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Gorham, Kansas

Gorham is a city in Russell County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 376.

History
Beaten to the settlement of Wilson, Kansas by Bohemian colonists, Pennsylvania Dutch settlers from Philadelphia and Lancaster, Pennsylvania established a community on the Kansas Pacific Railway at the future site of Gorham in April 1872. Elijah Dodge Gorham, a settler from Illinois, gave the town its name when he platted it in 1879. Seeking to create a local trading center, he formally established the town in July 1886, gave land for a Catholic Church and cemetery, and started several businesses including a general store, grain elevator, post office, lumberyard, and a coal yard. Additional grain elevators and a stockyard subsequently opened, establishing Gorham as a farming community.

The discovery of oil deposits in Russell County transformed the local economy in the 1920s. Companies including Texaco, Stanolind, and Sohio started operations in the area, stimulating Gorham's growth. A brick school building was built in 1922 followed by a second building in 1930 and another in 1949. Gorham incorporated as a city in 1941. By 1944, it had a diverse business community, two oil field production companies, and public schools. From the 1950s to the early 1980s, the city expanded further through the development of residential additions.

Geography
Gorham is located in west-central Kansas approximately 121 mi northwest of Wichita and 237 mi west of Kansas City, and 355 mi east of Denver. Located 1.2 mi north of Interstate 70, it is roughly 9 mi west of Russell, the county seat.

Gorham lies in the Smoky Hills region of the Great Plains approximately 9 mi north of the Smoky Hill River and 11 mi south of the Saline River.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.24 sqmi, all of it land.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 376 people, 147 households, and 96 families in Gorham. The population density was 1,573.2 per square mile (607.4/km$2$). There were 169 housing units at an average density of 707.1 per square mile (273.0/km$2$). The racial makeup was 93.09% (350) white or European American (91.49% non-Hispanic white), 1.33% (5) black or African-American, 0.0% (0) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.53% (2) Asian, 0.0% (0) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.0% (0) from other races, and 5.05% (19) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 2.93% (11) of the population.

Of the 147 households, 30.6% had children under the age of 18; 50.3% were married couples living together; 17.7% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 28.6% of households consisted of individuals and 11.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.7 and the average family size was 3.1. The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 8.2% of the population.

29.5% of the population was under the age of 18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 24.5% from 25 to 44, 20.7% from 45 to 64, and 15.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.8 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 94.9 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $55,921 (with a margin of error of +/- $6,578) and the median family income was $57,171 (+/- $9,125). Males had a median income of $36,528 (+/- $10,542) versus $27,621 (+/- $2,676) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $28,871 (+/- $3,147). Approximately, 3.1% of families and 6.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.4% of those under the age of 18 and 0.0% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the 2010 census, there were 334 people, 150 households, and 98 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,670 PD/sqmi. There were 171 housing units at an average density of 855 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.8% White, 0.3% American Indian, and 0.9% from two or more races. Hispanics and Latinos of any race were 0.3% of the population.

There were 150 households, of which 27.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.7% were married couples living together, 2.0% had a male householder with no wife present, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.7% were non-families. 31.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23, and the average family size was 2.76.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.4% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 27.3% from 25 to 44, 27.3% from 45 to 64, and 15.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.9 males age 18 and over.

The median income for a household in the city was $52,885, and the median income for a family was $62,833. Males had a median income of $33,333 versus $23,194 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,926. About 4.1% of families and 6.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.8% of those under age 18 and 8.3% of those age 65 or over.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 360 people, 149 households, and 91 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,506.6 PD/sqmi. There were 176 housing units at an average density of 736.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.78% White, 0.83% Native American, 0.28% Asian, 0.83% from other races, and 0.28% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.83% of the population.

There were 149 households, out of which 30.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.3% were married couples living together, 7.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.9% were non-families. 32.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 3.10.

In the city the population was spread out, with 26.9% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 26.4% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 19.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.5 males.

Economy
As of 2012, 82.3% of the population over the age of 16 was in the labor force. 0.0% was in the armed forces, and 82.3% was in the civilian labor force with 77.1% being employed and 5.2% unemployed. The composition, by occupation, of the employed civilian labor force was: 23.4% in management, business, science, and arts; 23.4% in sales and office occupations; 19.6% in natural resources, construction, and maintenance; 19.6% in service occupations; and 13.9% in production, transportation, and material moving. The three industries employing the largest percentages of the working civilian labor force were: construction (21.1%); educational services, and health care and social assistance (18.7%); and arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services (11.5%).

The cost of living in Gorham is relatively low; compared to a U.S. average of 100, the cost of living index for the community is 80.7. As of 2012, the median home value in the city was $59,700, the median selected monthly owner cost was $800 for housing units with a mortgage and $314 for those without, and the median gross rent was $621.

Government
Gorham is a city of the third class with a mayor-council form of government. The city council consists of five members, and it meets on the second Monday of each month.

Gorham lies within Kansas's 1st U.S. Congressional District, represented by Tracey Mann (R-Salina). For the purposes of representation in the Kansas Legislature, the city is located in the 36th district of the Kansas Senate and the 109th district of the Kansas House of Representatives.

Education
The community is served by Russell County USD 407 public school district. The district high school is Russell High School.

Mandated by state law, Gorham's public schools joined Russell County Schools (USD 407) in 1967. Subsequent consolidation led to the closure of Gorham High School in 1984 and Gorham Elementary School in 1997. The Gorham High School mascot was Gorham Oilers.

Transportation
Interstate 70 and U.S. Route 40 run concurrently east–west just over a mile south of the city. The old alignment of U.S. 40 runs east–west through the city, intersecting 176th Street, a paved county road formerly designated K-257, which runs north–south.

Union Pacific Railroad operates one freight rail line, its Kansas Pacific (KP) line, through Gorham. The line runs northeast–southwest through the community.

Utilities
Midwest Energy, Inc. provides electricity to local residents. Gorham Telephone provides landline telephone service and offers cable television and internet access. Most residents use natural gas for heating fuel; service is provided by Kansas Gas Service. The city government is responsible for water distribution, sewer maintenance, and trash disposal.

Media
Gorham is in the Wichita-Hutchinson, Kansas television market.

In popular culture and the arts
Gorham was both a setting and filming location of the 1973 film Paper Moon.

title: Gorham, Kansas


text:
Lucas, Kansas

Lucas is a city in Russell County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 332.

History
Lucas was established as the community of Blue Stem in 1877. It was renamed Lucas in 1887 after Lucas Place in St. Louis, Missouri.

Geography
Lucas is located in north-central Kansas at the junction of Kansas Highway 18 (K-18) and Kansas Highway 232 (K-232), Lucas is 115 mi northwest of Wichita, 212 mi west of Kansas City, and 21 mi northeast of Russell, the county seat.

Lucas lies in the Smoky Hills region of the Great Plains approximately 8 mi north of Wilson Lake. Wolf Creek, a tributary of the Saline River, flows east along the southern edge of the city.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.60 sqmi, all of it land.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Lucas has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 332 people, 171 households, and 95 families in Lucas. The population density was 546.1 per square mile (210.8/km$2$). There were 239 housing units at an average density of 393.1 per square mile (151.8/km$2$). The racial makeup was 90.36% (300) white or European American (87.35% non-Hispanic white), 0.0% (0) black or African-American, 0.0% (0) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.3% (1) Asian, 0.0% (0) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 2.41% (8) from other races, and 6.93% (23) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 4.52% (15) of the population.

Of the 171 households, 24.0% had children under the age of 18; 42.7% were married couples living together; 25.1% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 38.6% of households consisted of individuals and 21.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.9 and the average family size was 2.4. The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 21.4% of the population.

22.6% of the population was under the age of 18, 3.3% from 18 to 24, 17.2% from 25 to 44, 28.6% from 45 to 64, and 28.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.6 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 102.4 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $38,750 (with a margin of error of +/- $10,142) and the median family income was $50,625 (+/- $29,172). Males had a median income of $32,000 (+/- $4,578) versus $17,000 (+/- $5,343) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $30,234 (+/- $14,546). Approximately, 9.9% of families and 10.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.7% of those under the age of 18 and 6.3% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the 2010 census, there were 393 people, 192 households, and 108 families residing in the city. The population density was 786 PD/sqmi. There were 257 housing units at an average density of 514 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.7% White, 0.8% Asian, 0.3% American Indian, 0.8% from some other race, and 0.5% from two or more races. Hispanics and Latinos of any race were 1.5% of the population.

There were 192 households, of which 22.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.9% were married couples living together, 2.1% had a male householder with no wife present, 6.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.8% were non-families. 42.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.05, and the average family size was 2.79.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 21.1% under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 17.3% from 25 to 44, 29.8% from 45 to 64, and 26.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.4 males age 18 and over.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,368, and the median income for a family was $45,156. Males had a median income of $31,250 versus $23,333 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,025. 6.7% of families and 14.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.4% of those under age 18 and 16.3% of those age 65 or over.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 436 people, 180 households, and 113 families residing in the city. The population density was 823.4 PD/sqmi. There were 232 housing units at an average density of 438.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.71% White, 1.38% African American, and 0.92% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.46% of the population.

There were 180 households, out of which 23.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.7% were married couples living together, 5.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.7% were non-families. 34.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.85.

In the city the population was spread out, with 21.8% under the age of 18, 3.2% from 18 to 24, 18.8% from 25 to 44, 25.2% from 45 to 64, and 31.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 50 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.5 males.

Economy
As of 2012, 56.7% of the population over the age of 16 was in the labor force. 0.0% was in the armed forces, and 56.7% was in the civilian labor force with 55.6% being employed and 1.2% unemployed. The composition, by occupation, of the employed civilian labor force was: 33.2% in sales and office occupations; 21.7% in management, business, science, and arts; 21.3% in production, transportation, and material moving; 13.6% in natural resources, construction, and maintenance; and 10.2% in service occupations. The three industries employing the largest percentages of the working civilian labor force were: educational services, and health care and social assistance (25.1%); manufacturing (21.3%); and retail trade (20.4%).

The cost of living in Lucas is relatively low; compared to a U.S. average of 100, the cost of living index for the community is 78.8. As of 2012, the median home value in the city was $56,000, the median selected monthly owner cost was $846 for housing units with a mortgage and $343 for those without, and the median gross rent was $419.

Government
Lucas is a city of the third class with a mayor-council form of government. The city council consists of five members, and it meets on the second Tuesday of each month.

Lucas lies within Kansas's 1st U.S. Congressional District. For the purposes of representation in the Kansas Legislature, the city is located in the 36th district of the Kansas Senate and the 109th district of the Kansas House of Representatives.

Education
The community is served by Sylvan–Lucas USD 299 public school district. Prior to 2010, it was served by Russell County USD 407.

Lucas High School served the community until 1977. Lucas and Luray schools then united forming Lucas-Luray schools. In 2010, Lucas-Luray was united with Sylvan Unified schools to form Sylvan-Lucas Unified. The district operates one school in the city: Lucas-Sylvan Unified Elementary School (Grades K-6). Local students in Grades 7-12 attend school in Sylvan Grove.

The Lucas High School mascot was Lucas Demons. Lucas-Luray High School mascot was Lucas-Luray Cougars. Sylvan-Lucas is the Mustangs.

Transportation
K-18, an east-west route, approaches Lucas from the west, then turns southeast along the eastern side of the city. K-232, also known as the Post Rock Scenic Byway, a north-south route, terminates at its junction with K-18 southeast of the city.

Lucas Airport is located immediately east of the city. Publicly owned, it has one 2900' asphalt runway and is used for general aviation.

Utilities
The City of Lucas provides electricity to local residents. Wilson Telephone provides landline telephone service and offers cable television and internet access. Most residents use natural gas for heating fuel; service is provided by Kansas Gas Service.

Media
Lucas is in the Wichita-Hutchinson, Kansas television market.

Events
Each year on the Saturday before Labor Day weekend, the city holds its annual community celebration, the Adams Apple Festival. It includes an art show, a fun run, Scottish Highland Games, contests, and other entertainment. Other annual events include the Spook Parade, a children's costume contest held the Saturday before Halloween, and Santa Claus Day, held the Saturday before Christmas.

Since 1949, Lucas has hosted the K-18 Baseball state tournament. Named for Kansas Highway 18, which runs through town, the league consists of players ages 13–16 throughout communities in western and central Kansas. The K-18 softball state tournament began in 2020.

Points of interest
In 1996, Kansas Governor Bill Graves named Lucas the "Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas" due to the number of sites in the community devoted to local folk art. The Garden of Eden is a permanent outdoor sculpture exhibit built between 1905 and 1927 by local sculptor Samuel P. Dinsmoor. The site consists of Dinsmoor's home, a "log cabin" constructed of carved limestone, more than 150 sculptures representing his interpretation of the Biblical creation and world history, and a mausoleum housing the remains of Dinsmoor and his first wife. Inspired by Dinsmoor, local resident Florence Deeble constructed a rock garden around her home, using rocks acquired during her travels to construct works representing places she visited. Since 2002, Deeble's house has served as a gallery called the Garden of Isis, exhibiting works made from recycled materials by visual artist Mri-Pilar. The Grassroots Arts Center is a non-profit gallery located downtown which promotes and exhibits the work of Kansas folk artists. Other folk art sites in the city include late, porcelain artist, Eric Abraham's Flying Pig Studio & Gallery, The World's Largest Collection of the World's Smallest Version of the World's Largest Things traveling museum, Bowl Plaza, Miller's park, Fork Art Park, historical mural and the World's Largest Travel Plate.

Notable people
Notable individuals who were born in and/or have lived in Lucas include:
 * Samuel P. Dinsmoor (1843-1932), sculptor
 * Bill Volok (1910-1991), football tackle

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Lucas, Kansas


text:
Luray, Kansas

Luray is a city in Russell County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 166.

History
Luray was established as the community of Lura in the 1870s. In 1887, the spelling of the town's name was changed to Luray. Luray incorporated as a city in 1904.

Geography
Luray is located at the junction of U.S. Route 281 and Kansas Highway 18 (K-18) in north-central Kansas, Luray is 118 mi northwest of Wichita, 218 mi west of Kansas City, and 18 mi northeast of Russell, the county seat.

Located in the Smoky Hills region of the Great Plains, Luray sits on the north side of Wolf Creek, a tributary of the Saline River. Coon Creek, a tributary of Wolf Creek, flows southeast along the eastern edge of the community.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.32 sqmi, all of it land.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Luray has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 166 people, 71 households, and 45 families in Luray. The population density was 500.0 per square mile (193.1/km$2$). There were 112 housing units at an average density of 337.3 per square mile (130.3/km$2$). The racial makeup was 95.78% (159) white or European American (94.58% non-Hispanic white), 0.0% (0) black or African-American, 0.0% (0) Native American or Alaska Native, 1.2% (2) Asian, 0.0% (0) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.0% (0) from other races, and 3.01% (5) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 1.2% (2) of the population.

Of the 71 households, 21.1% had children under the age of 18; 46.5% were married couples living together; 23.9% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 31.0% of households consisted of individuals and 19.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.4 and the average family size was 3.0. The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 18.7% of the population.

26.5% of the population was under the age of 18, 1.8% from 18 to 24, 24.1% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 25.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 110.1 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 114.0 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $50,781 (with a margin of error of +/- $11,353) and the median family income was $80,625 (+/- $51,769). Males had a median income of $31,875 (+/- $27,288) versus $26,250 (+/- $11,055) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $27,917 (+/- $9,726). Approximately, 2.2% of families and 6.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.0% of those under the age of 18 and 0.0% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the 2010 census, there were 194 people, 94 households, and 61 families residing in the city. The population density was 646.7 PD/sqmi. There were 134 housing units at an average density of 446.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.9% White and 2.1% from two or more races. Hispanics and Latinos of any race were 1.5% of the population.

There were 94 households, of which 17.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.5% were married couples living together, 1.1% had a male householder with no wife present, 5.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.1% were non-families. 31.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.06, and the average family size was 2.48.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 14.4% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 17.5% from 25 to 44, 30.9% from 45 to 64, and 29.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 50.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 100 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100 males age 18 and over.

The median income for a household in the city was $36,563, and the median income for a family was $57,500. The per capita income for the city was $29,168. Males had a median income of $39,375 versus $42,813 for females. 1.5% of families and 5.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.3% of those under age 18 and 3.9% of those age 65 or over.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 203 people, 105 households, and 57 families residing in the city. The population density was 665.1 PD/sqmi. There were 134 housing units at an average density of 439.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.54% White, 0.49% Native American, and 1.97% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.49% of the population.

There were 105 households, out of which 17.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.8% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 44.8% were non-families. 42.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.93 and the average family size was 2.59.

In the city the population was spread out, with 16.7% under the age of 18, 4.9% from 18 to 24, 21.7% from 25 to 44, 25.6% from 45 to 64, and 31.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 51 years. For every 100 females, there were 75.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 76.0 males.

Economy
As of 2012, 58.9% of the population over the age of 16 was in the labor force. 0.0% was in the armed forces, and 58.9% was in the civilian labor force with 56.0% being employed and 2.9% unemployed. The composition, by occupation, of the employed civilian labor force was: 37.1% in management, business, science, and arts; 25.9% in natural resources, construction, and maintenance; 14.7% in production, transportation, and material moving; 14.7% in sales and office occupations; and 7.8% in service occupations. The three industries employing the largest percentages of the working civilian labor force were: educational services, and health care and social assistance (18.1%); professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services (17.2%); and manufacturing (17.2%).

The cost of living in Luray is relatively low; compared to a U.S. average of 100, the cost of living index for the community is 78.0. As of 2012, the median home value in the city was $33,500, the median selected monthly owner cost was $807 for housing units with a mortgage and $385 for those without, and the median gross rent was $288.

Government
Luray is a city of the third class with a mayor-council form of government. The city council consists of five members, and it meets on the first Wednesday of each month.

Luray lies within Kansas's 1st U.S. Congressional District. For the purposes of representation in the Kansas Legislature, the city is located in the 36th district of the Kansas Senate and the 109th district of the Kansas House of Representatives.

Education
The community is served by Sylvan–Lucas USD 299 public school district, based in Sylvan Grove, Kansas.

Previously, the city was served by Luray High School. The former school building that served as the Luray School and Luray-Lucas Elementary still stands at the corner of 4th Street and Russell County Avenue, in the northwest corner of the town. Lucas and Luray schools united in 1977 forming Lucas-Luray schools. Lucas-Luray was then united with Sylvan Unified schools in 2010 to form Sylvan-Lucas Unified.

The Luray High School mascot was Luray Panthers. Lucas-Luray High School mascot was the Cougars. Sylvan-Lucas is the Mustangs.

The Luray Panthers won the Kansas State High School 8-Man Football championship in 1975.

Transportation
K-18 runs east-west along the northern edge of the city. U.S. Route 281, a north-south route, approaches Luray from the west concurrently with K-18, then turns north. Bunker Hill-Luray Road, a paved north-south county road, enters the city from the south.

The Union Pacific Railroad previously served the city by the way of the Plainville Branch, which was completed in 1888 as the Salina, Lincoln, and Western Railway before coming under Union Pacific ownership in 1898. Regular passenger service ran on the branch between Salina and Oakley until May 31, 1958. The line was abandoned after the Great Flood of 1993 damaged portions of the line, which the railroad deemed too costly to repair. The track was subsequently pulled up in 1995.

Utilities
The city government provides electricity to local residents. Gorham Telephone provides landline telephone service and offers cable television and internet access. Most residents use natural gas for heating fuel; service is provided by Kansas Gas Service.

Media
Luray is in the Wichita-Hutchinson, Kansas television market.

Events
The city of Luray holds an annual community festival, Friendship Day, on the sunday of Labor Day weekend. It includes a parade, an art show, golf and horseshoe tournaments, free barbecue, and homemade ice cream. Annually since 1938, a local Methodist church has held another community event, the Luray Methodist Men's Fish Fry, on the third Friday evening of each March. Men from the church prepare and serve fried fish with trimmings and cherry pie, typically attracting hundreds from the surrounding area.

Points of interest
The first log cabin constructed in Russell County, built in 1871 by settler Jonathan Van Scoyoc, has been preserved in Luray City Park on the north side of K-18.

title: Luray, Kansas


text:
Paradise, Kansas

Paradise is a city in Russell County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 35.

History
In 1859, a hunting party explored the area, including a small tributary of the Saline River which led them to a site abundant in water, timber, and bison. One of the hunters, James R. Mead, described the site as paradise, and the tributary subsequently became known as Paradise Creek. The first post office in the area opened under the name Paradise in 1875. In 1887, the Union Townsite Company established a town on the north side of the creek northwest of the post office, naming it Ivamar after Iva Marr, the daughter of a local rancher. The Paradise post office relocated to Ivamar the next year, but kept its name. As a result, the town came to be known by both names; in 1891, the Union Pacific Railroad listed its rail stop there as Paradise with Ivamar in parentheses. The community grew through the 1890s to include a school, downtown businesses, and railroad facilities, reaching a population of 200 by 1910. Ivamar incorporated in 1924 and finally changed its name to Paradise. The population of the community has gradually declined since the 1930s.

Geography
Paradise is located in north-central Kansas 3.5 mi west of U.S. Route 281 on Kansas Highway 18 (K-18), Paradise is 127 mi northwest of Wichita, 233 mi west of Kansas City, and 15 mi north-northwest of Russell, the county seat.

Paradise sits on the north bank of Paradise Creek, a tributary of the Saline River, in the Smoky Hills region of the Great Plains. Eagle Creek, a tributary of Paradise Creek, flows south along the community's east side.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.25 sqmi, all of it land.

2010 census
As of the 2010 census, there were 49 people, 22 households, and 13 families residing in the city. The population density was 163.3 PD/sqmi. There were 27 housing units at an average density of 90.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 100.0% White. Hispanics and Latinos of any race were 0.0% of the population.

There were 22 households, of which 27.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.5% were married couples living together, 0.0% had a male householder with no wife present, 4.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.9% were non-families. 36.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 27.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23, and the average family size was 2.92.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.5% under the age of 18, 0.0% from 18 to 24, 20.4% from 25 to 44, 28.6% from 45 to 64, and 24.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 81.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80 males age 18 and over.

The median income for a household in the city was $41,250, and the median income for a family was $49,167. Males had a median income of $19,167 versus $40,833 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,216. There were 7.1% of families and 4.0% of the population living below the poverty line, including 5.6% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 64 people, 28 households, and 16 families residing in the city. The population density was 251.8 PD/sqmi. There were 36 housing units at an average density of 141.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.88% White, 1.56% Native American, and 1.56% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.56% of the population.

There were 28 households, out of which 35.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.6% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.3% were non-families. 39.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 3.12.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.6% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 25.0% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 18.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 106.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.0 males.

Economy
As of 2012, 79.3% of the population over the age of 16 was in the labor force. 0.0% was in the armed forces, and 79.3% was in the civilian labor force with 75.9% being employed and 3.4% unemployed. The composition, by occupation, of the employed civilian labor force was: 50.0% in sales and office occupations; 18.2% in management, business, science, and arts; 13.6% in natural resources, construction, and maintenance; 9.1% in production, transportation, and material moving; and 9.1% in service occupations. The three industries employing the largest percentages of the working civilian labor force were: public administration (45.5%); finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing (27.3%); and other services, except public administration (18.2%).

The cost of living in Paradise is relatively low; compared to a U.S. average of 100, the cost of living index for the community is 76.9. As of 2012, the median home value in the city was $16,900, and the median selected monthly owner cost was $510 for housing units without a mortgage.

Government
Paradise is a city of the third class with a mayor-council form of government. The city council consists of five members, and it meets on the second Wednesday of each month.

Paradise lies within Kansas's 1st U.S. Congressional District. For the purposes of representation in the Kansas Legislature, the city is located in the 36th district of the Kansas Senate and the 109th district of the Kansas House of Representatives.

Education
The community is served by Natoma–Paradise–Waldo USD 399 public school district, which is located in Natoma.

Paradise High School closed in 1974 after Paradise and Waldo combined school districts with Natoma. The Paradise school mascot was Paradise Pirates. The Paradise Pirates won the Kansas State High School boys class 1A Track & Field championship in 1971.

Transportation
K-18, an east-west route, approaches Paradise from the northwest, then turns east north of the city. Paradise Road, a paved county road, enters the city from the south.

Utilities
Western Electric provides electricity to local residents. Gorham Telephone provides landline telephone service and offers cable television and internet access. Most residents use privately stored propane for heating fuel.

Media
Paradise is in the Wichita-Hutchinson, Kansas television market.

Architecture
Paradise is home to several unique structures that were constructed from Post Rock Limestone. Early settlers to the area discovered that while there was a shortage of timber, limestone was plentiful, and therefore it was commonly used as a building material. It was also commonly used for fence posts. The watertower and the former Kennedy Hotel were recently added to the National Register of Historic Places and featured in an article in the Salina Journal.

title: Paradise, Kansas


text:
Russell, Kansas

Russell is the most populous city in and the county seat of Russell County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 4,401.

History

In 1865, the Butterfield Overland Despatch established a short-lived station named Fossil Creek Station along its route from Atchison, Kansas to Denver near the site of modern Russell. In 1867, the Kansas Pacific Railway reached the area and built its own station, also named Fossil Creek, later just Fossil, north of the Butterfield station. That same year, the Kansas Legislature established the surrounding area as Russell County. In 1871, colonists from Ripon, Wisconsin established a permanent settlement at Fossil Station, renaming it Russell after the county. Russell was incorporated and named the provisional county seat in 1872, and, after a two-year dispute with neighboring Bunker Hill, it became the permanent county seat in 1874. In 1876, Volga Germans, mostly from the area around Saratov and Samara in Russia, began settling in and around Russell.

The first discovery oil well in Russell County was drilled west of Russell in 1923. An oil boom ensued and lasted through the 1930s, attracting settlers from Oklahoma and Texas. Petroleum production became a staple of the local economy.

Russell came to national attention in the mid-1990s as the hometown of U.S. Senators Bob Dole and Arlen Specter when both men campaigned for the U.S. presidency. Dole was born and raised in Russell, and it remained his official place of residence throughout his political career.

Geography
Russell is located in north-central Kansas at the intersection of Interstate 70 and U.S. Route 281, Russell is approximately 113 mi northwest of Wichita, 231 mi west of Kansas City, and 336 mi east-southeast of Denver.

The city lies in the Smoky Hills region of the Great Plains approximately 5 mi south of the Saline River and 8 mi north of the Smoky Hill River. Fossil Creek, a tributary of the Smoky Hill River, passes immediately south of the city where it has been dammed to form a small reservoir, Fossil Lake.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.87 sqmi, all of it land.

Climate
Russell has a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfa), with hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. On average, January is the coldest month, and July is both the hottest month and the wettest month.

The high temperature reaches or exceeds 90 °F an average of 63.2 days a year and reaches or exceeds 100 °F an average of 12.5 days a year. The minimum temperature falls below the freezing point 32 °F an average of 129.7 days a year. The hottest temperature recorded in Russell was 114 F on June 30, 1980, while the coldest temperature recorded was -24 F on December 22, 1989.

2010 census
As of the 2010 census, there were 4,506 people, 2,041 households, and 1,216 families residing in the city. The population density was 919.6 PD/sqmi. There were 2,393 housing units at an average density of 488.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.6% White, 1.0% African American, 0.6% American Indian, 0.5% Asian, 0.6% from some other race, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanics and Latinos of any race were 2.1% of the population.

There were 2,041 households, of which 26.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.6% were married couples living together, 4.7% had a male householder with no wife present, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.4% were non-families. 36.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16, and the average family size was 2.79.

The median age in the city was 44.6 years. 22.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.2% were from 25 to 44; 27.3% were from 45 to 64; and 22.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.0% male and 51.0% female.

The median income for a household in the city was $32,347, and the median income for a family was $43,834. Males had a median income of $31,727 versus $19,583 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,330. About 17.2% of families and 21.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 38.7% of those under age 18 and 14.1% of those age 65 or over.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,696 people, 2,057 households, and 1,250 families residing in the city. The population density was 956.9 PD/sqmi. There were 2,436 housing units at an average density of 496.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.13% White, 0.96% African American, 0.57% Native American, 0.45% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.30% from other races, and 0.87% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.00% of the population.

There were 2,057 households, out of which 25.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.9% were married couples living together, 8.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.2% were non-families. 34.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.82.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.4% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 24.5% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 24.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.0 males.

Economy

The economy of Russell is based primarily on agriculture with wheat gluten and ethanol manufacturing facilities located in the local industrial park. Russell County is also one of the leading petroleum producing counties in Kansas.

As of 2012, 65.2% of the population over the age of 16 was in the labor force. 0.4% was in the armed forces, and 64.8% was in the civilian labor force with 61.6% being employed and 3.3% unemployed. The composition, by occupation, of the employed civilian labor force was: 33.9% in sales and office occupations; 24.4% in management, business, science, and arts; 17.5% in service occupations; 12.3% in natural resources, construction, and maintenance; and 11.9% in production, transportation, and material moving. The three industries employing the largest percentages of the working civilian labor force were: educational services, health care, and social assistance (28.3%); retail trade (20.0%); and agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining (12.8%).

The cost of living in Russell is relatively low; compared to a U.S. average of 100, the cost of living index for the city is 77.2. As of 2012, the median home value in the city was $63,200, the median selected monthly owner cost was $935 for housing units with a mortgage and $412 for those without, and the median gross rent was $657.

Government
Russell is a city of the second class with a council-mayor-manager form of government. The city council consists of eight members, two elected for each city ward. The council sets policies and approves the city budget, meeting on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 4:30 p.m. in the City Council Room at the City Hall. The city manager is hired by the council, enforces its policies, serves as its chief adviser, prepares the city budget, and administers city government personnel. The mayor presides at council meetings, serves as spokesperson for the city, and represents the city in intergovernmental relations.

As the county seat, Russell is the administrative center of Russell County. The county courthouse is located downtown, and all departments of the county government base their operations in the city.

Russell lies within Kansas's 1st U.S. Congressional District, represented by Tracey Mann (R-Salina). For the purposes of representation in the Kansas Legislature, the city is located in the 36th district of the Kansas Senate, represented by Sen. Elaine Bowers (R-Concordia) and the 109th district of the Kansas House of Representatives, represented by Rep. Troy Waymaster (R-Bunker Hill).

Education

The community is served by Russell County USD 407 public school district, and operates four public schools in the city:
 * Russell High School (9-12)
 * Ruppenthal Middle School (6-8)
 * Bickerdyke Elementary School (2-5)
 * Simpson Elementary School (K-1)

Libraries
The Russell Public Library, located downtown on West Wisconsin (6th) Street, is the city's main library. A member of the Central Kansas Library System, it has a collection of more than 32,000 volumes. The library opened in 1901 and expanded into a Carnegie library in 1907, finally moving to its current facility in 1962.

Transportation
Interstate 70 and U.S. Route 40 run concurrently east–west immediately south of Russell, intersecting U.S. Route 281, which runs north–south through the town, at Exit 184. U.S. Route 40 Business follows U.S. 281 north 1.5 miles to its intersection with the old alignment of U.S. 40, which runs east–west through Russell. The business route then follows the old alignment east, ending at its intersection with I-70 at exit 189.

Russell Municipal Airport is located southeast of the city on the U.S. 40 business route. Publicly owned, it has two runways, one concrete and one turf, and is used for general aviation.

Union Pacific Railroad operates one freight rail line, the Kansas Pacific (KP) Line, through Russell. It runs east–west through the city.

Utilities
Electricity production and distribution, recycling and trash removal, waste water management, and water production and distribution are all provided by separate departments of the city government. Eagle Communication and Rural Telephone provide landline telephone service; Eagle Communication and Nex-Tech offer cable television and internet access. Most residents use natural gas for heating fuel; service is provided by Kansas Gas Service.

Health care
Russell Regional Hospital is the sole hospital in the city. Established in 1942, it is a private, non-profit, 54-bed general medical and surgical facility.

Media
The Russell County News is the local newspaper, published weekly on Thursdays. It was a daily newspaper until 2000, then was a twice-weekly newspaper from 2001 to 2015.

Three radio stations broadcast from Russell. KRSL broadcasts on 990 AM, playing a Classic Country format. Its sister station KRSL-FM broadcasts on 95.9 FM, playing a Classic Hits format. KCCV-FM, a Christian station in Overland Park, Kansas, operates a translator station in Russell which broadcasts on 95.1 FM.

Russell is in the Wichita-Hutchinson, Kansas television market. KAKE, the ABC affiliate in Wichita, operates a translator station (K38GH) in Russell which broadcasts on analog channel 38. KBSH-DT, KOCW, and KSNC, the respective satellite stations of the CBS, Fox, and NBC affiliates in Wichita, are located in neighboring counties, placing Russell within their broadcast radius. Smoky Hills Public Television, the PBS affiliate for western Kansas, has its headquarters in nearby Bunker Hill.

Parks and recreation
The city government's Park Department maintains seven parks in the city. The largest is Memorial Park, located on the north side of the U.S. 40 business route in the far eastern part of the city. It includes baseball fields, tennis courts, a skateboard park, a play park, a frisbee golf course, and Russell Municipal Golf Course. The municipal course is a 9-hole, regulation length course that opened in 1952. In addition, the city government operates a municipal swimming pool next to Memorial Park.

Arts and music
Located downtown, the Deines Cultural Center is a non-profit art gallery that hosts exhibits featuring the work of local and regional artists. Its permanent collections consist of paintings by Birger Sandzén and the wood engravings of local artist E. Hubert Deines. In addition, the center also hosts concerts, recitals, lectures, readings, and workshops. The Center opened in 1990 with the Deines family's donation of its building, the Deines engravings, and a cash endowment to the city of Russell.

Ad Astra Music Festival

In the month of July, Russell hosts the Ad Astra Music Festival, a concert series featuring student and professional artists from all over the United States and the world. Music performed ranges from classical to contemporary compositions and jazz. The festival was started in 2015.

Events
The city hosts the annual Russell County Free Fair during the last week of July. Sponsored by local businesses and organizations, the Fair includes a 4-H livestock sale, carnival, live music, and other entertainment. Other annual events include the annual Blarney Stone Hunt, the Independence Day Freedom Fireworks Celebration, Bricks, Broncs & BBQ and Flatland Car & Cycle Show the first weekend in October, the Lighted Christmas Parade, and Weihnachtsfest, a Christmas festival held the second Saturday in December for over 25 years.

Every ten years since 1941, Russell has held Prairiesta, a festival commemorating the city's foundation and celebrating its heritage. Held in June, the festival includes a parade, carnival rides, live music, arts and crafts exhibits, and a historical pageant.

Points of interest
The Fossil Station Museum, also located in downtown Russell, displays artifacts from Russell County history dating back to the mid-1800s. Home to the Russell County Historical Society, the museum is housed in the former sheriff's office and county jail, a fortress-like structure constructed of native “post rock” limestone in 1907.

The Russell County Historical Society has restored and maintains two examples of early limestone homes built in Russell, the Gernon House and the Heym-Oliver House. The Gernon House was built in 1872 by blacksmith Nicholas Gernon, one of the town's original settlers, and doubled as a smithery. The Heym-Oliver House was built by settler Nicholas Heym in 1878.

The Oil Patch Museum, located just north of I-70 Exit 184, houses exhibits on area geology and the history of local petroleum drilling, production, and transportation.

Notable people
Notable individuals who were born in and/or have lived in Russell include: • Philip Anschutz (1939–), business magnate

• Sue Anschutz-Rodgers (1936–), cattle ranch owner and philanthropist

• Wendall Anschutz (1938–2010), news anchor

• Judith Barzilay (1944–), U.S. federal judge

• Steven Bender (1950–2010), technology entrepreneur

• Curt Dawson (1939–1985), stage and television actor

• Bob Dole (1923–2021), former Senate Republican leader (1985–1996)

• Steve Doocy (1956–), news anchor

• Marj Dusay (1936–2020), actress

• Paul Eggert (1954–), computer scientist and maintainer of the tz database

• Asa Kinney (1810–1886), pioneer and politician

• Jim Line (1926–2013), University of Kentucky basketball player

• C.J. Mahoney (1977–), Deputy United States Trade Representative

• Larry Ochs (1924–2003), mayor of Colorado Springs, Colorado

• Arlen Specter (1930–2012), U.S. senator from Pennsylvania

• Walter Sutton (1877–1916), geneticist

• Troy Waymaster, member, Kansas House of Representatives

title: Russell, Kansas


text:
Waldo, Kansas

Waldo is a city in Waldo Township, Russell County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 30.

History
The Union Town Company established the town of Waldo on October 1, 1888, having acquired 280 acres of land on a line of the Union Pacific Railroad. The community grew over the following decades, reaching a population of approximately 300 by 1915. A small business community, including a bank, stores, and three grain elevators, developed during the 1900s. The town served as an agricultural shipping and receiving point for the surrounding area. Waldo incorporated as a city in May 1911.

Since the 1930s, the population of the community has gradually declined. Waldo High School closed in 1964, followed by Waldo Grade School in 1979. In 1993, Union Pacific abandoned its rail line through Waldo, ending rail service to the community.

Geography
Waldo is located on U.S. Route 281 in north-central Kansas 122 mi northwest of Wichita, 224 mi west of Kansas City, and 16 mi north-northeast of Russell, the county seat.

Located in the Smoky Hills region of the Great Plains, Waldo sits on the east bank of the West Fork of Wolf Creek, part of the Saline River watershed.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.36 sqmi, all of it land.

2010 census
As of the 2010 census, there were 30 people, 15 households, and 7 families residing in the city. The population density was 75 people per square mile (29/km$2$). There were 44 housing units at an average density of 110 per square mile (44/km$2$). The racial makeup of the city was 100.0% White. Hispanics and Latinos of any race were 0.0% of the population.

There were 15 households, of which 20.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.7% were married couples living together, 0.0% had a male householder with no wife present, 0.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 53.3% were non-families. 53.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 60.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.00, and the average family size was 3.14.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.7% under the age of 18, 0.0% from 18 to 24, 20.0% from 25 to 44, 20.0% from 45 to 64, and 33.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 52.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 114.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100 males age 18 and over.

The median income for a household in the city was $37,857, and the median income for a family was $38,393. The per capita income for the city was $15,152. There were 0.0% of families and 0.0% of the population living below the poverty line.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 48 people, 27 households, and 15 families residing in the city. The population density was 126.0 PD/sqmi. There were 32 housing units at an average density of 84.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.83% White, 2.08% Native American, and 2.08% from two or more races.

There were 27 households, out of which 14.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.1% were married couples living together, 3.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 44.4% were non-families. 44.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.78 and the average family size was 2.40.

In the city the population was spread out, with 12.5% under the age of 18, 12.5% from 18 to 24, 8.3% from 25 to 44, 29.2% from 45 to 64, and 37.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 62 years. For every 100 females, there were 108.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 121.1 males.

Economy
As of 2012, 37.0% of the population over the age of 16 was in the labor force. 0.0% was in the armed forces, and 37.0% was in the civilian labor force with 37.0% being employed and 0.0% unemployed. The composition, by occupation, of the employed civilian labor force was: 60.0% in management, business, science, and arts; 30.0% in sales and office occupations; 10.0% in natural resources, construction, and maintenance; 0.0% in production, transportation, and material moving; and 0.0% in service occupations. The three industries employing the largest percentages of the working civilian labor force were: agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining (40.0%); educational services, and health care and social assistance (30.0%); and retail trade (20.0%).

The cost of living in Waldo is relatively low; compared to a U.S. average of 100, the cost of living index for the community is 79.9. As of 2012, the median home value in the city was $13,800, and the median selected monthly owner cost was $467 for housing units with a mortgage and $313 for those without.

Government
Waldo is a city of the third class with a mayor-council form of government. The city council consists of five members, and it meets on the first Tuesday of each month.

Waldo lies within Kansas's 1st U.S. Congressional District. For the purposes of representation in the Kansas Legislature, the city is located in the 36th district of the Kansas Senate and the 109th district of the Kansas House of Representatives.

Education
The community is served by Natoma–Paradise–Waldo USD 399 public school district, which is located in Natoma.

Waldo High School consolidated with Paradise High School in 1964. Paradise High School then consolidated with Natoma High School in 1974. The Waldo High School mascot was Waldo Warriors.

Transportation
U.S. Route 281 and Kansas Highway 18 (K-18) run concurrently east–west through Waldo.

Utilities
Western Electric provides electricity to local residents. Gorham Telephone provides landline telephone service and offers cable television and internet access. Most residents use privately stored propane for heating fuel.

Media
Waldo is in the Wichita-Hutchinson, Kansas television market.

title: Waldo, Kansas


text:
Assaria, Kansas

Assaria is a city in Saline County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 428.

History
Assaria was laid out in 1879. The first post office in Assaria was established in September 1879.

A railroad previously ran north-south through Assaria, but it was later abandoned.

Geography
Assaria is located at 38.68028°N, -97.60417°W (38.680374, -97.604029). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.19 sqmi, all of it land.

Demographics
It is part of the Salina Micropolitan Statistical Area.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 428 people, 169 households, and 117 families in Assaria. The population density was 1,829.1 per square mile (706.2/km$2$). There were 176 housing units at an average density of 752.1 per square mile (290.4/km$2$). The racial makeup was 95.79% (410) white or European American (94.16% non-Hispanic white), 0.7% (3) black or African-American, 0.0% (0) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.0% (0) Asian, 0.0% (0) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.93% (4) from other races, and 2.57% (11) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 3.74% (16) of the population.

Of the 169 households, 33.7% had children under the age of 18; 58.0% were married couples living together; 18.3% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 23.1% of households consisted of individuals and 12.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.6 and the average family size was 2.9. The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 19.4% of the population.

26.4% of the population was under the age of 18, 5.1% from 18 to 24, 24.8% from 25 to 44, 26.4% from 45 to 64, and 17.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.9 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 105.9 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $69,545 (with a margin of error of +/- $16,322) and the median family income was $69,688 (+/- $14,136). Males had a median income of $52,000 (+/- $12,479) versus $33,125 (+/- $8,594) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $38,036 (+/- $5,762). Approximately, 3.2% of families and 7.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.3% of those under the age of 18 and 4.1% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 413 people, 159 households, and 122 families living in the city. The population density was 2173.7 PD/sqmi. There were 171 housing units at an average density of 900.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.3% White, 0.2% Native American, and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.9% of the population.

There were 159 households, of which 34.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.4% were married couples living together, 6.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 23.3% were non-families. 18.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 2.95.

The median age in the city was 39.7 years. 27.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.6% were from 25 to 44; 30.4% were from 45 to 64; and 13.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.8% male and 49.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 438 people, 153 households, and 123 families living in the city. The population density was 2,220.0 PD/sqmi. There were 160 housing units at an average density of 811.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.43% White, 1.14% Native American, 0.23% Asian, 2.05% from other races, and 1.14% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.65% of the population.

There were 153 households, out of which 43.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 72.5% were married couples living together, 7.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.0% were non-families. 15.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.86 and the average family size was 3.23.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 32.4% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 29.9% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 10.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $44,792, and the median income for a family was $45,833. Males had a median income of $34,063 versus $24,375 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,381. None of the families and 1.9% of the population were living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 2.2% of those over 64.

Education
The community is served by Southeast of Saline USD 306 public school district. Southeast of Saline High School is located in Gypsum.

Assaria schools were closed through school unification. The Assaria Trojans won the Kansas State High School class B baseball championship in 1959 and 1960.

title: Assaria, Kansas


text:
Brookville, Kansas

Brookville is a city in Saline County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 247.

History
Brookville was laid out in 1870 when the Kansas Pacific Railway was extended to that point. The first post office in Brookville was established in February 1870.

Geography
Brookville is located at 38.77333°N, -97.86806°W (38.773464, -97.868015). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.57 sqmi, all of it land.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Brookville has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

Demographics
It is part of the Salina Micropolitan Statistical Area.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 247 people, 92 households, and 62 families in Brookville. The population density was 429.6 per square mile (165.9/km$2$). There were 109 housing units at an average density of 189.6 per square mile (73.2/km$2$). The racial makeup was 92.31% (228) white or European American (92.31% non-Hispanic white), 0.0% (0) black or African-American, 1.62% (4) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.4% (1) Asian, 0.0% (0) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.81% (2) from other races, and 4.86% (12) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 3.24% (8) of the population.

Of the 92 households, 30.4% had children under the age of 18; 53.3% were married couples living together; 17.4% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 25.0% of households consisted of individuals and 9.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.9 and the average family size was 3.6. The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 6.1% of the population.

26.3% of the population was under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 25.9% from 25 to 44, 27.1% from 45 to 64, and 12.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.5 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 95.7 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $59,063 (with a margin of error of +/- $23,818) and the median family income was $72,857 (+/- $54,209). Males had a median income of $40,250 (+/- $15,062) versus $29,063 (+/- $7,565) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $35,987 (+/- $8,316). Approximately, 3.7% of families and 10.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.4% of those under the age of 18 and 8.0% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
, there were 262 people, 101 households, and 72 families residing in the city. The population density was 459.6 PD/sqmi. There were 113 housing units at an average density of 198.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.3% White, 0.4% Native American, 0.4% Pacific Islander, 1.5% from other races, and 3.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.0% of the population.

There were 101 households, of which 38.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.5% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 7.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 28.7% were non-families. 23.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 2.97.

The median age in the city was 39 years. 27.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.2% were from 25 to 44; 28.7% were from 45 to 64; and 10.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 54.6% male and 45.4% female.

2000 census
, there were 259 people, 104 households, and 74 families residing in the city. The population density was 441.9 PD/sqmi. There were 115 housing units at an average density of 196.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.46% White, 0.39% Native American, and 1.16% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.18% of the population.

There were 104 households, out of which 30.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.4% were married couples living together, 4.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.9% were non-families. 26.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.97.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.9% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 30.5% from 25 to 44, 24.3% from 45 to 64, and 12.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 115.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 109.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $32,250, and the median income for a family was $45,417. Males had a median income of $30,625 versus $24,000 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,945. About 9.1% of families and 18.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.8% of those under the age of eighteen and 15.6% of those 65 or over.

Education
The community is served by Ell-Saline USD 307 public school district. Ell-Saline schools are located in Brookville. The Ell-Saline school mascot is Cardinals.

Prior to school unification as Ell-Saline High School, the Brookville High School mascot was Brookville Cardinals. The Brookville Cardinals won the Kansas State High School boys class BB basketball championship in 1952.

In popular culture
One scene of the 1980 film Up the Academy was filmed in Brookville, where the boys drive off without paying for fuel.

title: Brookville, Kansas


text:
Gypsum, Kansas

Gypsum is a city in Saline County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 400.

Early history
For many millennia, the Great Plains of North America was inhabited by nomadic Native Americans. From the 16th century to 18th century, the Kingdom of France claimed ownership of large parts of North America. In 1762, after the French and Indian War, France secretly ceded New France to Spain, per the Treaty of Fontainebleau.

19th century
In 1802, Spain returned most of the land to France. In 1803, most of the land for modern day Kansas was acquired by the United States from France as part of the 828,000 square mile Louisiana Purchase for 2.83 cents per acre.

In 1854, the Kansas Territory was organized, then in 1861 Kansas became the 34th U.S. state. In 1860, Saline County was established within the Kansas Territory, which included the land for modern day Gypsum.

The community was founded as a Templer community called Tempelfeld. Gypsum was named after Gypsum Creek. The Gypsum post office has operated under that name since 1886.

Geography
Gypsum is located at 38.705°N, -97.42694°W (38.705118, -97.426876). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.36 sqmi, all of it land.

Demographics
It is part of the Salina Micropolitan Statistical Area.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 400 people, 173 households, and 101 families in Gypsum. The population density was 1,069.5 per square mile (412.9/km$2$). There were 188 housing units at an average density of 502.7 per square mile (194.1/km$2$). The racial makeup was 86.75% (347) white or European American (85.75% non-Hispanic white), 5.75% (23) black or African-American, 0.0% (0) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.5% (2) Asian, 0.0% (0) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.75% (3) from other races, and 6.25% (25) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 3.25% (13) of the population.

Of the 173 households, 30.6% had children under the age of 18; 38.2% were married couples living together; 27.7% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 33.5% of households consisted of individuals and 16.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.4 and the average family size was 2.9. The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 10.2% of the population.

26.5% of the population was under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 24.5% from 25 to 44, 26.5% from 45 to 64, and 16.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 111.6 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 107.0 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $53,036 (with a margin of error of +/- $22,256) and the median family income was $66,875 (+/- $19,232). Males had a median income of $40,833 (+/- $12,432) versus $26,250 (+/- $8,925) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $31,620 (+/- $7,226). Approximately, 4.6% of families and 7.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.7% of those under the age of 18 and 7.0% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 405 people, 162 households, and 111 families residing in the city. The population density was 1125.0 PD/sqmi. There were 187 housing units at an average density of 519.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.6% White, 0.5% African American, 1.2% Native American, 1.0% Asian, 1.0% from other races, and 1.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.5% of the population.

There were 162 households, of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.6% were married couples living together, 11.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 31.5% were non-families. 27.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 2.97.

The median age in the city was 39.9 years. 26.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.5% were from 25 to 44; 27.7% were from 45 to 64; and 14.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.2% male and 52.8% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 414 people, 158 households, and 111 families residing in the city. The population density was 956.5 PD/sqmi. There were 179 housing units at an average density of 413.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.17% White, 1.21% African American, 0.24% from other races, and 3.38% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.97% of the population.

There were 158 households, out of which 36.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.6% were married couples living together, 7.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.7% were non-families. 25.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.09.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 28.5% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 29.7% from 25 to 44, 23.4% from 45 to 64, and 11.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 107.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,833, and the median income for a family was $34,375. Males had a median income of $27,000 versus $17,386 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,440. About 4.1% of families and 6.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.5% of those under age 18 and 9.4% of those age 65 or over.

Government
The Gypsum government consists of a mayor and five council members. The council meets the 2nd Monday of each month at 7 pm.

Education
The community is served by Southeast of Saline USD 306 public school district. The Southeast of Saline High School mascot is the Trojans.

Gypsum schools were closed through school unification. The Gypsum High School mascot was Pirates.

Notable people

 * Steve Fritz (b1967), 4th place in 1996 Olympic decathlon, assistant coach for the Kansas State University track and field team for 21 years.
 * Bill Wheatley (1909-1992), basketball player who competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics with the American basketball team that won a gold medal.
 * Frank Wilkeson (1848-1913), New York Times journalist and Washington explorer who owned a large ranch in Gypsum for nearly forty years.
 * JD Andrew (b1973) sound engineer and musician; member of The Boxmasters with Billy Bob Thornton.

title: Gypsum, Kansas


text:
New Cambria, Kansas

New Cambria is a city in Saline County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 106.

History
New Cambria was named after Cambria County, Pennsylvania, the native home of an early settler.

The first post office in New Cambria was established in June 1873.

Geography
New Cambria is located at 38.87861°N, -97.50583°W (38.878504, -97.505730). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.22 sqmi, all of it land.

Demographics
It is part of the Salina Micropolitan Statistical Area.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 106 people, 47 households, and 28 families in New Cambria. The population density was 595.5 per square mile (229.9/km$2$). There were 55 housing units at an average density of 309.0 per square mile (119.3/km$2$). The racial makeup was 82.08% (87) white or European American (82.08% non-Hispanic white), 0.0% (0) black or African-American, 0.0% (0) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.94% (1) Asian, 0.0% (0) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.0% (0) from other races, and 16.98% (18) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 3.77% (4) of the population.

Of the 47 households, 19.1% had children under the age of 18; 44.7% were married couples living together; 17.0% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 34.0% of households consisted of individuals and 10.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.6 and the average family size was 3.2. The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 1.9% of the population.

17.9% of the population was under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 31.1% from 25 to 44, 30.2% from 45 to 64, and 15.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.8 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 89.1 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $73,382 (with a margin of error of +/- $11,675). Males had a median income of $73,235 (+/- $23,284) versus $41,250 (+/- $38,024) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $73,015 (+/- $28,404). Approximately, 0.0% of families and 10.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.0% of those under the age of 18 and 0.0% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 126 people, 56 households, and 37 families living in the city. The population density was 572.7 PD/sqmi. There were 70 housing units at an average density of 318.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.8% White, 0.8% Native American, and 2.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.8% of the population.

There were 56 households, of which 21.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.0% were married couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 33.9% were non-families. 30.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.81.

The median age in the city was 46 years. 17.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.4% were from 25 to 44; 33.4% were from 45 to 64; and 19% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.6% male and 48.4% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 150 people, 57 households, and 44 families living in the city. The population density was 1,463.7 PD/sqmi. There were 66 housing units at an average density of 644.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.67% White, 1.33% African American, and 2.00% from two or more races.

There were 57 households, out of which 36.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.6% were married couples living together, 12.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.1% were non-families. 15.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 1.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 2.89.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.3% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 33.3% from 25 to 44, 22.7% from 45 to 64, and 9.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 123.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 113.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $36,607, and the median income for a family was $40,500. Males had a median income of $30,250 versus $23,125 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,218. There were 2.0% of families and 5.5% of the population living below the poverty line, including 9.5% of under eighteens and none of those over 64.

Education
The community is served by Solomon USD 393 public school district.

title: New Cambria, Kansas