Theorosa’s Bridge in Valley Center, Kansas is one of the state’s most chilling urban legends, drawing locals and thrill-seekers alike to its eerie, haunted setting. Known for ghostly sightings, unexplained sounds, and a tragic backstory, this iconic Kansas location continues to captivate those searching for real-life paranormal experiences.

In October 1864, the quiet prairie near Pleasanton erupted into one of the largest cavalry battles west of the Mississippi River. The Battle of Mine Creek became the biggest Civil War battle fought in Kansas, where thousands of Union and Confederate soldiers clashed in a thunderous fight that helped stop a Confederate invasion of the Midwest. Today, this dramatic piece of Kansas history remains one of the state’s most powerful—and often overlooked—Civil War stories.

Ever wondered where the famous phrase “Get the hell out of Dodge” actually came from? The answer leads straight to Dodge City, Kansas, one of the wildest towns of the American frontier. In this short Kansas history feature, we explore how cowboys, gunslingers, and legendary lawmen turned a rough cattle town into a phrase still used across America today. 🤠

Hidden beneath the streets of Ellinwood, Kansas lies a secret underground town built during the Wild West—complete with tunnels, saloons, and frontier history tied to the Santa Fe Trail.

Results from the March 3 Kansas elections including Wichita’s sales tax vote, Hutchinson tax increase, and school bond decisions in McPherson, Newton, Dighton, and Russell.

Wichita voters head to the polls Tuesday, March 3rd, to decide the future of the proposed 1% citywide sales tax under the “Watch Wichita Win” initiative. The measure would fund public safety, homelessness services, Century II improvements, and property tax relief — but it would also raise local sales tax. Here’s what the proposal includes, why it matters, and the key pros and cons every Wichita voter should know.

February 28 wasn’t just another headline, no friends, it was a line in the sand. When the United States and Israel struck Iran, decades of shadow conflict snapped into a major open flame. Missiles flew, buildings burned, and the world held its breath. Whether this becomes a short, violent chapter or the opening act of something much bigger, one thing is clear: the Middle East just shifted, and the aftershocks could reach far beyond it.

After a humiliating 91‑62 home loss, Jerome Tang didn’t sugarcoat it. The press conference was raw, brutal, and unforgettable: “This was embarrassing… these dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform.” The words echoed across social media and quickly became the headline everyone was talking about. But Tang didn’t stop at words, not at all. He soon made a statement that was equal parts symbolic and shocking: the Wildcats hit the court without players’ names on their jerseys, a literal reminder that the team comes before the individual.

It was bold. It was uncomfortable. And it became the lightning rod for Kansas State’s decision to fire him for cause, potentially saving the school from writing a check for a reported $18.7 million buyout. Tang’s message was clear: accountability matters, pride matters, and the name on the front always outweighs the one on the back. But the fallout? That’s still unraveling, and it’s messy, dramatic, and unapologetically human… it’s exactly the kind of story that doesn’t fade quietly after the final buzzer. It’s exactly the kind of story that we at KANSAS WEEKLY want to tell!

Before Kansas was a state, before railroads and cattle drives, a single printing press in Shawnee Mission brought ink to prairie. On February 24, 1835, the Shawnee Sun became the first newspaper printed here; THIS WAS THE PROOF that Kansas was ready to tell its story long before the world was ready to listen.

Take a journey with Kansas Weekly’s own Coach Nate as he reminisces about the wonder and LEGEND of Wichita’s Joyland!

Dive into February 19th with the Legendary Author Nathan Engels from Kansas Weekly! Let him tell you about Bleeding Kansas and upstart aviation, and how these have influenced the states and national history.

You see… late August in Kansas just hits different. The cicadas are finally starting to come out and screaming, the Kansas heat and especially the humidity are heavy, and yet, there’s this strange shift starting to happen in the air. You can feel it in the mornings. That’s right, friends — summer in Kansas is winding down, school is starting up, and Kansas football Friday night lights are about to flicker across small towns from Dodge City to Wichita. And just because we aren’t Texas or Nebraska, don’t for one second think that we don’t get amped up about local Kansas football!

Kingman, Kansas is a town where timeless charm meets forward-thinking ambition. In this feature, Kansas Weekly’s Nathan Engels sits down with Economic Development Director Leslie Schrag to explore how the city is actively investing in its future while preserving the soul of its past. From red brick streets and 1800s-style architecture to innovative grant programs like KEEP, Kingman is redefining what it means to thrive in rural America. The KEEP program (Kingman Economic Enrichment Program) is helping small businesses revitalize storefronts, update signage, and transform aging buildings into hubs of local energy and pride. Whether you’re a visitor, a hopeful entrepreneur, or just someone who appreciates a great comeback story, Kingman is proof that small towns can dream big — and deliver. This is a story of momentum, identity, and bold community spirit.

Summary: Buffalo Soldiers, Custer, and the Second Life of Fort Dodge

Fort Dodge, located just outside Dodge City, Kansas, is more than a historic military post. That’s right friends, it was actually a powerful symbol for America's complex frontier history. Originally built as a strategic outpost, the fort played a crucial role in the Indian Wars and later became home to the legendary Buffalo Soldiers (black regiments who defended settlers, built infrastructure, and fought bravely despite racism and harsh conditions).

General George Custer, known for his controversial and brutal campaigns against Native Americans, also operated out of Fort Dodge during the 1868–1869 Winter Campaign. While he didn't fight directly at the fort, it was a base for his aggressive westward missions.

After the wars, Fort Dodge transformed into the Kansas Soldiers Home in 1890, offering care and shelter to veterans. It remains active today, preserving original buildings, a cemetery, and a rich museum collection.

Fort Dodge matters because it encapsulates:

• The valor of the Buffalo Soldiers

• The moral complexities of westward expansion

• The ongoing care for America's veterans

Today, visitors can walk its grounds, tour the museum, and feel the subtle, lasting energy of the frontier. Fort Dodge doesn’t shout its history… it whispers it through the wind! Check out part two of our feature on Fort Dodge! It just might change your life!

Discover Fort Dodge: The Forgotten Stronghold That Shaped the West

Just outside the legendary and EPIC home of the wild west Dodge City, lies one of Kansas’ most legendary landmarks, the beautiful Fort Dodge. Built in 1865, this Fort was made to protect the innocent and often delicate travelers on the Santa Fe Trail, and was used as a frontline force in the Indian Wars. It was home to the brave Buffalo Soldiers, and a launchpad for frontier legends like George Custer. Today, it serves as both a living museum and the Kansas Soldiers Home. Don’t just drive through this monumental city before going into Dodge City, stop and walk around the original grounds, explore their preserved buildings, and uncover the powerful story of how this unassuming fort helped shape America’s westward expansion. It’s one bitchin story for one legendary city!