In small towns across Kansas, the sound of home is a shrill whistle

In small towns across Kansas, the sound of home is a shrill whistle

In some places, ringing church bells offer a sense of community. But in many Kansas towns, the occasional blast of the daily whistle or siren signals it’s time to get up, have lunch, go back to work or eat supper. For this month’s Hidden Kansas, Beccy Tanner offers a look at some of the unique sounds of rural Kansas.

Foraging for the elusive morel mushroom

Unlike other mushrooms, morels cannot be farmed and are found only in the wild, among dead trees and leaves, and only for a short season. That means their locations in and around Wichita are carefully guarded secrets. But KMUW’s Lu Anne Stephens was able to tag along with a forager for this month’s Hidden Kansas.

It’s not hard to wonder why Guy and Mae’s ribs are so special

In the tiny town of Williamsburg, in eastern Kansas, there’s a place that draws visitors from all over the state, from both coasts, and even other countries. For this month’s Hidden Kansas, Lu Anne Stephens shares the secret of Guy and Mae’s Tavern…

Bierocks, brats, dumplings and beer: Volga Germans celebrate 150 years of heritage in Kansas

In some communities in western Kansas, you can still spot the influence of German immigrants who settled there. Their descendants will mark a notable anniversary this year, as Beccy Tanner explains in this month’s Hidden Kansas.

A place to explore while waiting for fall’s colors to arrive

October used to be firmly in the “fall” category – with an abundant tapestry of colorful elms and maples. But in south-central Kansas, summer can stubbornly hang on into early November. While we’re waiting for those brilliant autumn colors, there’s a subtle beauty to be found – if you know where to look. Lu Anne Stephens tells us about one place in this month’s Hidden Kansas.