest strength remains the same: creating a place where people can gather, reconnect, and celebrate the arts together.

Shane Carter is the executive director of the Kansas African American Museum in Wichita, Kansas. Originally from Troy, Ohio, Carter earned a business degree from the University of Wisconsin while playing collegiate football and later completed a master's degree in educational administration. Before joining the museum, he spent 13 years leading the Lincoln Community Center in Ohio, where he expanded educational programs, community services, and capital projects that positively

Athletes from across Kansas gathered in Wichita for the Special Olympics of Kansas Summer Games, competing in track and field events while showcasing determination, skill, and sportsmanship. The annual event is one of more than 170 competitions hosted by the organization, which serves nearly 5,000 athletes statewide.

Tanner Johnson is a professional wood carver, and passionate Kansan from Lindsborg. While studying anthropology at Kansas State University, he traveled to Ecuador as a student researcher and ultimately spent nearly two decades living in remote rural communities. There, he worked as an English teacher, translator, farmer, and cultural observer while immersing himself in local traditions and raising a family. His experiences abroad profoundly shaped both his worldview and his a

Kansas made its mark at Banana Ball in Kansas City as Kansas Wesleyan University graduate Brett Maddock and officials from Salina, Olathe, and Lindsborg took the field at Kauffman Stadium.

Brad Anderson is a lifelong Salina resident, multi-generation Kansan, and Executive Director of Salina Arts & Humanities. A passionate advocate for arts, culture, and community development, he has spent decades helping shape Salina’s cultural landscape through public art, education, cultural planning, and signature events like the Smoky Hill River Festival. Anderson is committed to building connections that enrich the quality of life across Kansas.

Lori Rogge is a Kansas realtor, auctioneer, and community leader with Gene Francis & Associates and Gavel Roads Online Auctions. Raised across communities throughout Kansas she built a career spanning financial advising, philanthropic development at Kansas State University, and eventually the family real estate and auction business founded by her parents in 1984.

Spend a day storm chasing across central Kansas with veteran chaser Henry Diehl, a 74-year-old Ellsworth County native whose lifelong passion for weather, public service, and severe storms continues despite major health challenges.

Born on Long Island and now rooted in Wichita, Kansas, DJ Carbon has spent decades creating soundtracks for unforgettable memories. A full-time DJ for seven years, he blends music, event hosting, and community advocacy to bring people together. From weddings and festivals to nonprofit fundraisers, Carbon is known for reading the room, introducing new sounds, and creating experiences that connect audiences through music and culture.

LeLan Danes is the executive director of Kansas Spanish Speakers, a nonprofit dedicated to building bridges between Spanish- and English-speaking communities across the state. Based in Emporia, his organization provides advocacy, education, and resources—from helping individuals navigate immigration and healthcare systems to equipping businesses and communities with the tools to communicate across language barriers. A Lyon County native, LeLan’s path has been anything but con

Sarah VanLanduyt is a Kansas-based arts leader and advocate dedicated to strengthening creative communities across the state. A Topeka native, she serves as Executive Director of the Arts Council of Johnson County, where she works at the intersection of nonprofits, government, and artists to support and grow a vibrant and sustainable arts ecosystem. In this role, she focuses on identifying community needs, advancing policy, and developing initiatives that expand access to the

Recognized as one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Geography, this tiny park offers big views, unusual formations, and a quick but memorable stop in the Smoky Hills.

Steven Benstein is a self-described “Kansan by choice” and director of the Flint Hills Discovery Center. A former National Park Service ranger, his career has taken him across the country—but it’s the Flint Hills he now calls home. Through storytelling that connects land, history, and people, Benstein helps visitors discover the deeper complexity and beauty of Kansas.

Sammy Gleason is a passionate advocate for Kansas-made products and the people behind them, serving as a the program manager for the From the Land of Kansas program at the Kansas Department of Agriculture. In her role, she helps promote and connect consumers with products that are grown, raised, or produced across the state—championing local businesses and celebrating Kansas agriculture in all its forms.

Matt Bain is the Director of Conservation for The Nature Conservancy in Kansas, where he leads statewide efforts to protect and sustain the state’s remaining grasslands, waterways, and wildlife habitats. A western Kansas native, Bain grew up on a farm in Ness County, where his early experiences hunting, fishing, and working the land shaped a lifelong commitment to conservation.