Rural Affairs

a banner hangs over the entrance to downtown Baldwin City. It reads "Welcome to the Maple Leaf Festival"

Rural Rebirth: ‘There’s Always Something Going On’ in Baldwin City 

Baldwin City went from “sleepy” 20 years ago to a vibrant community thanks to some dedicated locals. Its Maple Leaf Festival will draw thousands this weekend.

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A water tower in Guymon, Oklahoma, which relies on the Ogallala Aquifer for drinking water.

As Ogallala Aquifer Declines in the Great Plains, States Weigh Metering Irrigation Wells

Water levels are dropping in the Ogallala Aquifer, and states in the Great Plains are considering whether to monitor groundwater irrigators are pumping out.

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The Green Belt Express will create clean energy power lines in Kansas and Missouri.

Grain Belt Express Wins Final Approval in Missouri

Regulators have given final approval to the owners of the Grain Belt Express transmission line to drop off thousands of megawatts of clean energy in Missouri. 

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A group of older people sit at rectangular tables with checkered table cloths. In the background a woman sits at an electric organ with lots of colorful lights.

In Rural Settings, Communities Step up to Help Aging Adults

For those aging in rural America, hospitals are distant, public transportation is scarce, isolation is likely and grocery stores and pharmacies are closing.

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A white courthouse built in the Greek revival style. On top the building is a clock tower.

Rural Rebirth: More Than a Civil War Town in Lexington 

History puts Lexington on the map. The community’s commitment to betterment holds it together and makes Lexington a place worth settling down in or visiting.  

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An orange and red building facade shows a big red movie theatre sign that reads "Plaza" on the marquee are movies playing at the theatre and a note reading "oldest cinema"

Rural Rebirth: ‘The Hometown Feel’ in Ottawa 

Ottawa is a Kansas river town that honors its rich history along with epic bike trails and a diverse array of downtown businesses.

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young cows with tags on their ears stand in the mud of a hoop barn.

Missouri Cattle Producers Slash Herds Amid Worsening Drought

The worsening drought in Missouri is forcing livestock producers to sell off their cattle herds, decisions that will be felt at the supermarket cash register.

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A vertical sign on a tall brick and white stone building reads "FOX" lower down a digital marquee reads "Sound of freedom"

Rural Rebirth: The Art of Being Atchison  

Atchison has enough historical attractions that put it — and keep it — on the map. But the people of this rustic river town want more for their community.

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A stone building with bluish green metal on the front reads "Hall of Waters" a stone water tower is on top of the building, as is a flag.

Rural Rebirth: Excelsior Springs, Eternally 

Excelsior Springs faced the same fate as many rural towns, declining population and vacant downtown buildings. But that didn’t happen. Here’s its rural rebirth.

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A sign on the side of a building reads "Life is Fine in Humboldt."

Politicians Battle Rural Population Declines in Kansas, But Drop-off Continues

Rural parts of Kansas continue to see significant population declines. Some local and state officials are trying to staunch the seemingly endless bleeding.

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