Podcast appearances and mentions of Flint Hills

We catch up with Jack Lindquist on how the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program recruits and trains leaders who understand the whole region, not just one town. We talk through who qualifies, how the program is funded, and why class projects turn networking into real community change. • recruiting for the 2026-27 class and why the program looks for motivated, growth-minded leaders • eligibility across Geary, Riley, Pottawatomie, Wabaunsee, Morris and Fort Riley, including people who work in the area • the value of a diverse cohort for better listening, decision-making and problem solving • how Fort Riley strengthens the region through economic impact and long-term community ties • program history and the shift toward regional thinking beyond city limits • tuition, scholarships for small business and nonprofits, and the role of underwriters instead of tax dollars • the online application, curriculum dates, and the short recorded intro that replaces an interview • class projects and the Ogden youth center example of sweat equity unlocking faster progress Go online at frlp.org and go into the apply menu link. GMCFCFAs

We welcome Brent Sigman as the new executive director of the Flint Hills Volunteer Center and hear why he's bringing a boots on the ground mindset to volunteer coordination. We talk through where the biggest needs are right now, how we build stronger community partnerships, and how we can bring more young people into volunteerism. • Brent's local background and the path from public service and theatre to nonprofit leadership • A hands-on approach to storm cleanup and showing up early for community needs • Building and rebuilding partnerships with local organizations across Manhattan • How we connect volunteers with opportunities and why education improves retention • Why the mall location helps visibility and makes it easier to walk in and ask • Youth outreach through a K-State football camp and early volunteer education • Current volunteer gaps including medical transportation drivers and lawn care help • Festival of Trees planning and the need for a strong committee Flint Hillsvolunteer Center.com is uh the website. Our phone number is 785-776-7787. Mine is director.fvc at gmail.com. GMCFCFAs

Roger Brown is the most frequented guest on King of the Ride podcast and HE'S BACK! With 5 episodes prior to this one, covering the thousand-plus miles he's ridden across the Flint Hills, what Roger lacks in training he makes up for with ignorance and enthusiasm. Here in 2026, however, it's not just Roger, but he's riding and podcasting with his wife Jenny who took on her first 200 miles of Unbound gravel this year!  We sit around the back deck, catching up in the days after Unbound to hear the blow-by-blow how it all shook out. This is a great one, stay tuned! Use code RECOVERYKING at checkout for 20% off any UnTapped Recovery product at www.untapped.cc Use code king for 15% off your next pillow at www.LagoonSleep.com/king

Logan Jones-Wilkins is back from the mud in Kansas to break down a wild 26-mph crash, the dominant Specialized Crux 5 debut, and why gravel racing might never be the same. As we mentioned last week, Logan was in Emporia, Kansas covering Unbound 2026. Now he's back in the studio and Mike Levy and I get to talk about what he saw. Part of that is the new Specialized Crux, but before we get there, we start with a discussion of how Logan did in his own Unbound 100 race. It wasn't exactly a quiet day out. Logan details a wild situation that unfolded right in front of him, going from 26 mph to on the ground in an instant. Despite the crash, he still managed a 5-hour and 50-minute finish on the new Crux 5, and he finally shares the real details on what the bike is like to ride. From there, we get into the rest of the racing in Kansas, and that means the mud. This year, the Flint Hills delivered thick, sticky mud that forced massive sections of walking and led multiple pros to pee on their drivetrains just to keep moving. We also tackle the arrival of true team tactics. Specialized exerted absolute control over the front of the pack in the Men's 200, prompting the question: is this the natural evolution of the sport, or does it completely change the fabric of gravel racing? The Women's 200 was a slow build with constant anticipation, blowing up early and culminating with riders Sophia Gomez Villafañe and Geerike Schreurs texting mid-race to orchestrate attacks for the final sprint. Finally, we look at the giant prototype Scott 32-inch wheeled bikes that made their debut. What does that mean for the technology, and will you see it roll out on production models soon? Timestamps 00:00 – Intro & Logan's Unbound 100 10:03 – The Specialized Crux Deep Dive 21:55 – The Mud & Drivetrain Drama 27:00 – The Men's 200 & Team Tactics 42:05 – The Women's 200 46:38 – The 32-Inch Wheel Debate Resources Check out the Unbound Gravel hub for all the articles covered this week: https://velo.outsideonline.com/tag/unbound-gravel

Find out about all the fun in the area of Rice Park in St. Paul, courtesy of Flint Hill Resources. Holli VanOverbeke joined Vineeta with a rundown of the fun!

Find out about all the fun in the area of Rice Park in St. Paul, courtesy of Flint Hill Resources. Holli VanOverbeke joined Vineeta with a rundown of the fun!

Jason talks with Chris Harrington, President and CEO of The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, about this weekend's Flint Hills Family Festival in St. Paul, the good work it supports, and why you should attend!

Dan Hughes is a certified Unbound legend, having won the very first edition way back in 2006 and another three times for good measure. He's seen the race go from 34 people in a hotel parking lot in Emporia to the most prestigious gravel race in the world. An Emporia local, he now works for Life Time as a Content Specialist and has already spent hours doing recon in the Flint Hills. In other words, there is no better person to talk to about the course. Payson sits down with Dan this week for a detailed breakdown of this year's route. For the 20th anniversary of the event, the organisers decided to make this one extra special, incorporating new roads and some old favourites. They discuss weather, water crossings, trains, a new feed zone for the pros, and much more. But first, Dan provides some backstory on the race that has become the focal point of the gravel calendar. Instagram: @withpacepodcastYouTube: Payson McElveenEmail: howdy@withpace.cc

Welcome back to Barn Talk! In today's episode, you'll get a front-row seat for a deep, honest conversation with Luke Schultz, a fifth-generation cattleman from the heart of Kansas and a seasoned ag lender at Conterra Ag. Known as the “Force of Nature,” Speaker A shares how his upbringing in the Flint Hills shaped his approach to both ranching and banking. Speaker B and Speaker C dig into everything from the evolving world of agricultural lending, to multi-generational farm transitions, to the state of the cattle market and creative ways producers are adapting in uncertain times. From stories of Mormons feeding gum to hard truths about land consolidation, succession planning, interest rates, and capitalizing on long bull runs in livestock, there's wisdom for every listener, young or old, in or out of agriculture. Plus, you'll hear candid thoughts on trades vs. college, the unintended effects of pop culture on rural life, and what it really takes for a farm family to thrive across generations. If you're interested in the real stories, challenges, and innovations happening on America's farms and ranches and want to hear it from folks who truly walk the walk this episode is for you. Pull up a seat and join the conversation! JOIN THE BARN TALK NEWSLETTER & GET LIVE EVENT ACCESS: We're on a mission to get 10,000 subscribers, and once we do, we're hosting a live event at the barn! Sign up to get exclusive access to tickets and details.

Over two million acres in the Flint Hills region of Kansas are intentionally burned each spring between March and May for land management purposes.

We catch up with Lisa Isaacson on how the Flint Hills Community Accelerator is expanding childcare in Manhattan through eight licensed suites and a hub built around education, health care, workforce, and family support. We dig into what it takes to keep providers from burning out, meet hard-to-serve needs like overnight care, and build a model other Kansas communities can copy. • rapid build-out and first months of operations at the Flint Hills Community Accelerator • eight childcare suites filled with KDHE-licensed family child care providers • how the four pillars shape daily work: education, childcare, health care, workforce • early childhood education credits launching with Manhattan Area Technical College • realistic look at childcare churn and how support keeps providers open • provider transitions into the community and the challenge of finding locations • exploring overnight childcare for shift workers and first responders • childcare support for military families living off Fort Riley • why other towns can start accelerators without new buildings • safety practices families value: codes, sign-in, badges, cameras • conference space rentals and partnerships that sustain the building tell them that you are supporting the Flint Hills Community Accelerator on the 15th from five to sevenGMCFCFAs

In this episode, we delve into the remarkable experiences of Linda from northeastern Kansas, whose encounters span decades and stretch across the mountains of Montana, the forests of southeastern Oklahoma, the high country of Colorado, and the rolling Flint Hills of Kansas. Her journey began in childhood after a frightening mountain incident near Butte, Montana and a moment that changed how she viewed the famous Patterson-Gimlin film.Linda shares her 1977 experience near Broken Bow, Oklahoma, where an overwhelming warning forced her to leave an isolated trail. Years later in Bailey, Colorado, she and her husband were awakened at 4:00 AM by a powerful vocalization rising from below their mountainside home. Near Pine Junction, she describes a whistle that answered her own from the trees.Back in Kansas, the activity continued—wood knocks near a camper, unexplained footprints in winter ground, a towering shadow passing a window, and a long, distant Ohio howl echoing across the Flint Hills followed by chilling responses. While camping near a quiet lake, she encountered massive tree breaks and an X-shaped stick structure placed directly in front of her vehicle.Linda also opens up about deeply personal experiences that shaped her understanding of these beings, touching on moments that felt protective, purposeful, and transformative.This conversation moves through multiple states, landscapes, and seasons, weaving together firsthand encounters and reflections that build into something far bigger than a single sighting. Join us as we explore Linda's lifelong journey and the enduring mystery of Sasquatch in the American heartland and beyond.

Coach Frank describes a 3 month Unbound training plan that you can follow FREE for 30 days → https://fascatcoaching.com/app Develop your Diesel Watt power by knowing how to train it in March, April, and May to arrive in Emporia fresh, fit, and ready to send it. Whether you're lining up for the 200, 100, or XL, this video covers the training concepts that have helped thousands of FasCat athletes finish strong,from sweet spot base building to full gravel simulation rides to the art of a proper taper. You'll learn: the Gravel Power Workout (the single best workout for gravel racers) how to build your long ride from 2.5 hours to 5+, why Flint Hills repeats matter, and what race-winning power data from Ian Boswell, Pete Stetina, and Cam Jones tells us about pacing Unbound.

We share how a grassroots directory grew into a regional network serving over 200 entrepreneurs a year and why the Yuma Street Cultural Center will unite culture, community, and commerce. We unpack leadership lessons, capital readiness, and partnerships that close access gaps across the Flint Hills.• Founding story of Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills• Journalism and marketing roots shaping social entrepreneurship• Why a directory was not enough for lasting impact• Kitchen and restaurant incubators as missing infrastructure• Capital readiness beyond grants to loans and hiring• Partnerships with Chamber, Commerce, Network Kansas, GMCF• Reaching Manhattan, Fort Riley, Junction City, Salina, Topeka, Lawrence• Volunteer beginnings and long-term funding from Kansas Health Foundation• Leadership influenced by family ethos and pipeline building• Preserving local Black history while expanding resources• Details for the Yuma Street Cultural Center groundbreakingGMCFCFAs

We trace how the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program builds servant leaders who think bigger than their zip code and act locally with speed and empathy. Alumni form deep networks, serve on boards, fuel civic conversations, and find purpose that anchors long-term community impact.• origins in 1980s agricultural leadership and 1990s regional expansion• 683 alumni to date with seven-county reach• sharp rise in women leaders and cross-sector diversity• visits to the Statehouse to build civic fluency• systems thinking and collaborative decision-making• lifelong networks that support personal and professional growth• alumni service on boards, councils, and commissions• application window May 15 to July 15 at FHRLP.org• Eileen Cray Memorial Scholarship covering up to 50 percent of tuitionTo get signed up to find out more, the website is FHRLP.orgGMCFCFAs

We share how a joyful Valentine gala with big band music and a ballroom lesson funds urgent aid, food security, critical repairs, and long‑term homeownership. We also outline the repair program, ReStore impact, and new builds that move families toward lasting stability.• new Monday 9am slot and show setup• three nonprofits join for a Valentine benefit• big band, dance lesson and community building• short‑term, medium‑term and long‑term impact explained• limited tickets and how to buy online or by phone• repair program scope and city partnership• income eligibility and five‑year forgiveness model• ReStore throughput and Hope Restored gift cards• rehab of Oak Grove School and modular builds• ways to plug in if not attendingBuy your ticket to Valentine's Day.GMCFCFAs

We share how Flint Hills Breadbasket transformed into a grocery-style space that welcomes 800–900 families each week and why demand continues to rise. We also spotlight the Super Bowl food drive, our Valentine collaboration with Habitat and Shepherd's Crossing, and the role of Grow Green Match Day in stabilizing support.• rising demand after relocation and during government shutdown• grocery-style, dignified shopping experience that eases fear• volunteers, Knights of Columbus, and store partners enabling smooth drives• Super Bowl food drive logistics across Dillons and Hy-Vee• how to give if you cannot attend in person• collaboration with Habitat and Shepherd's Crossing on Valentine's event• how joint events expand reach and reduce duplication• Grow Green Match Day as a key budget stabilizer• guidance on healthier donation choices for pantry shelvesSuper Bowl Saturday. Dillons locations and Hy-Vee collection efforts for soups, dry food, hygiene items. FlintHillsBreadbasket.org is where you can find out more and also help out financially if you are so inclinedGMCFCFAs

   So much buildup and so little sizzle as Mayor Q is a panelist on CBS Face the Nation and I'm really disappointed.  We were hoping he'd be asked about KC being the per capita homeless capital of America or his police chief declaring "drastic" measures to cutback the force because the budget is whacked.  Instead, he almost got edited out completely.    The word around the cowtown is the Chiefs will be announcing the exact location of their new stadium this week... we'll tell you where the smart money is.  Meanwhile, the Royals say they will be announcing their decision sooner than later where they are going.    NBA coach Steve Kerr has been forced to apologize for his outrageous lies about the Trump administration and ICE.  It was real.  But another coach won't back off and is worried ICE will start kidnapping international players and sending them home.  What a fool.    KU star Darryn Peterson sits again after KU built a huge lead over BYU.  He's healthy for tonight's game so maybe this was something else.  I have a new theory.    Mark Turgeon is the new basketball coach at Kansas City (UMKC) and this is a great hire.  Goalies throw down at center ice and one of the world's most famous musicians makes a video in the middle of the Tallgrass Prairie reserve in the Flint Hills.

Carolyn Perrier is a ranch wife, mother of three and grandmother of nine. She is a servant in her community, a leader for countless organizations through the years, and most importantly... my mom. On this episode, we talk about her journey from city to country life and the countless challenges and blessings along the way.Past episode mentions:Tom Perrier https://www.buzzsprout.com/1995747/episodes/12299829Symphony in the Flint Hills https://www.buzzsprout.com/1995747/episodes/12898676

We follow a leader who connects counties, sectors, and people to turn local needs into regional action. From childcare capacity to urban renewal and Fort Riley immersion, the program shows how networks and context create durable change.• origins and scope of the regional leadership program • associate counties and why the bylaws matter • Fort Riley immersion and workforce context • alumni impact on childcare and civic boards • Discovery Center as anchor for Third Street growth • recruitment dates, eligibility, and application format • how regional networks amplify local ideasApplications run May 15 to July 15 at FHRL.org. Check dates, see alumni photos, and apply online. Follow us on Facebook for session photos, livestreams of class announcements, and graduation.GMCFCFAs

We talk with Flint Hills Breadbasket's Carla Hegemeister about the Thanksgiving surge, the shockwaves from SNAP uncertainty, and how a bigger space and tight partnerships kept up with record demand. We share details on the community meal, holiday hours, and simple ways to help.• Thanksgiving as peak season for donations, volunteers, and holiday meal support• Holiday week schedule, turkey pickup times, and office-only days• Community Thanksgiving meal hours, location, and inclusive purpose• Volunteer capacity filled early, ongoing needs beyond the holiday• New facility enabling higher throughput and safer distribution• SNAP shocks and shutdown uncertainty driving mid to high 800s weekly families• Rising demand among military and furloughed federal workers• Forthcoming SNAP administration changes and state cost burdens• HUD shifts likely to tighten rent support and raise risk of food insecurity• Nonprofits coordinating to avoid tunnel vision and share resources• Christmas focused on stability, not extra meat distributions• Lighted parade as a food and funds driver• Clear ways to help through drives, volunteering, and donationsFlintHillsBreadbasket.org is where you can find out more informationYou can always find out more about the work of the foundation on our website at mcfks.orgGMCFCFAs

In this bonus episode, new American Angus Association president Jim Brinkley joins fellow Board members Darrell Stevenson and Ron Hinrichsen to recap Angus Convention, what they learned and the conversations had among Angus breeders in Kansas City.The 142nd Annual Convention of Delegates concluded the weekend of education, fellowship and celebration. The group shares updates about newly elected leadership, strategic plans and what's ahead.HOST: Mark McCully GUESTS:Jim Brinkley, 2026 president and chairman, has served on the American Angus Association Board of Directors for the past seven years. Along with their children, Crystal and Justin, Brinkley and his wife, Sherry, own 1,300 acres and 400 registered Angus cattle at Brinkley Angus Ranch (BAR) near Milan, Mo.Darrell Stevenson, 2026 vice president and vice chairman of the American Angus Association Board and native of White Sulphur Spring, Mont., holds strong ties to the Angus breed and a history of activity in the Montana Angus Association. In 2019 Stevenson and his wife, Sara, expanded from Hobson onto a new unit in White Sulphur Springs to establish a later-calving herd operating as Stevenson Down T. Although separated by a mountain range, Darrell continues to breed and market genetics with Stevenson Angus Ranch.Ron Hinrichsen, director on the American Angus Association Board, has been involved in multiple sectors of the beef cattle industry throughout his professional career and is a third-generation Angus breeder. Ron and his wife, Lynne, established R&L Angus/Hinrichsen Ranch in the Flint Hills of Kansas near Westmoreland, upon graduating from Kansas State University. While raising high-quality cattle, Ron and his wife, Lynne, have two children — Cale and Eva. Along with the cattle operation, Ron's professional career started in semen sales and later moved into animal health sales.RELATED READING:President's LetterAngus Genetics Inc. research projectsAmerican Angus Association Annual Report  Don't miss news in the Angus breed. Visit www.AngusJournal.net and subscribe to the AJ Daily e-newsletter and our monthly magazine, the Angus Journal.

We celebrate Manhattan's Veterans Day with the biggest parade in Kansas, a salute to the National Guard and Reserve, and a free, accessible ceremony that welcomes everyone in person and online. From breakfast at the American Legion to mall exhibits and mounted color guard, the day blends pageantry with purpose.• Parade details and route from mall to City Hall• Focus on honoring National Guard and Reserve• Free veteran breakfast hosted by Knights of Columbus• Ceremony at 11 a.m. with senior Guard leader speaking• Broadcast on KMAN, Facebook Live, and Cox Channel 3• Mall exhibits with artifacts and local veterans' stories• Volunteers from E-9 Association and K-State historians• Flags and dog tags for attendees and care facilities• How to register, join meetings, and get involvedOur next meeting is going to be October 28th at 10 a.m., the Manhattan Chamber of CommerceYou can RSVP at chamber at manhattan.orgGMCFCFAs

On this episode, Jason sits down with Samantha Ellison, a 20 Under 40 recipient and member engagement manager at the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. Ellison discusses her career journey from Derby, KS, to Kansas State University and the hotel industry, and eventual transition to the Chamber. Samantha highlights her involvement in community activities, including coaching soccer, volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and participating in the Junior League of the Flint Hills. Ellison emphasizes the importance of networking and mentions her recent recognition as a top young professional. Samantha also shares her love for Manhattan's small-town feel and her favorite podcasts.

USMA graduate, combat veteran and President of the West Point Society of the Flint Hills in Kansas, Katrina Lewison joins Dane Neal on WGN Radio. Hear as Katrina shares excitement around bringing “Old Grads” and football fans together from Kansas and beyond for the pregame celebration between Army and K-State in Manhattan Kansas. Listen as […]

Kansas is a big place, and not one particularly well-known for national park destinations. But that doesn't mean you should overlook the Sunflower State. In the closing days of September, as the country seemed destined for a government shutdown, the Traveler's Kurt Repanshek and Patrick Cone headed into Kansas to visit some of the parks there to better understand their role in the National Park System. And we were not disappointed. Back in 2022 Kurt made a similar trip, and stopped at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in the Flint Hills of central Kansas. During that stop Ranger Eric Patterson gave Kurt a wonderful tour of the preserve and explained its history.  Eric has moved on, but during Kurt and Patrick's recent visit Heather Brown, the preserve's chief of interpretation, sat down with them to discuss the preserve in general and the tallgrass prairie specifically. During their swing through Kansas, Kurt and Patrick also headed to Nicodemus, a well-off-the-beaten path destination in the National Park System, one so far off the beaten path that the state of Kansas does Nicodemus National Historic Site a tremendous disservice by providing very little signage showing you how to get to Nicodemus. But stay determined and you can find the site. While the Park Service only claims five buildings at Nicodemus, and only two are open, the history of how the townsite was founded in post-Civil War America by more than 300 previously enslaved peoples is an uplifting history of self-determination, grit, and perseverance. What follows are two conversations they had with rangers – before they were furloughed when the government shut down – at the two sites, LueCreasea Horne Horn at Nicodemus National Historic Site and Heather Brown at Tallgrass prairie.

Kansas is a big place, and not one particularly well-known for national park destinations. But that doesn't mean you should overlook the Sunflower State. In the closing days of September, as the country seemed destined for a government shutdown, the Traveler's Kurt Repanshek and Patrick Cone headed into Kansas to visit some of the parks there to better understand their role in the National Park System. And we were not disappointed. Back in 2022 Kurt made a similar trip, and stopped at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in the Flint Hills of central Kansas. During that stop Ranger Eric Patterson gave Kurt a wonderful tour of the preserve and explained its history.  Eric has moved on, but during Kurt and Patrick's recent visit Heather Brown, the preserve's chief of interpretation, sat down with them to discuss the preserve in general and the tallgrass prairie specifically. During their swing through Kansas, Kurt and Patrick also headed to Nicodemus, a well-off-the-beaten path destination in the National Park System, one so far off the beaten path that the state of Kansas does Nicodemus National Historic Site a tremendous disservice by providing very little signage showing you how to get to Nicodemus. But stay determined and you can find the site. While the Park Service only claims five buildings at Nicodemus, and only two are open, the history of how the townsite was founded in post-Civil War America by more than 300 previously enslaved peoples is an uplifting history of self-determination, grit, and perseverance. What follows are two conversations they had with rangers – before they were furloughed when the government shut down – at the two sites, LueCreasea Horne Horn at Nicodemus National Historic Site and Heather Brown at Tallgrass prairie.

We talk with Leslie White, director of the Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation, about how Bison, Beef & Bourbon funds exhibits, programs, and a new outdoor classroom to serve learners year-round. We clarify the roles of foundations vs. cities, share event details, and explain how to bid or donate even if you can't attend.• Difference between the Discovery Center and the 501(c)(3) foundation• What past Bison, Beef & Bourbon proceeds funded• Why the outdoor classroom matters and phase one timeline• event date, time, venue, distilleries, food, cigar demo• ticket options, tables, and online purchase links• remote bidding for the silent auction and close time• Kansas Community Tax Credits for $250+ gifts• region-wide mission across the Flint Hills• Leslie's favorite space and what it means for kids• how to attend, reserve a table, or donateGather your friends, reserve a table, and get your tickets at flinthillsdiscovery.org or the Foundation's Facebook page. If you can't attend, register for the auction only, bid online, or donate $250+ to leverage Kansas Community Tax Credits. Please call the Foundation with any questions.GMCFCFAs

Lori Bishop from the Flint Hills Volunteer Center and board member Ronnie Grice are discussing their upcoming 9/11 Family Event and Picnic on September 7th at Pottorf Hall.• Annual event honors the memory of 9/11 through community service projects• 400 pairs of athletic shoes will be distributed to children in grades K-5• First responders will personally fit children with their new shoes• Emergency vehicles will be on display for children to explore• Activities include commemorative rock hunt, tattoos, and coloring pages• Barbecue provided by Riley County Police Department• Event creates opportunity for younger generations to learn about 9/11• First responders share personal memories of where they were on September 11, 2001• Event runs from 3-6 pm at Pottorf Hall and the surrounding areasJoin us Sunday, September 7th, at Pottorf Hall from 3-6 pm for this meaningful community event that honors our heroes while serving local families.GMCFCFAs

Meadowlark's Parkinson's Program provides free education, exercise, and support services to anyone affected by Parkinson's disease throughout the Flint Hills region. The program helps combat the depression, anxiety, and apathy often associated with Parkinson's while providing crucial exercise opportunities that are proven to slow disease progression.• Boxing therapy shows immediate results with participants taking larger steps by mid-class• Virtual and hybrid formats connect participants from as far as Indiana and Kansas City• The 17th annual Speedy PD race aims to reach 1,000 participants this year• Race features a half-mile memorial walk/run, 5K, and 10K events starting at 8:00 am• Special recognition for VIPDs (Very Important People with Parkinson's Disease)• Post-race celebration includes food, drinks, and activities - "a party with a purpose"• K-State's Ireland game has sparked international connections with Dublin Parkinson's organizations• Coach Kleiman and wife Rhonda support the program through their personal connection to Parkinson'sRegister now at runspeedypd.org, in person at Meadowlark, or at the event on Saturday, August 23rd at Tuttle Creek State Park.GMCFCFAs

HAQAST is working to better understand the impact prescribed controlled burns have on air quality.

Candice McIntosh and Melissa Colby share their mission at Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills, bringing joy and confidence to girls in third through eighth grade across a ten-county region. The program combines physical activity with lessons on confidence, friendship, and community engagement.• New "Hello Bold Heart" curriculum focuses on helping girls find and use their voices• Program teaches girls to be good teammates and friends while building individual confidence• Expanding to new counties with Clay Center joining this season• Volunteer coaches don't need running experience—just a desire to empower girls• Male coaches especially welcome as positive role models• Annual fundraiser "Sneaker Soiree" becoming a luncheon on October 16th at Manhattan Country Club• Looking for event sponsors and auction item donationsVisit gotrflinthills.org to register a girl, become a coach, or learn more about supporting the organization. Tickets for the Sneaker Soiree Luncheon go live September 1st and typically sell out quickly.GMCFCFAs

Every year, the Flint Hills of Kansas call Rachel Wills back to Unbound XL. At 350 miles, the race is a test of endurance: relentless heat, drivetrain-clogging mud, a horizon that stretches on forever, and a thousand sharp, punchy climbs that chip away at you one by one.Rachel has lined up in five times: finished four, scratched once. And with each ride, she's uncovered a new experience. For her, Unbound XL has become so much more than a race. It's become a ritual. A way of grounding herself in place, community, and the kind of effort that reveals something new every time.In this episode, Rachel reflects on what's kept her coming back and how the Flint Hills have shaped her over time. She shares about the power of all women's spaces like Velocio // Exploro, lessons from big days in the saddle, why tandem wheels are surprisingly great to follow, and the descending advice she picked up from Rebecca Rusch.Topics include:What makes Unbound XL so challenging (and so special)The emotional weight of scratching and coming backGrowth through repetition and ritualRiding with Velocio // Exploro and the power of a women's teamLetting go of racing for results—and finding something deeperFollow Rachel on Instagram: @rachelawills Follow Mel on Instagram: @melwwebbFollow Detours on Instagram: @detourscyclingFollow Albion on Instagram: @albion.cyclingUse code DETOURS15 to get 15% off your next order from AlbionIf you love this show please consider pledging your support to sustain producing this show: https://buymeacoffee.com/detourspodcast

Sheila Ellis-Glasper of Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills shares how her organization has distributed over $114,000 in grants to business owners of color and launched a groundbreaking loan fund with a 4% interest rate. She unveils plans for the Yuma Street Cultural Center, the first Kansas initiative combining African-American heritage, entrepreneurship support, and cultural preservation while revealing fascinating historical connections, including Dr. King's impromptu Yuma Street speech.• Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills has graduated over 20 entrepreneurs through a 12-week Kauffman Foundation business training program• The Elevate and Empower Loan Fund offers entrepreneurs up to $15,000 at just 4% interest• Yuma Street contains rich but often overlooked history, including visits from Jackie Robinson, Joe Louis, and Lena Horne• The Woods family (including Tiger Woods' father, Earl Woods) was among Manhattan's first African-American settlers• The inaugural Yuma Street Cultural Festival takes place August 31st from 1-9 pm with free admission, food, dancing, and historic tours• The $2.3 million Yuma Street Cultural Center project is planned to open by 2027 in the historic Shepherd's Chapel building• The Center will feature event space, entrepreneurial resources, a commercial kitchen, and a rotating restaurant incubatorLearn more or contribute to these initiatives at blackflinthills.com and yumastreet.org.GMCFCFAs

In this episode, we sit down with Shane and Jeremy Hutsell, a father-son duo who took on the grueling Unbound 200 together. But this ride wasn't just about miles and mud. It was a journey fueled by purpose, love, and a reason much bigger than themselves. Tune in as they share what drove them through the Flint Hills, the highs and lows of riding side by side, and the powerful story behind why they showed up to the start line.

Jack Lindquist, Executive Director of the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program, shares the 33-year history and impact of this regional leadership initiative. The program builds collaborative relationships across Geary, Riley, Pottawatomie, Wabaunsee, and Morris counties to foster regional problem-solving and create positive change.• Created 33 years ago through partnership between Fort Riley, Kansas State University, and regional Chambers of Commerce• Nearly 660 graduates have completed the program since the first class in 1993-94 • Participants develop regional networks and collaborative relationships across diverse communities• Selection process targets emerging leaders already demonstrating leadership qualities• Monthly sessions rotate through different communities covering topics like team building, conflict resolution, and advocacy• Program runs September through February with graduation in Pottawatomie County this year• Application deadline is July 20th with all materials submitted through frlp.org• $600 tuition with scholarships available for nonprofit employees and small business ownersApplications for the upcoming class are now being accepted at frlp.org through July 20th.GMCFCFAs

Karla Hagemeister of the Flint Hills Breadbasket shares remarkable statistics about their new facility and the rising need for food support in Manhattan. After moving to a larger location in May, they're now serving record numbers.  With over 2,000 family visits in June alone, Karla reflects on both the community's generosity and growing economic challenges.• The Breadbasket moved to a new, larger facility in late April, beginning operations May 8th• Weekly visits have increased dramatically, with 601 families served in a single week• Monthly household visits rose from 795 in April to 897 in June• High housing costs and service industry jobs contribute to food insecurity in Manhattan• Summer brings increased demand as children are home, while donations typically decrease• SNAP benefits provide nine meals for every meal a food bank can provide• A family of eight saved $1,000 in grocery costs in one month through Breadbasket support• The organization welcomes K-State student interns who gain valuable nonprofit experience• Volunteers are always needed to meet the growing demandIf you'd like to support the Flint Hills Breadbasket's efforts to combat hunger in our community, please consider volunteering your time or making a food or financial donation. Every contribution helps us serve our neighbors in need.GMCFCFAs

Here's a quick look at today's top stories for Wednesday, June 18. Find the complete articles and much more in today's print edition and online at https://www.iolaregister.com/.

We sat down with coach, athlete, and teammate Sarah Didier, fresh off a massive ride at the UNBOUND 350XL, where she battled the Flint Hills, sleep deprivation, and 350+ miles of brutal gravel to finish 5th overall

The Flint Hills Summer Fun Camp offers inclusive summer camp experiences for all children regardless of their abilities. Founded in 2010 by mothers of children with autism, the camp has grown to serve approximately 40 children from three school districts with professional staff and community support.• Started in 2010 by mothers who wanted camp experiences for their children with autism• Serves children ages 5 through high school with and without special needs• Accommodates visible and invisible disabilities including autism, anxiety, TBI, and ADHD• Staffed by certified teachers, paraprofessionals, and ABA providers • Runs six weeks during summer from 8am-4pm at Marlette Elementary• Partners with community organizations like Beach Museum and the library• Plans special events including sensory-friendly movie outings• Currently in its 13th year with the potential to serve 44 children• Welcomes new camper registrations throughout the summer• Relies on community support and fundraisers to provide scholarships and activitiesVisit flinthillssummerfuncamp.com to register your child or find information about supporting the camp. Join their fundraiser tonight at Raising Cane's from 3-10pm!GMCFCFAs

All the activities are taking place around the Ordway in St. Paul. Why has this company taken this project and ran with it? Find out from our friends at FLINT HILLS RESOURCES!

The Symphony in the Flint Hills prepares for its final concert on June 14th after 20 remarkable years of bringing music to the Kansas prairie. This signature event has faced growing challenges, including weather disruptions and rising costs, but remains committed to celebrating and raising awareness about one of the last tallgrass prairies in the world.• Started when Jane Coger hosted the Kansas City Symphony on her property for a birthday celebration• Final event will be held at the Evans property in Chase County on June 14, 2024• General admission tickets sold out, but patron packages and sponsorships are still available• Creates a temporary "city" in remote prairie locations with stages, tents, and amenities• Features the Kansas City Symphony, Logan Mize, educational tents, a powwow, and stargazing• The organization hopes to continue its mission of promoting the Flint Hills through other programs• Has attracted visitors from every state and around the world over its 20-year history• Weather challenges and rising costs, especially insurance, contributed to the decision to end• Board Chair Mary Ice hopes the symphony's legacy will be "being remembered for having done it well."For more information or to purchase remaining patron packages, visit symphonyintheflinthills.org or call the office in Cottonwood Falls.GMCFCFAs

Robin and Connor discuss the fires in Flint Hills, KS and Nebraska's pickups in the basketball portal, and how successful he feels they've been so far. And switching to football, how the Huskers roster looks as they try to force more turnovers this season.

The Flint Hills Volunteer Center coordinates over 925 volunteers serving in 85 different opportunities across Riley County. It helps seniors age with dignity in their homes while creating meaningful service roles for community members.• Operates the medical transportation program with volunteers driving 57 clients to medical appointments in Manhattan• Facilitates the Neighbor-to-Neighbor program, providing leaf removal, snow clearing, and other home maintenance services• Coordinates 69 volunteers who deliver meals through the Friendship Meals Program• Supports 248 volunteers helping with Harvesters and local food pantries• Celebrates volunteers of all ages, with the oldest currently being 100 years old• Plans community events, including an annual 9/11 commemoration and "Heart for the Holidays" fundraiser• Works to meet the increasing needs of seniors, who will outnumber children under 18 by 2035• Provides weekly email updates about volunteer opportunities• Creates meaningful relationships between volunteers and those they serveSupport the Flint Hills Volunteer Center during Grow Green Match Day at GrowGreenManhattan.com or visit flinthillsvolunteercenter.com to become a volunteer.GMCFCFAs

The Flint Hills Breadbasket is transforming food assistance in Manhattan with its upcoming move to a spacious new facility on Skyview Drive, which will open in early May. Executive Director Karla Hagemeister shares how this expansion will create a dignified shopping experience while nearly doubling its weekly service hours.• New location will feature a grocery store-like environment with polished concrete floors and tall ceilings• Moving from cramped quarters to a space designed for dignity, comfort, and accessibility• Service hours expanding from 14.5 to 26 hours weekly• Volunteer opportunities available, including preparing 15,000 bags for the upcoming letter carriers' food drive• The current Yuma Street location will transfer to the City of Manhattan for community use• Grow Green Match Day funds are crucial for operations, as federal program cuts impact fresh produce optionsGMCFCFAs

Our special guest this week for More Women More Miles likely needs little introduction in the gravel cycling world. We are joined by writer, cyclist, and host of the Hit Play Not Pause Podcast, Selene Yeager. Selene brings her wealth of knowledge on female physiology and hormones, and how we can tailor our training for Unbound Gravel accordingly. This episode gives us a broad overview of hormones in the female life cycle, starting from regular menstruation, through perimenopause, menopause and post menopause. Selene explains how our hormones affect our whole bodies as a system, and how we can structure our training and fueling to adjust for shifts in physiology during different times in your cycle and lifespan. She also gives some of her other best tips and tricks for women to stay comfortable while riding hundreds of miles across the Flint Hills. Follow Selene on Instagram @feistymenopause and @fitchick3Check out the Hit Play Not Pause Podcast on livefeisty.comLearn more about Girona Gravel Camp and Unbound Gravel camp at girlsgonegravel.com Support our Partners:Feisty Girona Gravel Camp: Join us in Girona for an immersive week of exploring on bikes, reflecting, connecting, and setting intentions. Learn more at https://www.thomsonbiketours.com/trips/feisty-girona-gravel-camp/ buycycle: Head to https://buycycle.com/ggg to SAVE 30% when you sell a bike on the leading marketplace for pre-owned bikes and components. Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with code GIRLSGONEGRAVEL at https://www.previnex.com/ Feisty's Lift Heavy Guide: Get your guide to lifting heavy plus a 4-week training plan at https://www.womensperformance.com/lift-heavy

We are back with another Rodeo rider episode! This time we sat down with Jeff Chapman. Jeff is from Kansas City, Missouri, and is new to Rodeo Labs this year as he has waded further into the gravel thicket. Jeff started his journey into cycling around the pandemic and is now a two-time participant of Unbound. The race in Kansas has taken on extra meaning for Jeff whose day job is spent out on those same Flint Hills gravel roads. Nevertheless, as is common practice for Rodeo riders, the urge to explore has brought Jeff to expand his racing exploits and explores bigger challenges, most recently taking on a race in Germany. Jeff's story is different from our previous guests, but for me, it was very similar to the countless chats I've had with rodeo owners all across the country at races. Only this time did we turn on the microphones first! Host: Logan Jones-WilkinsGuest: Jeff ChapmanProducer: Logan Jones-Wilkins Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm excited to have Melissa Grimmel Schaake on this week's episode! Originally from Maryland, she was raised on a multi-generational grain operation with a passion for livestock and a strong work ethic at a young age. She moved to the midwest to attend Kansas State University. Later, her and her husband, Shane, started a herd together before they even got married. They now proudly own and operate Grimmel Schaake Cattle Company in the Flint Hills of Kansas.    As a first generation cattlewoman, it's incredible that Melissa won the 2024 American Hereford Association's Hereford Herdsman of the Year award. In this episode she shares how she started with herefords, how she stays focused on her “why”, and how she faces adversity with a strong family and friend support system. Melissa also talks about who they serve and how they achieve a superior customer experience.    There's so much wisdom Melissa leaves us to ensure we're following how to be you, do you, for you.   Resources & Links: Heritage Style Join The Directory Of The West Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Join the Of The West Email List List your jobs on Of The West   Connect with Melissa Grimmel Schaake Grimmel Schaake Cattle Company website Melissa Grimmel Shaake website Follow on Instagram @grimmelshaakecattle and @melissagrimmel Follow on Facebook @grimmelshaakecattle and @melissaphotogdesign   Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My guest on this epsiode is Drew Goodman, rising senior for the Oklahoma Sooners, and the new Trans-Mississippi Amateur Champion.  He climbed back into the tournament with a final round 64, and outlasted William Sides from SMU in a sudden-death playoff.  It's been a long time since Drew captured a win, but he has been a model of consistency for the Sooners in his collegiate career.  We spoke about the upcoming season, how he prepared himself mentally and physically for each competitive round....and the PGA Tour U implications that lie ahead for him in his senior season. Drew Goodman - Oklahoma Men' GolfElite Amateur Golf Series - Official WebsiteThe Back of the Range - All Access The Back of the Range Collection at Imperial SportsCOUPON CODE: BOTR15 for 15% your entire purchase!Subscribe to The Back of the Range Subscribe in Apple Podcasts and SPOTIFY!Also Subscribe in YouTube,   Google Play , Overcast, Stitcher  Follow on Social Media! Email us:   ben@thebackoftherange.comWebsite: www.thebackoftherange.com  Voice Work by Mitch Phillips

The Field Museum has unveiled a new specimen of Archaeopteryx, a species that may hold the key to how ancient dinosaurs became modern birds. Also, a “green glacier” of trees and shrubs is sliding across the Great Plains, burying some of the most threatened habitat on the planet.Remarkably Well-Preserved Archeopteryx Specimen UnveiledThe Field Museum in Chicago just unveiled a new specimen of one of the most important fossils ever: Archaeopteryx. It lived around 150 million years ago, and this species is famous for marking the transition from dinosaurs to birds in the tree of life.The Field Museum now has the 13th known fossil—and it may be the best-preserved one yet. So what makes this specimen so special? And what else is there to learn about Archaeopteryx?To answer these questions, guest host Sophie Bushwick talks with Dr. Jingmai O'Connor, associate curator of fossil reptiles at the Field Museum, about what makes Archaeopteryx such an icon in the world of paleontology and why they're so excited about it.Trees And Shrubs Are Burying Prairies Of The Great PlainsIn the Flint Hills region of Kansas, the Mushrush family is beating back a juggernaut unleashed by humans — a Green Glacier of trees and shrubs grinding slowly across the Great Plains and burying some of the most threatened habitat on the planet.This blanket of shrublands and dense juniper woods gobbling up grassland leads to wildfires with towering flames that dwarf those generated in prairie fires.It also eats into ranchers' livelihoods. It smothers habitat for grassland birds, prairie fish and other critters that evolved for a world that's disappearing. It dries up streams and creeks. New research even finds that, across much of the Great Plains, the advent of trees actually makes climate change worse.Now a federal initiative equips landowners like Daniel Mushrush with the latest science and strategies for saving rangeland, and money to help with the work.Read more at sciencefriday.com.Transcripts for each segment will be available after the show airs on sciencefriday.com. Subscribe to this podcast. Plus, to stay updated on all things science, sign up for Science Friday's newsletters.