Rural Affairs

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

Rural Rebirth: ‘The Hometown Feel’ in Ottawa 

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

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

Missouri Cattle Producers Slash Herds Amid Worsening Drought

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

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

Rural Rebirth: The Art of Being Atchison  

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

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

Rural Rebirth: Excelsior Springs, Eternally 

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

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

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

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

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