Baxter Springs, population 3,852

In 1872 this magnificent building was intended to be a courthouse on the square. After use as a city hall and college, it was donated to the city in 1905 to be its library. They've done a great job keeping the Johnston Public Library in shape and using the grounds as learning space as well.

Columbus, population 2,844

Columbus has six parks throughout the city including an All Wheels Bicycle Park, 9-hole disc golf, splash pads, a walking trail, Toss N Scores, pickle ball courts, a new basketball court, swimming pool, and more. This One Thing makes Columbus an attractive city in which to live.

Galena, population 2,740

Galena has done a great job with their Historic Route 66 attractions. Gearhead Curios offers something a bit quirky (take the bathroom tour) and is especially popular with antique car buffs. It's one of the Route 66 attractions in Galena that captures tourist dollars.

Riverton, unincorporated

The Williams Store opened the year before Route 66 did. Now Nelson's Old Riverton Store, it remains a mainstay for historic road buffs. You can get a sandwich from the deli, a few groceries, or choose from many Route 66 souvenirs.

Roseland, population 72

In a city made up of mostly residences, this new city hall stands out in this town of 72.

Scammon, population 374

Josie's, the Italian ristorante, may be closed, but this small city has a modern pool.

Weir, population 558

In Weir, the public library means outdoor events as well as indoors activities. In this picture, director Bonnie Palmer is setting up for their Mestival (a chance to get messy). The county sheriff department helped with this event. The library also serves as a community cooling center during the hottest days.

West Mineral, population 149

Strip Pit Bait and Tackle helps brings sales tax to the city coffers and provides locals and visitors with all the supplies needed to enjoy the strip pit lakes--from kayaks and fishing gear to beverages and snacks.

Ashland, pop. 770 - A former Baptist Church is now Cups & Mugs. Coffee by day, bar options in the evening, food from breakfast through supper. A place for community to come together.

Englewood, pop. 54 - Even the smallest of cities have a volunteer fire department.

Minneola, pop. 752 - One key to making this a strong town in Southwest Kansas is the hospital, city and school working together (group name is LIFT- Leading Into the Future Together). Working to solve the child care problem, this town is full of opportunities, dedicated volunteers, and strong anchors--and an awesome new grocery store.

Coldwater, pop. 672 - A wise customer at the excellent Blonde Grill said, "In any small town, you can be invisible, or you can be involved, but you have to choose. You have choices in small towns. If you don’t want to feel part of the community, you don’t have to be part of it. If you want community, you can have it."

Protection, pop. 503 - We had the great opportunity to visit with teacher Andi Dale and three of the students (see picture) who got to attend Hamilton, a musical that teacher Dale used to teach history. A GoFundMe page made this trip possible and it changed lives. We heard it ourselves. Goosebumpling.

Wilmore, pop. 36. What did we hear constantly? "It feels like we're one big family here."

Bendena, unincorporated

How many towns can boast a bank in a 1925 barn? But the One Thing here is the small grocery store kept going by owner Ruth Weiland. For over 30 years she has made sure Bendena has groceries. She doesn't take credit cards but she dishes out a lot of love, especially to kids coming in for candy.

Denton, population 129

The exclamation point in Denton is the functioning town pump. Thanks to the mayor's wife, this plot of beauty welcomes people to the bank and post office.

Elwood, population 1,114

This city that has been devastated by more than one flood, they are now home to Clear Sky, a rehabilitation hospital.

Highland, population 915

In a county of few restaurants, the Kirkwood & Co. Table & Tap brings people together in a quality atmosphere and offers great food.

Leona, population 40

Hey back, Leona!

Severance, population 76

There are home gardens everywhere in this city due to the rich loess soil.

Troy, population 968

Doniphan County has a fascinating library system. The main branch is in Troy with satellites in Elwood, Wathena, and Highland. It’s a library district supported by its own mill levy. They have all sorts of services - notably, the way in which they feed Doniphan Countians. Senior meals happen in Elwood and there are snacks available twice a day at the Troy Library for children and adults.

Wathena, population 1,250

City Clerk Doris Delzeit is the glue in this community. She has a vast knowledge of Wathena, is a good listener and treats everyone with respect.

White Cloud, population 117

One Thing White Cloud, an intriguing place to visit, has done is beautify their town with a colorful mural and baskets of flowers.

Baldwin City, pop. 5,029 - Sullivan Square, a green space in Baldwin City, is the main contributing factor to a deep feeling of community in this town. The downtown intersection is home to the Lumberyard Arts Center, Sullivan Square, Ice Cream House, and other shops that make this not just a charming downtown but a place where the heartbeat of community is felt.

Eudora, pop. 6,657 - A downtown clothing store (Twill Trade), Zeb's Coffeehouse, and a new ice cream shop, Main Street Scoops and Sweets, have helped create community. The ice cream shop is packed after shool events. They also have an excellent nook where little kids can hang out. The well-done museum is in the middle of downtown and is a great fit.

Lawrence, pop. 95,905 - Lawrence has bike lanes, trails of every surface, and many concrete trails. The Burroughs Trail features storyboard signage, exercise equipment, accessible structures, a bike repair station AND a community orchard! Just off the trail is a spray park, shelter, and parking area.

Lecompton, pop. 683 - HillCreek Market replaces Kroeger Meats as a great stop on the east side of town. It serves as a coffee shop, ice cream stop, cafe, and butchery, with as many local products as possible. Indoor and outdoor dining. Friendly people. Nice addition to the great historic sites in town.

Coolidge, population 77

In the National Lampoon Christmas movie, Cousin Eddie's family came to visit the Clark Griswold family in fictional Coolidge. However, some creative folks in the real Coolidge decided to take advantage of the connection. Many people stop to take a picture at this mural.

Syracuse, population 1,716

In 2007 Syracuse realized that their sand (Arkansas River Lowlands) could become an economic driver. That's when the Syracuse Sand Dunes Park opened with 1,300 acres of amazing dunes, rolling hills, bowls and some fast flat areas for ATV enthusiasts.

Anthony, pop. 1,944 - In a town where the school system does not include art in the elementary curriculum, it's critical to have a non-profit organization, The Arts Center, to provide art education and creative opportunities to residents of all ages.

Attica, pop. 481 - We didn't get a picture of Lori, the city clerk, so this water tower (with the fun font) will have to do. Cities of this size are held together by city clerks. Without anyone in the city paid to worry about how to sustain the city, much falls on the city clerk. Lori is willing and dedicated.

Bluff City, pop. 42 - To find a Blessing Box stocked with food staples in a town of 42 was a nice thing to see. There are no businesses in town, except for a post office, so this probably saves the day at times.

Danville, pop. 26 - The pride here was easy to spot as symbolized by landscaped areas and mowed lawns. People are moving in to this town to get away from big city hustle and bustle. Those who live here help newcomers get settled.

Harper, pop. 1,213 - Good job to the City of Harper for this interpretive sign below the standpipe water tower topped with the red fish weather vane. A decade ago, it was very difficult to find any information about this local icon that has been atop the town since 1892. Now, it's right there!

Waldron, pop. 9 - It's tiny and there are no paved roads into town but they have a nice entrance sign.

Burrton, pop. 861 - When asked what was going on that we couldn't see from driving main street, the answer was that there are lots of dreams for the town. We bet on you, Burrton!

The Barn Restaurant is a big draw to town.

Halstead, pop. 2,165 - The owner of Daphne Mae (see picture), Tessa Wendling, moved back to her hometown after 20 years in Chicago. She bought The Old Hardware Store and converted it into a cafe, with plans for an adjoining building.

Hesston, pop. 3,495 - Fantastic city and school playgrounds are one factor that make this a good place to live.

Newton, pop. 18,433 - The Soshine Foundation owns Norm's Coffee Shop, the Sweet Shoppe, and The Porch. The Foundation provides an afterschool program, job training for kids, and they serve a community meal for 250 people every Wednesday. Everything is free, paid for by grants and donations.

North Newton, pop. 1,829 - The Kidron Bethel Village complex of Bluestem Communities provides some of the most quality infrastructure and care for elderly, making this population an important part of the economy.

Sedgwick, pop. 1,598 - The Meeting House creates community in Sedgwick. Paid for by community members, staffed by volunteers (except for one paid person), and frequented by so many from within and beyond the community, this is the place to come together. The tip jar is for scholarships.

Walton, pop. 217 - The locally-owned bank, owned by John and Shirley Esau, have chosen to stay put and be an anchor in this cohesive community.

Cunningham, pop. 450 - Cozy's Pizza is a new restaurant in town and it already has become a place for community to gather. They do intentional things to make it so, like streaming local high school sports on the large TV.

Kingman, pop. 2,980 - Pixley and Mae clothing boutique, 301 N. Main, and Perfectly Posh, 116 W. B, exist because of someone who believed in re-investing in his hometown by restoring this shared building and charging a rent low enough to make it possible for these entrepreneurs to thrive.

Mt. Vernon, unincorporated Have you eaten in this tiny town with the big church across the unpaved road? Open Thursday-Sunday 8 a.m.-2 p.m. It's a popular spot for locals and Cheney Reservoir traffic.

Nashville, pop. 53 - When you're looking for someone to talk to, go to the elevator. We found four guys having coffee willing to answer our questions. Wish we had taken a picture of them! They were awesome and we got the local scoop.

Norwich, pop. 423 - After their post office closed, Norwich was headed for a collection of outdoor metal post office boxes until Ye Olde General Store agreed to provide a "Contract Postal Service." Adjoined, hardware store employees also staff the post office. Post office customers enter through a separate door but store staff easily flow from their checkout counter to the retail USPS window. Talk about an extra effort.

Penalosa, pop. 17 - A "Sampling of Soups" took place in a church in this small incorporated city (where once lived an alligator). People crave community, especially in an area where the only business is the co-op.

Spivey, pop. 61 - Once again, the post office staff could answer all of our questions and, per usual, they provide the friendly face to all locals that come in daily. They told us how Spivey Days brings the community together.

Zenda, pop. 67 - Yes, Zenda still has the Lumberyard Steakhouse but the pulse of the town is clearly known by the administrator at the Zenda Telephone Company. Woody and Beulah Graber were original owners of the telco and they were committed to re-investing in the town.

Dighton, pop. 948 - Every town would love to have a pharmacy. Dighton has one.

Healy, unincorporated - Find an 18-hole, solar-lighted miniature golf course here with a glow sand volleyball court next to it. Belle South Putt & Volley, purchased on E-bay!

Council Grove, population 2,129

The One Thing in this city is a Multi-Thing. At least three downtown businesses house more than one business. One is The Dealership, located in an old automotive dealership at 318 W. Main. It includes an antique store, an event venue, a bar, an incubator kitchen, art, and more.

Alexander Artworks (120 E. Main) is located in an old furniture store and not only do they create custom metal items but they teach art classes, have a retail space, host trivia nights, and Watts Coffee Co. is located here, too.

Dunlap, population 29

In 1878 Pap Singleton helped form a black colony here. The colony was comprised of former slaves (Exodusters) migrating from the South. There are two cemeteries east and north of town. One is the integrated Dunlap City Cemetery. This is a plaque at the African American Cemetery.

Dwight, population 212

One one side of this one-block town we visited with the post office clerk, the city clerk, and the bank president (too bad the library was closed). Each said separately how much they enjoyed living and working in this small town--a town that likes itself.

Latimer, population 31

Zion Lutheran Church used to be the military chapel on the Herington Army Airfield at Delvan. Supposedly Father Kapaun gave mass here. It was moved to Latimer in the late 1940s.

Parkersville, population 46

In a town that has street names like Grape and Orange and new-ish playground equipment in a big grassy square that was designed to be the home for a courthouse back in the early days when they were vying to be the county seat, this stylish building that houses some local artifacts speaks to more prosperous early days.

White City, population 446

The One Thing is the city clerk, Susan McKenzie. She invests in local businesses and if one of them, the Dub C Grill and Bar, is short of help she'll go over and work there. We didn't get a picture of her (darn!) but this is the city office where she works.

Wilsey, population 137

No one was at the city office when we were in town but we sure appreciated this notice: city equipment can be rented and for a bit more you can hire a city worker to use that equipment for you!ary was closed). Each said separately how much they enjoyed living and working in this small town--a town that likes itself.

Elkhart, population 1,744

One Thing in Elkhart that is amazing is their county economic development director, Alexis O'Hair. Full of enthusiasm, ideas, and a get-'er-done spirit, this Elkhart native is a tremendous asset to the county.

Editorial note: If you are lucky to have such a young person in leadership, your support and willingness to hear out ideas goes a long way.

Richfield, population 19

Each of the three cities in Morton County have a mental health building, a project of the county’s Rural Champion project. Open 24/7, anyone can enter and pick up the phone. It will connect you with the 988 hotline, a national network of local crisis centers that provide free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

Rolla, population 373

This is just part of a colorful mural done in 2007 by Janice Hollis of Rolla. The other part shows a cowboy, cornfield and stock tank.

Almena, population 366

Every Thursday morning you can count on six women gathering at Prairie Dog Press to get this newsletter out to about 300 people in Almena and around the country. The newspaper went out of business in 1990 and this paper was started soon after. Julie Thompson is the publisher and the rest of the group gathers to help sort, label, and organize the weekly newsletter -- and then walk it down to the post office. Good job ladies!

Clayton, population 43

Great welcome sign, Clayton!

Edmond, population 28

This striking abandoned hotel remains from earlier times.

Lenora, population 206

The former school in Lenora is now being utilized by Nex-Generation Round-Up for Youth. Career development, entrepreneurship and internship are where they focus. After youth from schools in northwest and north central Kansas finish a curriculum, they come to AmeriTowne for a hands-on career development day. The second story of this school has been turned into a town. The bank, for instance, comes complete with a board room, neck ties, and AmeriTowne checks. Students each have a role in the town, from mayor to fire fighter, and participate in day-long activities as they embed themselves in the town, in their role.

Norton, population 2,659

Thanks to our contact Caryl Hale, Warden Hazel Peterson took us on a two-hour tour to show us and explain the vision for the two-acre vegetable garden, orchard, the greenhouses, and pumpkin patch at the Norton Correctional Facility. She also walked us through the arts-and-craft wing of the facility. With the residents of the correctional facility supplying the labor, she explained her plans to share the produce with the local school, hospital, and nursing home. Caryl Hale also plays a role in this vision.

Burdett, pop. 218 - Formerly Moosettes Cafe, the Stop-N-Go on K-156 is well-placed and much needed for locals and travelers. Hand-pattied hamburgers are ready in the warmer oven. Local beef and pork is in the freezer packaged for purchase. Good inventory at this convenience store.

Garfield, pop. 147 - This historic band shell is a familiar sight to those who travel K-156. It stands in the roadside park that includes signage about the 1872 Santa Fe Trail supply station, Camp Criley, and a stone stile used back in the day to help women mount their horses.

Larned, pop. 3,593 - Alexandra Filbert is just one of the outstanding young people in leadership positions in Larned.

Rozel, pop. 98 - No longer used as a church, this former Methodist church is now the primary school. Each room has their own HVAC/ventilation system. K-12 students from Burdett, Ransom and Rozel come to Pawnee Heights school district here.

Alden, pop. 120 - It takes constant effort to continue to operate a successful business in a small town but Paula Royer does so with Prairie Flower Crafts. Paula, also the mayor, says young people would move to Alden if there was housing.

Bushton, pop. 199 - It was a blow when this town, the geographic center of Kansas, lost its school but they have rebounded and found some gumption to re-purpose the school in many ways that range from a library and senior center to a certified kitchen and food bank.

Chase, pop. 390 - There's a new energy rising in Chase as evidenced by the arched entrance sign and the new fire building for the volunteer fire department.

Geneseo, pop. 231

Sometime it's just having something that puts you on the map. The Geneseo Museum does that with its display of local Doc Janzen's research and documentation of UFO's and extraterrestrial life.

Little River, pop. 474 Likeability. From seeing volunteers (including kids) help unload the grocery truck to watching the camaraderie between the clerk and everyone who came into the post office, it's clear this town likes itself. Picture - bikes in front of a post office are a good sign.

Lyons, pop. 3,556 - One of Lyons industries is their salt mines. Creative minds have made it so that Lyons will have the World's Largest Salt Shaker and a mural depicting the story of salt in Lyons. The museum has a display about the local salt mine.

Raymond, pop. 85 - Yes, people in small towns have visions of what they could do to help the town. One person here wishes he could open a little convenience store since a county road goes right through the middle of town. It would help the town and give him something productive to do.

Sterling, pop. 2,318 - We loved this setting at Sterling College. It could be created in a green space in any community. See the fireplace on the far end? Great idea.



Scott City, pop. 4,096 - In a town that invests in itself, some assets are a new million dollar turf field at the high school football stadium and a hospital with an emergency room. A pharmacy and optometrist adjacent to the hospital add to the appeal of living here.

Hudson, population 89

It's pretty cool to buy Hudson Cream Flour at its source. With the flour mill in operation next door, you can stop at the office to buy flour and a few other goods. The day we were there, the woman ahead of us bought 700 pounds of flour.

Macksville, population 447

The community garden, located next to the city office on Main Street, uses old tractor tires for raised beds.

Radium, population 23

Radium is home to a big grain operation, American Plains Co-op.

Seward, population 41

Mom's Bar and Grill does a chicken fried steak the Explorer Way: fresh meat, hand-breaded, and pan or grill fried.

St. John, population 1,154

White's Foodliner is an amazing grocery store for any sized city, especially one under 1,200! It has a great selection of food and dry goods, plus gas pumps, and a pharmacy.

Stafford, population 914

The Ritz Theatre has opened its doors once again to provide first-run movie entertainment.

Johnson City, population 1,440

Wholly Cow Market has a fresh and trendy look outside and inside. Soda fountain, booths and hi-top tables, a menu including the Wholly Cow farm-fresh meats and grass-fed beef (salads are terrific, too), Kansas products for sale, and Kansas art on the walls make this a destination stop. Wholly Cow meat products are also direct-sold from the freezers.

Manter, population 115

These rocky outcroppings ten miles north and west of Manter overlook the Buffalo Creek bed. They are much bigger than they look in this picture. The Manter Dam started by the WPA in 1935 but never completed is nearby.

Argonia, population 448

What a delightful store and production plant to find in downtown Argonia. Sarah Jane's no longer serves food as a restaurant, but you can get her products of salsa's, Jalapeno relish, mustard, jellies, and Take & Bake meals in the store or online.

Belle Plaine, population 1,468

Michelle Ellis, who sells mixed spices and teas, calls her business Ellis Island Farm. When she saw the need to bring some fresh food items, and locally-raised meat, together in this town (that doesn't have a grocery store), she brought 17 local food (and purse) vendors together to form what could be called a specialty grocery store. A CBDG grant for freezers and booth rentals helps make this place work beautifully.

Caldwell, population 1,010

Hagar Acres Farm to Home is a retail shop that also doubles as a great place to hear about great things going on in Caldwell. Meat products, honey, eggs, fruits and vegetables from the Hagar farm fortify the inventory of other foods, spices and herbs as well as health and beauty products. Watch out. It's the kind of store you walk into and will want to buy! (Lea Ann, check out the ceiling).

Conway Springs, population 1,106

Clint and Jenny Osner stopped to visit with us, even on "truck" day. There are many reasons why Hired Man's Grocery & Grill is booming but one reason is the way the Osner's give back to their customers. They also stay updated on the latest trends and maintain a positive attitude. The store is well-stocked, clean, and the employees are friendly. A recipe for success.

Hunnewell, population 42

As you drive in to town you'll see this impressive block of granite providing the story of the "Real Cherokee Strip." It gives historical information about the boundaries clarifying the difference between the Cherokee Outlet and the Cherokee Strip.

Mayfield, population 75

The Mayfield Grocery & Locker is still open providing convenience-store like grocery inventory and some meats.

Oxford, population 1,051

Flying Toad Farms has a store at 112 W. Main and though they weren't open when we were there, customers kept driving up to choose from the local produce on the porch. A scale is there if you need to weigh something and an honor system is in place. Can't wait to go inside someday!

South Haven, population 340

Muffin Top Bakery & Confections has steady traffic in this small but friendly city. Not only is it the stop for coffee and refreshing cold drinks and baked goods, but they have a daily lunch special, too. Their beautifully baked creations are popular for special events.

Wellington, population 7,664

The delightful inventory in Bee Creative Toys and Beehive Quilt Shop makes you want to buy toys and find a reason to buy fabric. Annarose White and her mother, Connie Hart, have done a phenomenal job making this a destination shopping choice.

Altoona, pop. 351 - We found one person to talk to -- but it was one that has dreams of cleaning up the town and bringing some visible thrive-ability back to the town. They are rebuilding their school after a fire and they are home to the Prairie Nut Hut.

Benedict, population 69 - It's always an asset to have a post office.

Buffalo, pop. 218 - Loneliness and social isolation is a major issue in small towns. The importance of even one person to be consistently available, like a post office clerk, is invaluable to a town. In Buffalo, that person is post office clerk Zina. She greets people, asks how they are doing, listens to stories and laughs at jokes. Every Tuesday, Buffalo has a community lunch pot luck at the senior center. They may not have businesses, but they have community.

Coyville, pop. 63 - Coyville has a community center for community pot luck gatherings and city council meetings.

Fredonia, pop. 2,069 - The Kitchen Table is a local restaurant that serves homemade food--and some of the best pie around.

Neodesha, pop. 2,220 - The One Thing is shopping. Christy Springer's The Gingham Pig: A Meat Boutique is located at 1007 Main in Neodesha where the Springer Family can sell their pork directly to customers. Christy also has many gift and food items. It's very fun. When the pig is out, she's open! Sagebrush Mercantile, 710 Main, is another unique stop for antiques (especially cast-iron skillets), furniture, boutique clothing, gift items--and conversation. A floral shop, Blessed Blossoms, 510 Main, is a delightful place for a light lunch.

New Albany, pop. 59 - A tornado and a flood took away the heart of New Albany in 2007 and 2009. The biggest loss was the post office because that's where people gathered, checked on each other, saw a familiar face. The church has a well attended chicken-and-noodle supper quarterly. This former bank still looks good.