James Seipel joins Ask A Kansan to discuss his work with the American Legion Auxiliary and the importance of supporting veterans and their families. From community outreach to connecting younger veterans with meaningful resources, James shares how Kansas communities can make a difference long after service members return home.

Steve Hawley is a Salina native whose journey from a childhood fascination with astronomy to becoming a NASA astronaut took him around the world and into space five times. Best known for helping deploy the Hubble Space Telescope, Hawley played a part in some of NASA’s most significant missions. Today, his story reflects a lifelong curiosity about the universe and the possibilities of space exploration.

The skies over the Air Capital were busier than usual this past weekend as McConnell Air Force Base hosted the Frontiers in Flight Air Show on Saturday, October 24, and Sunday, October 25 in Wichita, Kansas. The show featured a wide variety of civilian and military aircraft, with static displays and aerial performances including the headliner act the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. According to McConnell AFB, and estimated 100 thousand visitors attended the two-day event. For on

Mary Landes is the executive director of the Temple in Salina, Kansas. Through a grassroots effort, she helped save the historic former Masonic Temple and transform it into a hub for entrepreneurs, artists, small businesses and community events. Today, she continues working to preserve the building and prepare it for its next century as it approaches its 100th anniversary in 2027.

Lakewood Middle School students explored the arts, history, and cultural resources of Salina during the annual Cultural Crawl in Downtown Salina on October 23. The event connected students with local cultural organizations through hands-on learning and a high-energy performance by Cash Hollistah.

Laura Crawley is the 16th president of Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas, bringing more than two decades of experience in higher education to the role. Her journey to Kansas reflects a passion for student success, community connections, and discovering what makes a place feel like home. As president, she is focused on honoring Bethany College’s traditions while exploring new opportunities for the college and the Lindsborg community to grow together.

Take a trip through the Ask A Kansan archives as Gus, Sydney and Julie revisit memorable conversations with the people, places and stories that make Kansas special. From hidden gems and cultural traditions to community connections and unexpected adventures, this episode celebrates the people making a difference across the Sunflower State and reminds us there's always something new to discover close to home.

Simone Elder, Executive Director of the Kansas Sampler Foundation, is working to preserve and sustain rural Kansas culture while helping communities recognize their strengths and build a future of their own. A lifelong advocate for rural communities, Simone brings years of experience in economic development, entrepreneurship, and community building to her work across the state.

Hurricane Polo began thousands of miles away in the Pacific, but its journey eventually brought tropical moisture, torrential rain and tornadoes to Kansas. On September 30, 15 tornadoes were reported across central Kansas as Polo’s remnants helped create an unusual and active day of severe weather.

For 50 years, The Land Institute has been imagining a different future for agriculture—one built around perennial crops, healthier soil and more sustainable ways of feeding a growing population. At this year’s Prairie Festival, researchers, farmers, artists and visitors gathered in Salina to celebrate five decades of work and explore what the next 50 years might look like.

From fiddle contests and barn dances to banjos and mandolin clubs, Kansas has a rich musical history that often goes undocumented. Musician and historian Derrick Doty, known as the Flint Hills Fiddler, is working to preserve those traditions while sharing the stories behind the sounds that helped shape Kansas.

A baton carrying a copy of the Declaration of Independence is making its way across the country, connecting communities and Americans along the American Discovery Trail. We caught part of its journey through Kansas, where local hikers, cyclists and community members helped carry the relay east.

From a difficult childhood in Miami to becoming a Kansas executive and community leader, Rafael Mendes’ journey is one of transformation, perseverance, and the power of relationships. Now based in Salina, Rafael uses his experiences to connect people, serve his community, and share the stories that make Kansas stronger.

First responders and emergency response agencies from the Salina area, along with 10 Emergency Management Directors from across the region, came together at Salina Regional Airport on Tuesday, September 15, for a full-scale disaster exercise. David Sorel, Director of Operations with the Salina Airport Authority, told Ask A Kansan that the airport is required to conduct a full-scale exercise periodically as part of its FAA Part 139 certification. Planning for Tuesday’s exercis

Laura Avery is an author, educator, and executive director of the Kansas Book Festival. A Topeka native, Laura returned to Kansas in 2020 after more than a decade away and now combines her passion for writing and reading with her work celebrating Kansas authors, stories, and the importance of books.

A small Kansas town is making a big statement through public art. In Linn, a community-led effort raised more than $73,000 to create a massive mural celebrating the town’s history, heritage and the people who helped shape it.

Neriah Guerin entered Kansas expecting little more than the flat and boring landscape he remembered from trips along I-70. What he found instead was something he didn’t expect: Kansans willing to offer meals, a place to sleep, and plenty of encouragement along his journey.

Curtis Wolf, director of the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, has spent more than 17 years helping Kansans discover the remarkable ecosystem of Cheyenne Bottoms and understand why wetlands matter.

Matthew Tyler Miller Wells, Associate Director of Automotive Studies at McPherson College, is helping prepare the next generation of automotive restoration professionals. A 2020 graduate of the program, Matt brings years of experience in restoration, museum education and automotive history. His work focuses on connecting students and the public with the craftsmanship, culture and future of the collector car world.

Kansas State University President Richard Linton has spent more than four decades in higher education, beginning his career as a food microbiologist before moving into university administration. In this episode of Ask A Kansan, Linton discusses his journey to the presidency, the role of mentors in shaping his career, and what it means for K-State to serve as a next-generation land-grant university.