FLINT HILLS OF KANSAS

Giveaway posting

2011-09-08T13:21:00.000-07:00

For my long time readers that may have missed this Giveaway Posting:

http://drbilltellsancestorstories.blogspot.com/2011/09/treasure-chest-thursday-my-memories.html

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

The View from the Flint Hills

2011-06-30T03:33:00.000-07:00

The View from the Flint Hills

For the latest news and events in the Kansas Flint Hills, sign up for 'The View from the Flint Hills' newsletter via email from the Kansas Flint Hills Tourism Coalition. Click the signup box at the top of the page and get this monthly update sent directly to you. Everything about the 22 county Kansas Flint Hills region is summarized and available for you.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Jan Jantzen on Agritourism at Pioneer Bluffs

2011-06-28T17:30:00.000-07:00

Jan Jantzen on Agritourism

"Your next cash crop?"

at Pioneer Bluffs at 2 p.m.

on Saturday, July 2, 2011

Jan Jantzen, one of my favorite speakers, will talk and tell stories about the fast-growing industry of Agritourism. Guests from all over the country are paying to for authentic rural experiences.

And, of course, Saturday, July 2, is also the monthly volunteer workday. Workday will begin at 8:30 a.m and end after lunch.

For all Piorneer Bluff activities, go to their website at: pioneerbluffs.org

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

See you in Emporia on June 18, 2011, at the Town Crier

2011-06-07T11:58:00.000-07:00

See you in Emporia on June 18, 2011, at the Town Crier

See Details: http://thehomeplaceseries.blogspot.com/2011/05/5th-annual-author-extravaganza-june-18.html

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Guest Post - Greg A. Hoots

2011-05-17T16:17:00.000-07:00

Flint Hills: Real Cowboys and Cowgirls, too!

One of the highlights of the new pictorial history book, “Flint Hills” by Greg A. Hoots (Arcadia Publishing, 2011) is the chapter about “real cowboys” who worked on Flint Hills ranches back in the day.

The image and caption below shows that it wasn’t just the boys who knew their way around the ranches.

Sometimes, the real cowboys are not boys at all. This view of Laura Gnadt (Barthuly) dates from the 1940s. Laura’s brother Martin Gnadt donated this photograph, saying, “She was really good on a horse, she could ride as good as all of the guys. And, she was good handling cattle, too.” Indeed, she was. She married Winston Barthuly, and the couple operated a dairy farm at Paxico, Kansas, for decades. (Courtesy Martin Gnadt.) – Excerpted from “Flint Hills”

There’s more to the story, as Greg A Hoots, the author of the book (available May 23) describes below:

The most rewarding part of writing this book is found in sharing photographs. I had 41 contributors to this project, a record for my publishing efforts. People brought me photos wanting to share them with others. I found it very rewarding that I could provide a platform for these historic images to be made available to the public in a single collection.

When I happened to see Laura Barthuly of rural Paxico, Kansas recently, I told her that her brother, Martin Gnadt, had given me a photo of her with her horse on the family farm while growing up. I explained that I was going to use it in my new book. Ms. Barthuly, now in her 80s, was visibly excited about being featured in the chapter, “Real Cowboys of the Flint Hills.

“I know the picture,” she said, “but, really, I almost always rode bareback.”

Sharing stories like Ms. Barthuly’s is the most rewarding part of writing these books.

Greg A. Hoots, a noted photograph historian and author of the new book Flint Hills (available May 23), has produced a volume of over 200 historic images of the Flint Hills. Other books by Hoots include Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America: Wabaunsee County and Images of America: Topeka. Hoots resides in Kansas City, Kansas, with his wife, Cheryl.

For more information visit http://bit.ly/hFwPhR. Save 20 % on the new book, Flint Hills, by entering FLINTHILLS at checkout.

Preview of the Symphony in the Flint Hills

2011-04-19T14:23:00.000-07:00

In June 2010, students from Wichita State University's Elliott School of Communication covered the 5th annual Symphony in the Flint Hills, just outside of Matfield Green, Kansas.

Part of their effort covering the event, exploring the culture of the Flint Hills, and interviewing the people who live and visit the region, resulted in a 27-minute documentary

Here is an 8:48 min Preview of the Symphony in the Flint Hills.

Visit Symphony in the Flint Hills on Facebook.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

ideas to images in the Kanas Flint Hills

2011-03-19T17:23:00.000-07:00

A new (to me) blog in the Kansas Flint Hills, in Chase County, by Kay Gregory-Clark:

ideas to images

Check it out! I did! ;-)

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

It's Happening at Pioneer Bluffs

2011-03-10T09:37:00.000-08:00

For the latest at Pioneer Bluffs, see their March Newsletter.

There is always something happening. Volunteer if you can. Donations are always welcome.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

New Kansas Flint Hills Image Project

2011-03-09T09:45:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to share with you today the new Kansas Flint Hills Image Project by Photographer James Nedresky at: http://www.jnedreskyprairie.com

I always enjoy great photography of the Kansas Flint Hills. This site includes many distinctive photographs. Enjoy! Welcome, James!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Guest Post - An Unforgettable Flint Hills Vacation

2011-02-26T18:03:00.000-08:00

Today we welcome a guest post by Joe Laing. We hope you find it useful and interesting:

An Unforgettable Flint Hills Vacation
Kansas' 150th anniversary of statehood (2011) is the perfect time to plan a vacation in one of the state's
most scenic areas: the Flint Hills. Take the Flint Hills Scenic Byway, and you can learn about Kansas'
history while also enjoying one of the most beautiful drives in the country, through rolling prairies and
hills.

Council Grove

In the 1800s, Council Grove was a gathering place for settlers who were organizing wagon trains to continue their journey west. The city was named after the council in which European American settlers and the Osage Nation agreed to allow settlers to pass through the area. Many settlers had just come west to Kansas from Missouri via the Santa Fe Trail, where they negotiated safe passage with the Comanche Nation and traded with the Comanche along the way. Council Grove is still an ideal place to begin your trip.

Before you leave the area, be sure to visit some of the town's historic sites, such as the Post Office Oak, where travelers used to stash letters, hoping they would later be picked up by someone traveling the right direction, and Last Chance Store, which was once the ìlast chanceî for travelers on the Santa Fe Trail to buy supplies to use on their way to New Mexico. Post Office Oak and Last Chance Store are both on US Highway 56 (which becomes Main Street in Council Grove).

Historical Sites You Don't Want To Miss

You can find a Madonna of the Trail, one of 12 statues erected by the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1928 and 1929, at the northeast corner of Union and Main Streets. You can also visit the Kaw Mission at 500 North Mission Street.

On your way out of town, exit US 56 by turning south onto Fifth Street. Follow Fifth to Walnut, turn left onto X Avenue, and then left onto K-525, and you will come to the Allegawaho Heritage Memorial Park, dedicated by the Kaw Nation in 2002. Here, you can see the huts that the federal government built for the Kanzas in 1862 ' the Kanzas opted not to live in the structures, but used them as stables for
their horses. Later settlers used the same huts as outbuildings for their farms.

The Great Outdoors

If you would like to explore the nature trails, get a map at Kaw Mission in Council Grove before you leave ' you can hike the two mile long Kanza Heritage Trail and then the Flint Hills Nature Trail (the two are connected).

Returning to K-177, you'll want to take your time. K-177 will take you through a tallgrass prairie full of wildflowers. You can stop to visit the Lower Fox Creek School, a historic one-room school, and enjoy the beautiful Flint Hills Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. This prairie used to cover 140 million acres, but most of what is left is here in the Flint Hills region of Kansas. If you stop to do some hiking in the preserve, you may be lucky enough to see a few bison (be sure to stay at least 75-100 yards away).

If you prefer not to hike, you may want to take a prairie bus tour, which takes about an hour and a half and is led by National Park Service rangers. The bus tour is free and is a wonderful way to learn more about the native plants and animals. On your return, you might want to take a historic house tour. The preserve also makes three of its ponds available for catch-and-release fishing.

Strong City

Continuing south, you'll come to Strong City. There, you can visit the Chase County Courthouse , the oldest operating courthouse in Kansas, which was built in the 1870s. The limestone courthouse was built in the style of a French Renaissance chateau. You'll want to take some time in Strong City, where you can also visit the Chase County Historical Museum, the First Chase County Jail (a historic jail built before 1873), the Fiber Factory (where you can watch a weaving demonstration on an antique
loom), and the Roniger Memorial Museum (which houses a large collection of Native American
artifacts).

If you're a football fan, you might like to know that the Knute Rockne Memorial is located here, on K-177 (but the memorial is on private property with no public access). While you are visiting, you might want to park your RV at Swope Park, just off highway 177.

On your way out of Strong City, the byway will take you down into Cottonwood Falls. If you'd like to stop and do some hiking, try the Chase County Community Connection Trail, which runs north back to Strong City. (The trail was built in 2003 to provide a safe walking and biking trail between Strong City and Cottonwood Falls.) From this trail, you can, if you wish, reach the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve Bottomland Trail. The trail will also take you across the historic Cottonwood River bridge.
Continuing south, you'll come to a scenic overlook. Stopping here, you'll be able to enjoy an unrivalled 360-degree view of the grasslands. As you continue south, pay attention to the historic limestone fences, originally built for ranching purposes.

Cassoday

In the grasslands surrounding this small Butler County town, expect to see cattle dotting the countryside. They are brought in cattle trucks from all over the country to ìgo to grass.î If you happen to be here on one of the first Sundays of the month between May and October, you can stop by the Cassoday Cafe to enjoy brunch with motorcyclists who gather there before heading out to tour the Flint Hills Scenic Byway.

From Cassoday, take US-400W/US-54W toward Wichita. If you are in the mood for a big city experience after your drive through the prairie, take some time in Wichita. You can visit the Old
Cowtown Museum, an open-air living history museum where you can ride in a covered wagon and watch reenactments of gunfights. You may want to visit the Sedgwick County Zoo. But if you're looking for more of Kansas' beautiful nature or wildlife areas, you can find that here too, at the Great Plains Nature Center or the Arkansas River Trail.

Cheney

When you get to Cheney, you are in for a treat. If you are looking for peace on earth, you've found it. It could take you days to explore Cheney State Park, whether you choose to concentrate on the portion of the park at the west or east side of Cheney Reservoir. The park is RV-friendly, includes two beautiful
nature trails, and some world-class fishing (channel fish, white bass, crappie, striped bass, wiper,
and walleye). Cheney Reservoir, often called the windiest lake in the country, is also an excellent place for sailing and occasionally hosts sailing regattas. Adjacent to the park is the Cheney Wildlife Area, with 5,439 acres of wilderness lands and 4,109 aquatic acres.

Oh! And when you are in the Flint Hills region, be sure to take time to go out and do some stargazing at night. This is one of the best places in the country to observe the night sky.

About the Author

Joe Laing is the Marketing Director for El Monte RV Rentals. For other great RV camping vacation ideas see the Monty's Musings RV Camping Blog or the new Monty's RV Vacation Photo / Picture Gallery.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Springtime in the Kansas Flint Hills Prairie

2011-01-28T20:24:00.000-08:00

Springtime in the Kansas Flint Hills Prairie

"Springtime in the Kansas Flint Hills Prairie" is the title of a fine blog post that recently came to my attention. It has some spectacular photos of the prairie burning period coming up in a couple of months.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Another convert...

2010-12-10T14:55:00.000-08:00

Read this article by Greg Henderson through to the end, please...

http://www.drovers.com/news_editorial.asp?pgID=675&ed_id=8251

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Really nice Flint Hills article on Yahoo!

2010-12-04T18:58:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Contributing Editor, Robert Pfroom, for great Yahoo! article: "Day Trips from Kansas City, Missouri: The Flint Hills of Eastern Kansas." Great publicity piece. Check it out!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Last Flint Hills Cattle Drive

2010-11-10T18:06:00.001-08:00

Most of you have probably seen this story, but it is worth mentioning, if you have not. Check it out in the Eagle: http://www.kansas.com/2010/11/08/1578551/on-a-flint-hills-ranch-tradition.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Do you know "Flintknapping"?

2010-09-22T19:52:00.000-07:00

The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve will focus on the history of the Flint Hills in a program this coming Saturday during a series of special events:

American Indian

Bison

Flintknapping

Check it out, and maybe you will learn something, as well!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Visions of the Flint Hills Art Benefit and Sale

2010-09-14T18:59:00.000-07:00

The Visions of the Flint Hills Art Benefit and Sale will be held at Buttonwood Art Space, 3013 Main, Kansas City, Missouri, which opens the first Friday weekend, October 1, 2010, and a second show on Friday, November 5, 2010.

Check the link for a lot more detail, if you have not yet seen it!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Pioneer Bluffs activities on Sat, September 18

2010-09-13T05:39:00.000-07:00

From Lynn Smith news email:

"Prairie Talk on rural revitalization, "Small Town, USA," at 2 p.m., Saturday, September 18.
and,
Art exhibits with focus on nature will open at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, September 18.

See link, above, for contact information, if needed."

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

October 9 Hog Roast at Pioneer Bluffs - Plan to attend!

2010-09-09T05:46:00.000-07:00

HOG ROAST

From Lynn Smith news email:

"HOG ROAST: A Celebration of Community and Local Food, October 9.
This annual festival will be extra-special this year, with live music by
FOUR bands, demonstrations such as solar cooking, an arts and crafts fair,
and of course, delicious local food! All this for only $10 for adults, $5
for youths. All the details included."

See link, above, for contact information, if needed.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

At Pioneer Bluffs on Saturday, Sept 11: Addie returns!

2010-09-07T05:32:00.000-07:00

Addie returns!

From Lynn Smith news email:

" Addie returns! Adaline Rogler Sorace and her daughter, Deborah
Prutzman, will be guests of honor at a Pioneer Bluffs reception from 1:30 to
3 p.m., Saturday, September 11. They are visiting Kansas to accept a Kansas
Notable Book award for "Addie of the Flint Hills." Join us in congratulating
this great mother-daughter author team"

See link, above, for contact information, if needed.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Sep-Oct Pioneer Bluffs Newsletter a "must read!"

2010-09-04T12:22:00.000-07:00

Just received my "News from Pioneer Bluffs" email - are you getting it?

Attached was the really neat Sep-Oct Pioneer Bluffs Foundation newsletter, including great photos of past and upcoming events. I hope you support the Foundation programs.

A timely item: "Return to PrairyErth" to air on Wichita PBS on Sunday, September 5 and on Topeka PBS on Thursday, September 16.

To keep current on Pioneer Bluffs activities or make a donation, contact:

Lynn Smith

Executive Director

Pioneer Bluffs Foundation

620.753.3484 office

785.393.1569 cell

www.pioneerbluffs.org

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Third Annual Flint Hills Film Festival in Geary County

2010-09-02T20:59:00.000-07:00

Be sure to check out the Third Annual Flint Hills Film Festival in Geary County on Sept 10-12 in Junction City, KS. The link has detailed information and contact information for interested persons.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Geology and the Prairie brochure from NPS

2010-09-01T19:15:00.000-07:00

If you have been wondering about the geology of the Flint Hills, check out this fine brochure from the National Park Service at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.

For download, click: http://www.nps.gov/tapr/upload/Geology brochureFinal.pdf

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Voices of the Wind People time approaching

2010-08-27T13:25:00.000-07:00

Visit: Voices of the Wind People for more details, if you have not seen them.

This is a fine local show about the Flint Hills region and local culture!

See you in the Flint Hills! ;-)

Interested in Kansas Gardening?

2010-08-10T12:39:00.001-07:00

Have you seen Garden Musing? Kansas gardening. Interesting!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

See Coutts Museum lastest Exhibit

2010-08-09T19:19:00.000-07:00

The El Dorado times has a good story on their current exhibit. Check it out!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Flint Hills Photo-Cycling Tour - is it for you?

2010-08-08T19:49:00.000-07:00

Flint Hills Photo-Cycling Tour - is it for you?

The Flint Hills Photo-Cycling Tour is scheduled for September 10. Check the website link for more details. This looks like a really interesting project for serious photographer-cyclists!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Nice Update to Portal on the Prairie

2010-08-07T20:27:00.000-07:00

Check out the article by Linda A. Thompson in the cjonline.com article: Portal on the Prairie.

It provides a nice update on the Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan, KS, which broke ground on July 7, just a month ago.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Cyclist Blog through the Kansas Flint Hills

2010-08-04T19:16:00.000-07:00

See a nice cycling blog through the Flint Hills:
http://bikedave.wordpress.com/2010/08/04/august-4-harvey-county-park-east-near-newton-ks-to-eureka-ks/

Note that he met: "... a westbound cyclist from Hong Kong." Small world!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Unruh covers Heat-Moon visit to Chase County

2010-08-03T19:18:00.000-07:00

Most of you have probably seen the latest "Flyover People" article by Cheryl Unruh, "A deep map" - but if you missed it, here is the link in the Emporia Gazette! Check it out!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Flint Hills Nature-Based Ready-Made Adventure

2010-08-01T19:20:00.000-07:00

Kansas Travel and Tourism website now has the Flint Hills Nature-Based Ready-Made Adventure. Have you shared it with your friends, to encourage them to visit? It is very nicely done and friends and family would enjoy the entire tour.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Another review of the premiere screening of “Return to PrairyErth” at Pioneer Bluffs near Matfield Green

2010-07-26T20:25:00.000-07:00

Another review of the premiere screening of “Return to PrairyErth” at Pioneer Bluffs near Matfield Green in the Emporia Gazette. Check it out!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Pioneer Bluffs: Overflow crowds visit the farm

2010-07-25T19:34:00.000-07:00

I was so pleased to read this story in the Wichita Eagle about the Pioneer Bluffs event! ;-)

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

More Flint Hills acres into conservation easement

2010-07-23T07:03:00.000-07:00

7,000 more acres of Flint Hills native tallgrass prairie have been put into conservation easements by Rod Moyer of Junction City per an announcement by the Kansas Land Trust.

See story at: http://www.kansascity.com/2010/07/20/2095016/more-flint-hills-acreage-to-be.html

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Flint Hills Nature Trail

2010-07-22T05:27:00.000-07:00

Have you checked out all the activity at the Flint Hills Nature Trail website lately? Check it out!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Want to get better photos in the Kansas Flint Hills?

2010-07-21T05:43:00.000-07:00

If you want to be more satisfied with the photos you take out in the Kansas Flint Hills you will surely want to follow the new blog, flint hills imagemakers; I do!

http://flinthillsimages.blogspot.com/

These are three photographers from Council Grove who are sharing their experience and insights with the rest of us. Be sure to leave a comment on their blog posts to let them know you appreciate what they are doing there!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills - with your camera! ;-)

A Flint Hills garden tour coming up in Marion

2010-07-20T05:36:00.000-07:00

Annie Calovich has a nice article in the Wichita Eagle about the July 24 Marion Garden tour in the Kansas Flint Hills. Check out the details:

http://www.kansas.com/2010/07/17/1407687/marion-grows-its-own-flint-hills.html

AND, the tour benefits a great cause, as well: The Marion Public Library!

Hope you can be there... ;-)

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Kansas Flint Hills in The Daily Beast

2010-07-19T05:32:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the latest Kansas Flint Hills story in The Daily Beast?

http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-07-17/visiting-the-flint-hills-kansas-for-brisket-and-riding/

An American Prairie Feast by Sophie Menin goes on for three pages, and includes recipes from your own Rose and Kent Bacon. Enjoy!

I don't know about you, but my mouth is watering just reading the highlights!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Read Beccy Tanner's article on "Return to PrairyErth"

2010-07-18T05:18:00.000-07:00

Be sure to see Beccy Tanner's article in the Wichita Eagle:
http://www.kansas.com/2010/07/17/1407726/prairyerth-returns-home.html

It includes a really neat opening video clip the the new Flint Hills documentary and many more useful comments and bits of information. I know you will enjoy reading it!

There is also a similar, related story, in NEWSOK:
http://newsok.com/film-about-flint-hills-to-be-shown-next-week/article/feed/173863?custom_click=headlines_widget

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

312th Army Band in Marysville on July 20

2010-07-17T05:02:00.000-07:00

See this announcement at Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

http://kansasflinthills.travel/events/312tharmyband

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Eric Benjamin sees the Kansas Flint Hills through camera and eyes

2010-07-16T05:58:00.000-07:00

Eric has some nice Flint Hills photos.... ;-)

http://www.theadventuremonkey.com/blog/?p=2511

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Pioneer Bluffs: Latest activity report

2010-07-15T07:41:00.000-07:00

I just received this announcement from Lynn Smith, Executive Director:

July 24 is the much-anticipated day when Return to PrairyErth comes to
Pioneer Bluffs! Please join us for the premier of this documentary film and
a Prairie Talk by bestselling author William Least Heat-Moon. There is no
charge for this community event.

The fun begins at 4 p.m. with a matinee viewing of the film, and continues
on until the last showing of the film at dusk. All the information is
attached. If you'd like to purchase a "picnic on the prairie" prepared by
our great volunteers, please let me know you'd like to make a reservation.

It's going to be an exciting day! Feel free to share this information with
your email groups, or print it off to post at local businesses. We want
everyone to have the opportunity to meet William Least Heat-Moon and see the
film that features local people.

What we are doing at Pioneer Bluffs is newsworthy! Check out these two
feature stories in today's edition of the Topeka Capital Journal:
http://cjonline.com/life/2010-07-10/growing_together_at_pioneer_bluffs
http://cjonline.com/life/2010-07-10/matfield_green_expands_art_scene

Hope to see you July 24! Lynn

Lynn Smith
Executive Director
Pioneer Bluffs Foundation
620.753.3484 office
785.393.1569 cell
www.pioneerbluffs.org

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Flint Hills Author Deborah Vogts 2nd novel now available

2010-07-14T07:31:00.000-07:00

Because she promotes the Kansas Flint Hills in her novels and all of her appearances, it is always a pleasure to promote her efforts whenever I can. Here is a recent blog interview about her 2nd novel, just out, Seed of Summer, the second in the Seasons of Tallgrass series.

http://megandimaria.blogspot.com/2010/07/welcome-deborah-vogts.html

Megan does a fine job interviewing Deborah, and Deborah always has very interesting answers to interview questions.

Also, please note, that Country at Heart - the blog by Deborah Vogts, is at the top of my list to the right. Stop over there, read her blog, and sign up for her excellent newsletter. She also has a neat Deborah Vogts Readers Group on Facebook, if you are there as well. Look her up!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Pioneer Bluffs: A very special Kansas Flint Hills farm

2010-07-13T05:22:00.000-07:00

Pioneer Bluffs: A very special Kansas Flint Hills farm

I feel very fortunate to have been around and met a lot of the people responsible for making Pioneer Bluffs, near Matfield Green, in Chase County, what it is today. What that is, is nicely described in a recent cjonline.com article by Angela Deines: "Growing together at Pioneer Bluffs."

I have posted notices about activities at Pioneer Bluffs over the earlier years of this blog. If interested, feel free to roll back through the years to see more, including photos, now and then.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Flint Hills items of interest - July 12

2010-07-12T05:35:00.000-07:00

Flint Hills July 12

Two highlights from my "Flint Hill" Google Alert:

1. ABC Good Morning America feature:
A Sea of Grass: Kansas' Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve by Kate Santichen

We always love to see Flint Hill of Kansas stories like this. Come on over!! ;-)

2. The Photo Forum asked:
So you want some blue skies and open land?

You need to scroll down a bit to see the three beautiful Flints Hills photos!

Thanks for posting! Love them!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Jim Hoy to speak in Iola

2010-07-11T07:24:00.000-07:00

See the Iola Library Web Site for information on Jim Hoy speaking there on September 18.

Kansas Department of Commerce to host agritourism workshop

2010-07-10T06:58:00.000-07:00

Kansas Department of Commerce to host agritourism workshop

Farmers, business owners and entrepreneurs interested in agritourism are invited to attend a free agritourism workshop July 12 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Netawaka Community Building in Netawaka, Kan.
The two-hour session will provide an overview of agritourism, including how rural entrepreneurs can start a new agritourism business or incorporate agritourism into an existing business. The session will be led by Jan Janzten, director of Rural Tourism Development for the Flint Hills Resource Conservation & Development and owner of Kansas Flint Hills Adventures, one of the region's most successful agritourism operations.
The informational session is free, and registration is not required.
The event is sponsored by the Kansas Department of Commerce; Flint Hills Resource Conservation & Development; and Glacial Hills Resource Conservation Development.
"Agritourism" typically is defined as the crossroads of traditional agriculture and tourism. Farmers across Kansas are realizing the benefits of tailoring their operations to tourists, who are increasingly longing to visit a working ranch, rope a calf, ride a horse, pick their own apples or tour a winery. These activities provide lifelong memories for tourists and additional revenue for Kansas farmers who host them. If you are a Kansas producer looking to grow your business, then becoming an agritourism vendor may be the perfect way to do it.
The Kansas Department of Commerce promotes agritourism in Kansas through various programs and services, including the Kansas Agritourism Attraction Development Loan, the Agritourism Educational Scholarship Program and the Simply Kansas trademark program. For details, visit www.kansascommerce.com/agritourism.
For more information, contact Becki Rhoades with the Kansas Department of Commerce at 785-296-3737; Jan Jantzen with Flint Hills RC&D at 620-340-0113, extension 9; or Jessica Bowser with Glacial Hills RC&D at 785-945-6292.
Info Courtesy of: High Plains/Midwest AG

See you in the Flint Hills of Kansas! ;-)

Flint Hills Discovery Center Groundbreaking

2010-07-09T07:08:00.000-07:00

Flint Hills Discovery Center Groundbreaking

See photos and story of the groundbreaking for the Flint Hills Discovery Center that took place on Wednesday, July 7, 2010, at the Mahanttan, Kansas website.

See you in the Flint Hills of Kansas! ;-)

Dr. Bill ;-)

http://drbilltellsancestorstories.blogspot.com/
Author of "Back to the Homeplace"
and "13 Ways to Tell Your Ancestor Stories"
http://www.examiner.com/x-53135-Springfield-Genealogy-Examiner

Rural Kansas - a program of Kansas Sampler

2010-07-08T16:52:00.000-07:00

Check out Rural Kansas sponsored by the Kansas Sampler Foundation, I believe.

Good for the Flint Hills of Kansas!

It will be well worth the effort!

Dr. Bill ;-)

http://drbilltellsancestorstories.blogspot.com/
Author of "Back to the Homeplace"
and "13 Ways to Tell Your Ancestor Stories"
http://www.examiner.com/x-53135-Springfield-Genealogy-Examiner

Final Post

2009-09-27T19:03:00.000-07:00

As September 2009 comes to an end, this is also the final post of this blog. It has been a great honor to have created the following this blog has generated. It is the Kansas Flint Hills, of course, that is the great attraction that has drawn folks to these posts.

Changes in priorities, in my private life, in my retirement, and in my relationship with ESU have brought us to this point.

**** I NOW HAVE A NEW BLOG, Dr. Bill Tells Ancestor Stories that I invite you to check out. See you there, sometime...

I encourage each of you who read this to continue to follow the events posted at the Kansas Flint Hills website regularly, and to visit often.

Thank you, again, for your support!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Near Hillsboro, Florence or Marion this weekend?

2009-09-16T18:48:00.000-07:00

The Hillsboro Arts and Crafts Fair is celebrating 40 years of supporting hand made arts and crafts; visit this Saturday, September 19. This annual festival is juried and takes place on the third Saturday each year in downtown Hillsboro. About 400 artists and craftspersons display and sell their one of a kind creations each year.

Also on Saturday, September 19, Florence, just down the road from Hillsboro, holds their Antique and Arts Fair and Marion, in the same general area, holds their Marion's Art in the Park. This is a Free Fair for shoppers with free parking close to downtown and no admission. There are plenty of local food vendors, as well.

Something for everyone this weekend, in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Fall RIver Barbeque

2009-09-15T08:10:00.000-07:00

Don't miss the Fall River Barbeque on Sept 18 and 19, in Downtown Fall River. Free barbeque and many, many activities for the whole family... even a Miss Fall River contest. Rodeo performances and a parade, church arts and crafts fair, pony pull, kid's games and a dance.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Tallgrass Express by Flyover People

2009-09-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

I assume you all read Cheryl Unruh's Flyover People blog and column regularly, but if you don't, here is a good one to start with: Tallgrass Express, discussing a concert by the Tallgrass Express String Band performance in Cottonwood Falls. She puts so much meaning is so few words. Think that is called great writing! ;-)

See you in the Kansas Flint Hils! ;-)

Prairie Talk at Pioneer Bluffs - Falcons and Prairie Chickens

2009-09-13T12:37:00.000-07:00

Lynn Smith shares the latest program announcement from Pioneer Bluffs - looks like another fascinating program:

Tim Hickok will discuss prairie flora and fauna, along with his passion for the pursuit of prairie-chickens with trained raptors, in a Prairie Talk at Pioneer Bluffs on Saturday, September 19 at 2:00 pm.

Hickok and his hunting partner, Zero, a peregrine falcon, appeared with David Letterman and Jack Hanna on “The Late Show with David Letterman” in May, 2008, He will bring one of his falcons to Pioneer Bluffs.

Hickok is a Chase County rancher with a wildlife biology degree from Kansas State University.

We hope you'll be able to attend this fascinating Prairie Talk! Lynn

Lynn Smith
Executive Director
Pioneer Bluffs Foundation
620.753.3484 office
785.393.1569 cell
www.pioneerbluffs.org

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Kansas beauty from the air

2009-09-10T03:19:00.000-07:00

Kansas Prairie from Above on Flikr was brought to our attention, again, by Flint Hills,Tall Grass on Facebook.

Beautiful photo! What more can you say... Hike the trails, I guess would be great idea!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Buffalo Burgers at Alcove Spring

2009-09-09T09:37:00.000-07:00

Buffalo Burgers at Alcove Spring is a celebration of the local heritage on Saturday, Sept 12, all day, 9 am to 9 pm in 6 and 1/2 miles north of Blue Rapids, Kansas.

Check out the long list of activities and heritage learning experiences.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Hope Heritage Festival

2009-09-08T09:33:00.000-07:00

"Hope is Where the Heart is"

The Hope Heritage Festival will be held in Hope, Kansas, on Main Street, on Saturday and Sunday, Sept 12 and 13. Please stop by and join the many festivities. It is a neat little town. I've been there several times.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

The Setting is the Kansas Flint Hills

2009-09-07T09:25:00.000-07:00

Just read another nice review of Deborah Vogts book set in the Kansas Flint Hills. The Deweys blog speaks to both the book and the Kansas Flint Hills.

Country at Heart is Deborah's blog, of course, always to the lower right, here. It currently has the latest information on her second book in the Seasons of the Tallgrass series: Seeds of Summer. I understand you can advance order it on Amazon now.

Happy reading!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

The Prairie's Plight

2009-09-06T07:44:00.000-07:00

See the Emporia Gazette Online for a disturbing article, "The Prairie's Plight," to better understand the concerns of many folks with widely varied interests. Give it some thought. Do what you can, individually, to help out.

Thanks again to Flint Hills, Tall Grass on Facebook for bringing this article to our attention.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Zack Barnes Art Exhibit

2009-09-05T07:33:00.000-07:00

Be sure to check out the Zack Barnes ( a Flint Hills native son ) Art Exhibit at the Erman B. White Gallery at Butler Community College. See a great article about it entitled: Painting with the spirit of the Flint Hills in the El Dorado Times online.

Thanks to Flint Hills, Tall Grass on Facebook for bringing it to my attention.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Abilene Bluegrass Concert

2009-09-04T01:09:00.000-07:00

Passing along a note from Abilene:

Howdy All:

This is just a reminder of the 3^rd Annual Downtown Abilene Bluegrass Concert with will be held at Little Ike Park in Downtown Abilene on Saturday, September 12 beginning at 4:30 p.m. This year’s concert features Deadman Flats (Lawrence) and The Brushy Creek Boys (Dallas, Texas). The concert is put on by the Dickinson County Arts Council and a number of sponsors.

Attached is the radio advertisement from the Rocking M stations and the poster/flyer.

Deadman Flats – www.deadmanflats.com

The Brushy Creek Boys – www.thebrushycreekboys.com

The concert if FREE and bringing a lawn chair is encouraged. Hope to see you there.

Looks like fun!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Inter-Tribal Pow-Wow

2009-09-03T13:13:00.000-07:00

Come to the Inter-Tribal Pow-Wow at Lake Shawnee to celebrate the Native American culture with a weekend full of traditional ritual dancing, food and arts and crafts. Sept 4, 10 am to Sept 6, 10 pm.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Burdick Annual Labor Day Celebration

2009-09-03T00:52:00.000-07:00

Check out the Burdick Annual Labor Day Celebration on September 6, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. in Burdick, Kansas, in western Morris County.

Food, fellowship, a fun run and other events for the whole family.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Longford Rodeo

2009-09-02T00:46:00.000-07:00

Be sure to check out the Longford Rodeo this weekend, Sept 4 and 5, 2009. This is the 54nd Annual PRCA Rodeo to be held in Longford, KS, at the Longford Rodeo Grounds.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

New York Times Travel Section Article

2009-09-01T12:39:00.000-07:00

Got this from Flint Hill, Tall Grass and from Linda at Flint Hills Tourism Coalition, as well, but I wanted to also thank Linda Hanney, a blogger from Berryton, KS, (Linda's Backroad Musings and wildlife wildflowers and waterfalls) for this link from the New York Times Travel section. If you haven't seen it yet, this link should be interesting to all: http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/08/30/travel/30roadtrip.html

I add my thanks to all who made this travel writer's visit worthy of this report!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

New Perspective on Flint Hills

2009-08-29T08:57:00.000-07:00

For a somewhat different perspective on the Kansas Flint Hills, checkout Alex Hawley's latest blog entry and his new promotional video. Intriguing. I think you'll enjoy it!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Pioneer Bluffs Workday, again this Saturday

2009-08-26T15:17:00.001-07:00

The latest from Lynn Smith, at Pioneer Bluffs - looks like fun:

Hayloft swings and barn dances, rotten egg fights, courtships, and smoking “out behind the barn.” Horses plowing cover crops in the community garden. Experience Pioneer Bluffs!

On Saturday, August 29, beginning at 12:30 pm, you can watch Belgium horses plow the garden. Then at 2 pm, Joyce Thierer will share “Stories from the Barn,” exploring the barn in symbol and reality at a Prairie Talk in the 1915 barn.

The team of horses will be driven by Winston and Jan Sommerfeld of Country Boys Carriage and Prairie Adventures, Newton, in a demonstration of sustainable gardening practices used at Pioneer Bluffs.

Immediately following the garden demonstration, Joyce Thierer will explore barn structures and what goes on in and around those structures. “My mother always said I was raised in a barn,” says Thierer. “I grew up with barn dances, horses, and a social life that evolved around a barn, which is why I love barn stories. I hope people will bring their own barn memories to share at this Prairie Talk.”

Combined funding from the Emporia Community Foundation and the Kansas Humanities Council will bring this free community event to Pioneer Bluffs.

There will be a volunteer workday during the morning of Saturday, Aug 29, for those who want to enjoy an entire day in the beautiful Flint Hills.

Pioneer Bluffs, on the National Register of Historic Places, is a mile north of Matfield Green or 15 miles south of Cottonwood Falls on Flint Hills National Scenic Byway K-177.

Lynn Smith
Executive Director
Pioneer Bluffs Foundation
620.753.3484 office
785.393.1569 cell
www.pioneerbluffs.org

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Save our endangered tallgrass prairie

2009-08-23T04:55:00.000-07:00

"Save our endangered tallgrass prairie" is the title of a great article by The Kansas City Star Editorial Board. Thanks to Dennis Toll at Flint Hills, Tall Grass for bringing it to our attention, on Facebook.

Be sure to check it out, and continue to spread the word!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Flint Hills Stone Wall Workshop upcoming

2009-08-20T20:07:00.001-07:00

The next Flint Hills Stone Fence Renovation Workshop along the Native Stone Scenic Byway is scheduled for Friday, Oct 9, 9 am, to Sunday, Oct 11, at 4 pm, 1.5 miles north of Alma, on K99.

These workshops are now held each March and October. Check my earlier posts for different photos I have taken (the above photo from the workshop sponsors). Phone 785-765-4655 for more information. Also, you can go to: http://www.wabaunsee.com/ - see upper right corner for link to more info, photos, background.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Trains, Planes and Auto Show - in the Kansas Flint Hills

2009-08-17T15:19:00.000-07:00

See the Trains, Planes and Auto Show in Waterville on Saturday, August 22.

Check the web site above, for all the events scheduled.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Kaw Mission Band Concert and Ice Cream Social

2009-08-14T15:16:00.000-07:00

Join the Kaw Mission Band Concert and Ice Cream Social at the Kaw Mission in Council Grove on Sunday, August 16.

This annual event is growing in popularity each year - join the fun!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Beattie Milo Festival

2009-08-12T13:21:00.000-07:00

Find time this year to visit the Beattie Milo Festival in Marshall County. In Beattie, the Milo Capital of the World, this will be the 40th annual festival celebrating the Milo crop.

From 8 am to 10 pm you will be involved in a continuous series of events and activities for the entire family - from the Little King and Queen contest to frog jumping; from co-ed softball tournament to Chicken BBQ - with races of all kinds all day long.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Flint Hills Beef Fest - Emporia

2009-08-11T13:11:00.000-07:00

Don't miss the annual Flint Hills Beef Fest this week in Emporia!

Celebrate the grass cattle industry with with a variety of events and competitions. August 14th to the 16th, at the Lyon County Fairgrounds, in Emporia. Don't miss the Flint Hills Beef Fest!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Three Events for August 8 - Check them out

2009-08-07T20:23:00.000-07:00

We recommend three events for Saturday, August 8, in different parts of the Flint Hills:

1. How about the Clay Center Farmer's Market?
or
2. How about the Axtell Harvest Fest in Marshall County?
or
3. in the southern part of the region, check out "Women of the West" at Old Cowtown Museum in Wichita!

Whatever you choose, ...

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Pioneer Bluffs - Voices from the Past

2009-08-04T07:06:00.000-07:00

Here is the latest info from Lynn Smith, at Pioneer Bluffs:

Join the archive group this Saturday, August 8, noon to 4 pm, at the Chase County Museum in downtown Cottonwood Falls - it will be a fun afternoon of unfolding historical letters and correspondence for permanent, safe storage. (And I'm sure a few will have to be read during the process.) Don't miss this chance to see the Helen Rogler collection and preserve history!

If you'd like to see what was discovered at the July archive work session and read more about Helen's experiences, check out the blog at http://helenrogler.blogspot.com/.

Added note: I will be on vacation Aug 5 - 12. The Pioneer Bluffs office will not be open on Monday, Aug 10.

Thank you for your support and interest in Pioneer Bluffs. Lynn

Lynn Smith
Executive Director
Pioneer Bluffs Foundation
620.753.3484 office
785.393.1569 cell
www.pioneerbluffs.org

I would love to be there - Enjoy!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Goessel Threshing Days

2009-08-03T08:48:00.000-07:00

Goessel Threshing Days will be held this year August 7-10 in Goessel, including threshing demonstrations along with a full slate of entertainment and educational activities.

Visitors can tour the museum complex and several historic building filled with related activities.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Increase in Visitors from Europe

2009-08-02T15:52:00.000-07:00

I just responded to a traveler from the Netherlands who had visited my Virtual Geocache west of K-177 on US 50. I get about one a week from someone visiting from Germany or another central/northern country.

You may have recently read, as I did, the news articles about the joint KS-OK promotion office in England and Germany. We had a presentation about a year and half ago at a Flint Hills Tourism Coalition meeting. They said it takes about five years to build up a reputation that generates the kind of numbers we would like to see from that area. It seems to me all the effort over recent years is working. Thanks to the Kansas Travel and Tourism Division, under Becky Blake, and others, including the Flint Hills Tourism Coalition, for all their efforts to share our little corner of the world with interested others. These folks really appreciate the way of life in the Flint Hills, and want to take away memories, leaving the Flint Hills for others to enjoy as well!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

PGA Tour Nationwide Tour in Wichita next week

2009-08-01T08:39:00.000-07:00

For the ninth consecutive year, the Wichita Open Nationwide PGA Tour event will be held at Crestview Country Club August 3 through August 9 - a week-long event. Full details can be found at the Nationwide PGA Tour website.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Morris County Youth Rodeo

2009-07-31T13:33:00.000-07:00

Don't forget the Morris County Youth Rodeo on August 1, in Council Grove. See the link to get more details.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Two Weeks of Baseball in Wichita

2009-07-30T20:21:00.001-07:00

The 75th Annual NBC World Series will be played in Wichita Aug 1 -15.

The El Dorado Broncos, as winners of the 2009 Midwest Regionals, will be competing. See NBC Baseball online for all the details.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Greenwood County Fair

2009-07-27T07:56:00.000-07:00

The Greenwood County Fair for 2009 runs from July 31 through August 2 in Eureka at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds.

See exhibits ranging from photography to fruits and vegatables; from livestock to arts and crafts. There is pedal power tractor pull and more live entertainment.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

The 64th Annual Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo

2009-07-26T19:45:00.000-07:00

It is time again for the 64th Annual Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo in Abilene and related events, July 29 through August 1, 2009: that is this upcoming weekend. Follow the link the the Rodeo website for detailed information for all ages and interests.

The events kick of on July 29 with the PRCA Bull Riding competition.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Flint Hills Traveling Exhibit Update

2009-07-26T02:39:00.000-07:00

The Wichita Eagle reminds us that the Flint Hills Traveling Exhibit of Jim Richardson photos of the Kansas Flint Hills (April 2007 issue of National Geographic related photos) is now at the Santa Fe Trail Museum near Larned through Sep 3. If you are in that area, I urge you to stop in and visit.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Dexter, "In the Flint Hills" Kansas

2009-07-25T10:47:00.000-07:00

The blog 'Dexter, "In the Flint Hills"' Kansas is worth stopping by. Today, it is publicizing the upcoming Hometown Cookout, on Wednesday, July 29. But, it has a lot more to offer. Check it out.

Also, be sure to read about the town's namesake, Dexter, the famous trotter. Neat blog!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Stop, Look and Listen, says TinaRae

2009-07-24T01:24:00.000-07:00

The following is shared from the Chamber Chatter by TinaRae Scott, Executive Director, Council Grove/Morris County, Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, with permission:

Stop, look and listen. Yes, I know this is often associated with railroad
crossings but I see this terminology in a new light and I wanted to share.

I have spent a considerable amount of time recently with various media
contacts promoting this region. And what I have learned from them is to
stop, look and listen.

Stop. Many of us tend to take this area for granted. For a brief moment,
or longer if you can allow yourself the pleasure, just stop. Sit for a
spell alone, or with friends or family, maybe sit even longer with a
longtime friend you haven't visited with in a while. But just stop and
enjoy your surroundings.

Look. Has anyone noticed that we are nearing the end of July and the hills
are still gorgeous? The recent rains have helped keep the area in many
shades of green. New wildflowers are growing and we will continue to see
flowers into the late fall. The burr oaks are beginning to develop acorns.
Young wild animals are leaving the nests and the dens to venture out on
their own. The creeks and streams are running and are filled with tadpoles
and small fish. The walnuts are green and some are falling from the trees.
Yards are filled with wonderful colors and the lawns are green and lush.
Look at the grazing livestock. Look at the pools and parks filled with
people enjoying this area. Look for the fireflies in the evening hours.
The sights are endless.

Listen. How many different birds can you recognize from their call? Listen
to the sounds of the streams, rivers, and lakes. Listen to the children
laughing and train whistle in the distance. Listen to the leaves rustling
in the wind. Listen to the sounds of the person who just pulled in a large
fish or maybe even a stick on their line. Listen to the cattle and the
horses in the pastures. Listen to the cicadas. The sounds are endless.

I could go on and on. We live in a glorious, plush area that is one of a
kind for our country. We are blessed to live in the Tallgrass Region.
Visitors and media from around the world come to our region to experience
the beauty and the sights that we take for granted on a daily basis.
Please, just take the time to see through their eyes the breathless beauty
of this region.

Stop, look and listen. You won't be disappointed!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

National Day of the American Cowboy

2009-07-23T11:07:00.000-07:00

If you can be near Abilene on Saturday, July 25, check out the National Day of the American Cowboy and Ice Cream Social at the Heritage Center. This is a day of celebration and recognition of the cowboy and our western heritage - a day to honor working cowboy and cowgirls and their ongoing contributions to our communities.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

The Flint Hills "Death Ride" has arrived

2009-07-22T10:58:00.000-07:00

July 25 and 26 are the dates of the Flint Hills "Death Ride" - really a severe cycling event - based out of Madison, KS, in Greenwood County. The ride consists of "70ish miles of OFF ROAD racing" - the event is not for the weak of heart. Check out the website for registration and more warnings! ;-)

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

25th Annual Prairie Port Festival

2009-07-21T16:06:00.000-07:00

The 25th Annual Prairie Port Festival will be held from 4 p.m. Jul 23 to 6 p.m. Jul 26 at various locations in El Dorado.
The cost for the ENTIRE weekend is a mere $4 and Festival buttons can be purchased at numeros retail and service locations throughout Butler County.

Be sure to participate if you possibly can. Check it out!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Morris County 4-H Fair

2009-07-20T20:01:00.000-07:00

The annual Morris County 4-H Fair will be held July 22 through July 28 at the Morris County Fairground in Council Grove. The Fair will feature livestock show and sale, 4-H projects, and open class events.

Be sure to stop by and check it out!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

My Flint Hills Childhood by Gail Martin

2009-07-18T20:27:00.000-07:00

I have just become aware of a new book set in the Flint Hills of Kansas, "My Flint Hills Childhood" by Gail Lee Martin. You might want to check it out.

This is her story of a childhood on the Kansas prairies in the 1930s!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Marshall County Fair - Blue Rapids

2009-07-15T05:38:00.000-07:00

The Marshall County Fair will run from July 17 through July 22 this year, at the Marshall County Fairgrounds, in Blue Rapids.

The Fair Parade is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 19 , on the square, in Blue Rapids.

For a detailed schedule, check their website: http://www.mscountyfair.com/

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Low German Conference - Marysville

2009-07-14T17:20:00.000-07:00

The 14th Annual Low German Conference will be held in Marysville on Friday, July 17 to Sunday, July 19th. The conference is dedicated to the history and preservation of the Low German language.

You can check their website at: http://www.kansasplatt.org/ for more detailed information.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Kansas Veterans & Family Reunion - El Dorado

2009-07-12T11:01:00.000-07:00

Annual event where veterans of all U.S. branches of the military get together for a weekend of memories, renewal of friendships, camaraderie and good times.

July 16 at 5:00 a.m. to July 18 at 12:00 p.m. gather at Veteran's Point, El Dorado Lake and State Park.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Butterfly Count - Arkansas City

2009-07-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, July 11, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., The Chaplin Nature Center, in cooperation with the North American Butterfly Association will be conducting its annual butterfly count in the Arkansas City area.

Anyone interested in butterflies can participate in this count by following the count guidelines. Check with the Chaplin Nature Center for details.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Ladies Night Out - Council Grove

2009-07-05T14:54:00.000-07:00

On Friday evening, for 5 to 9 p.m., the Council Grove Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual Ladies Night Out event where ladies are treated to gifts, drawings, pampering, in-store specials and goodies.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Pioneer Bluffs Workday, and more...

2009-07-02T14:56:00.000-07:00

Following is the latest information from Lynn Smith at Pioneer Bluffs:

[I wish I could be there to help archive that historical collection - what an opportunity!!]

As the first Saturday in July is the 4^th, our monthly volunteer workday will be held the second Saturday, July 11.

More news… Do you know we have a collection of scrapbooks, photographs, and collectibles that was diligently saved throughout the 20^th century by Helen Rogler? Have you been anxiously waiting for the chance to be involved in archiving this unique historical collection? The adventure begins on July 11!

Mark your calendar for Saturday, July 11 – come for the morning, or the afternoon, or the whole day!

8:30 am – Coffee and chat in the barn at Pioneer Bluffs

9:00 am – Volunteer workday at Pioneer Bluffs – work in garden, spread wood chips, mow

Noon – Lunch at Pioneer Bluffs

Noon to 4:00 pm – Archive and identify photographs in the Helen Rogler scrapbook collection. This project will be done at the (air conditioned) Chase County Museum in downtown Cottonwood Falls.

And if you really want to have a full day of fun in Chase County, Cottonwood Falls stays open late on the Second Saturday of each month. From 5:00 to 8:00 pm, you can enjoy nostalgic shopping, live music, samples, and much more.

We hope everyone has an enjoyable Independence Day – then we’d love to see you at Pioneer Bluffs or at the Chase County Museum on July 11!

And in case you want a sneak peak at the kinds of pictures we'll be looking through in the archives during the afternoon at the Museum, I've attached a photo of Helen Rogler dancing the hula! Lynn

Lynn Smith
Executive Director
Pioneer Bluffs Foundation
620.753.3484 office
785.393.1569 cell
www.pioneerbluffs.org

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

4th of July Celebraion - Peabody

2009-07-02T06:09:00.000-07:00

The 88th Annual July 4th Celebration and Fireworks Extravaganza will be in Peabody, Kansas on July 4 and 5, 2009. People come from all over the state, who travel here every year for the parade, festivities and the fireworks. The fireworks display includes the largest ground display of fireworks and set pieces in the state of Kansas.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

4th of July Ice Crean Social - Marysville

2009-07-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

From 4 - 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, to benefit the Koester House Museum, come to the Ice Cream Social on the lawn - serving home made ice cream for $1.00 per scoop. Proceeds will benefit the upkeep for the Koester House Museum.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Santa Fe Trail Ranch Rodeo

2009-06-30T05:55:00.000-07:00

Don't miss the Santa Fe Trail Ranch Rodeo on July 3 and 4 in Council Grove, in Morris County. This is a WRCA event.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Abilene Old Fashion 4th of July

2009-06-29T17:48:00.000-07:00

The Abilene Parks and Recreation will sponsor an Old Fashion 4th of July in Eisenhower Park throughout the day on Saturday, July 4.

Check the web site for the wide variety of activities planned for this very special day - ending with the 8:00 p.m. City Band Performance and the Fireworks about 9:45 p.m.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Wilsey Independence Day Celebration

2009-06-29T17:43:00.000-07:00

For a special Kansas Flint Hills local experience, join the community of Wilsey on July 3 for their Annual Independence Day Celebration! Wilsey is just west of Council Grove, in Morris County!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)