K-96 June Jaunt Communities: Introducing Rush Center!

Rush County, organized on December 5, 1874, was named in honor of Captain Alexander Rush, Company H of the 2nd Kansas Colored Infantry.  Walnut City was designated as the county seat, and the city's name was changed to Rush Center. In 1876 the southern tier of townships was given to neighboring Pawnee County after re-surveying. This changed the center of the county from Rush Center to LaCrosse located four miles north. A conflict arose between the two towns when the county records were moved to LaCrosse as the intended county seat. The records were moved back and forth by wagon, amidst threats and gunfire, for years. However, no one was killed. LaCrosse was finally declared the permanent county seat, and the present courthouse was erected in 1888.

Rush Center is located at the intersection of U. S. Highway 183 (Main Street) and K-96 (Union Street) Highways, with a population of 170.  It boasts an Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade the Saturday before March 17 and has one church: Hope Lutheran, 308 S Walnut Street, 785-372-4410. 

Businesses include:

Back Door Pizza 785-372-4315 - Pizza, Pasta & More, 120 W Union

Effie's Burgers & Daily Specials - 120 W Union


4 Corners Liquor Store 785-372-4231 - Beer, Wine, Spirits, 115 E Union

Greg's Sports Pub & Grub 785-372-4555 - Steaks, Burgers & Daily Specials, 111 W Union
Kevin's Auto Repair 785-372-4383 - 409 W UnionMid-State Farmers Coop/Service Station 785-372-4239 - Grain, Livestock Supplies, Propane, Anhydrous Ammonia, Gasoline, Ethanol, Diesel, Auto and Tire Repair, 183/96 Intersection


Mr. P's Truck'n Inc. 785-372-4371 - General Trucking, Fuel and Propane Transportation, 102 E. Florence

GBT Communications, Inc. 800-946-4282 - Cable Television, High-Speed Internet, Nex-Tech Wireless Telephone, 103 Lincoln StreetGolden Belt Telephone Association, Inc. 800-946-4282 - Local & Long Distance Telephone, T1 & T3 Lines, Security Systems, 103 Lincoln Street

KBK Industries 785-372-4331 - Fiberglass Manufacturing, 2537 Highway 96

June Jaunt Communities: Introducing Tribune!

Visit Unified Greeley County, a western Kansas community looking to the future with technology and healthcare access while holding fast to the community spirit and family values that typify rural life! We know little of traffic and the hassles of city life. We know our neighbors and are active in the community. We relish open skies, vibrant sunsets, peace of mind, and an unrivaled quality of living.

Greeley County is home to Tribune, Kansas, and Horace, Kansas, two rural towns located within two miles of one another along Kansas Highway 96. We’re just fifteen miles from the Colorado border, which encourages self-sufficiency, creativity, and a can-do attitude that keeps local residents active and entertained! A vibrant recreation program, coupled with a community-owned theater, a modern swimming pool, a 9-hole grass green golf course, and a family bowling alley provide opportunities for community and visitors’ recreation.

Greeley County’s Horace Greeley Museum showcases the history of the community, including a Columbi mammoth skull unearthed by a local farmer in the 1980s. Housed in the original county courthouse, which dates back to the late 1800s, the museum also boasts an extensive collection of genealogical materials and artifacts from everyday life throughout the community.

Take time to enjoy Greeley County and all it has to offer.  We’re looking forward to seeing you for the 2012 June Jaunt and hope you’ll see why we call it “life as it should be!”

June Jaunt Communities: Introducing Leoti!

Leoti residents enjoy a quality of life that is attractive to people seeking a simpler way of life. The citizens of Leoti retain the hard-working, pioneering spirit that characterized their ancestors, and at the same time, look to the future with a progressive attitude and a vision for the future.

While driving into Leoti on K-96 it’s clear to see an agriculturally based economy, but don’t worry there’s something here for everyone! Whether you enjoy stalking game in our wide open spaces of the surrounding countryside or hunting for that perfect deal while shopping in our hometown stores or searching the roughs for that little white ball, we’ve got you covered. From beautiful sunsets and clear starry nights to shopping and history, Leoti has it right.

Leoti is home to the Museum of the Great Plains for those searching to explore our rural history and traditions. Take a trip back in time and walk the wooden sidewalks of Leoti circa 1887, learn about the bloodiest county seat fight in Kansas or admire the many displays of old West memorbilia. Don't forget to visit the Washington Ames House, a true historic gem!

If you’re shopping for that perfect gift for yourself or someone else, be sure to stop in our stores downtown where our friendly business owners will help to make sure you find just what you’re looking for. Stores such as the Wichita County Pharmacy Giftologists, Leoti Antiques, Odds & Ends, Ladybug Floral & Gift and Western Hardware are certain to have that special item you’ve been searching for. If quilting is your hobby, be sure to visit Prairie Flower Quilt Company for the latest and greatest fabrics and patterns.

Don't forget to stop in Heritage Meats or Mel's Foodliner for some delicious snacks like beef jerky and cheese or purchase baked goods made from local organic flour at The Country Oven. Then enjoy a picnic at one of two parks in the community. Leoti parks provide a great variety of fun for the whole family. Both parks, the Old City Park and the Wichita County Park offer walking paths, playground equipment and picnic shelters for you to stretch your legs. Visit the Wichita County Park if you're searching for basketball, volleyball and tennis courts or if you're looking to cool off in the swimming pool.

If tasty cuisine is what you’re after, be sure to visit Charlie’s Mexican Restaurant, Dairy King, or Route 96 Café. Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine at Charlie’s, a finalist in the 8 Wonders of Kansas cuisine category and winner of the 8 Wonders of Wichita County Cuisine.  Dairy King offers road trip classics such as burgers and shakes. There’s nothing like the nostalgia of a 1960s drive-in. And let’s not forget our own Route 96 Café offers great down home food with daily specials.

Leoti’s best kept secret is the Wichita County Fair and Carnival offering rides and games for 25 cents each…it’s fun for the whole family. You’ll be sure to come back every July just to the enjoy sights, sounds, and smells of our wonderful community-owned carnival!

Wichita County and Leoti looks forward to welcoming you to our community the weekend of the K-96 June Jaunt and always. Leoti…it’s a great place on the Great Plains!