Crabby Patty’s: an American story in the making

Posted by Wynn Ponder

Hazel Young started it. She remembered Marci Penner’s efforts a few years ago, when the Lizard Lips Grill, north of Toronto, Kansas, was in danger of closing. Marci had mobilized the good people of the Kansas Explorers Club, urging them to stop by and spend $5 at the convenience store to help it stay open. Helen told Marci that a similar situation was unfolding in Dexter, Kansas …

Lucas, Kansas: an artists’ community like no other

(Story #1 in the Russell County series)

Posted by Wynn Ponder

Economic Development Director Cindy Wallace recently hosted our crew’s first visit to Russell County, which is filled with great stories; so many, in fact, that I’m going to break them up into a series, of which this is the first installment.

Let’s start with Lucas. The place sneaks up on you. When you drive in from the east and see the giant, hand-painted, dinner-plate sign, you can’t help but think, “Wow, I wonder if they know how home-made that sign looks.”

Nice stretches of open road

Posted by Wynn Ponder

One of the most overlooked benefits of traveling in rural Kansas is the quality of the journey itself. Sure, the towns are as unique as fingerprints, as friendly as family, but the joy of the open road is nowhere more liberating than places like Highway 177 between Cassoday and Council Grove, or the fiery mesas on Highway 160 between Coldwater and Medicine Lodge, or Scenic Route 105 south of Toronto, or Highway 18 or Interstate 70 in the Smoky Hills.

“March of the Penguins” composer will write music for “Small Town, USA”

posted by Wynn Ponder

If you’ve seen “March of the Penguins,” you’ve heard Alex Wurman’s music. He also composed the musical score for “Confessions of a Dangerous Mind” and numerous other Hollywood movies. After reviewing our film proposal and trailer last week, he graciously agreed to add “Small Town, USA” to his list of credits.