OVERLAND PARK – With the intention of elevating Kansas as a destination for trails and outdoor connection, Kansas Trails, Inc. (KTI) has launched as the first statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting, supporting and empowering the vibrant trail community across the state. Designed to serve every trail organization, city, steward and volunteer in Kansas, KTI aims to provide trail maps, expert resources, technical assistance, advocacy and support to help ensure Kansas trails are accessible, sustainable and thriving both now and for future generations.
“Kansas Trails, Inc. is here to empower everyone who loves, builds and maintains trails,” said Mike Scanlon, KTI Executive Director. “We commit ourselves to developing and supporting trail systems that enrich public health, fuel local economies and preserve the natural and cultural heritage of this state.”
As a central hub for trail enthusiasts, KTI offers an array of services and resources, including:
• Interactive maps to help Kansans discover trails (See KTI’s Kansas trail map);
• technical assistance and resources for communities and organizations to plan, design and construct sustainable trails;
• promotional assistance to help spread the word about trail events across the state and inspire more people to explore and take advantage of the benefits of connecting with the outdoors;
• networking and membership opportunities to help build and foster a statewide community of trail advocates (Become a member);
• advocacy and support to ensure Kansas trails are accessible, sustainable and well-maintained.
As part of its mission to connect and empower trail users, builders and communities, KTI recently launched its Trail.Talk.Tuesday free webinar series. The hour-long webinars, which started July 8, are scheduled for noon on the second Tuesday of each month through January 2026.
With topics ranging from planning, building and maintaining trails, to exploring and celebrating Kansas’ thriving trail network; the series has something for everyone who has a passion for trails.
KTI also works in close partnership with state and local agencies to underscore the importance of trails in boosting outdoor recreation, rural revitalization, tourism, and community well-being. “In every trail we support, we carry forward the belief that Kansas belongs to all who walk it,” Scanlon said.
OUTDOORS
KDWP hosts instructor class at Pleasanton West Lake

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks holds one of its instructor classes at Pleasanton West Lake on July 26. This class covered foraging, fly fishing, and bow fishing.
Fishing Advice

There are many people out there who want to learn to fish, and many who have been fishing for years who have questions about the right tackle. One of the most asked questions is...what should I bring to fish with? Every guide knows that the success of a fisherman who hires him... [More]
Local KDWP fishing reports

Summer is in full swing and so is summer fishing. Here are some of the most recent Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks fishing reports on some local bodies of water in Linn County. These reports were updated on July 15. La Cygne Reservoir Channel, blue and flathead catfish... [More]
More Outdoors
- New Kansas record for blue catfish tops previous by 18.3 pounds
- Summer Hunting
- The Storm of Squire Lee’s – Part 2
- The Storm of Squire Lee’s – Part 1
- Pleasanton catfish tournament hosts a night of fun and fishing
- The Toughest Fish
- Current fishing reports for Linn County
- Mound City hosts annual youth fishing derby
NEWS
Commissioners discuss grievance filed on commissioner

During the Aug. 4 meeting, the commissioners in attendance, briefly discussed a grievance which County Clerk Danielle Souza noted had been filed against Commissioner Alison Hamilton. Souza noted the grievance was filed by a county employee that reports directly to the commissioners... [More]
Blue Mound Council discusses 4-wheeler issues

Council members for the city of Blue Mound discussed ways to curb the rise in 4-wheeler complaints the city has received in recent weeks. During their Aug. 4 meeting, it was decided to invite Undersheriff Bobby Johnson to attend a workshop in order to discuss ways to handle the... [More]
More News
- Commissioners review tower regulations
- Williams sentenced in amended case
- Boil Water Advisory Issued for the City of La Cygne, Linn County
- Pleasanton PD makes drug arrest during domestic call
- Commissioners review departmental budgets
- Wisdom appointed Pleasanton Fire Chief
- Pleasanton Council cuts to get to revenue neutral
- Local residents warn of bad business practices
COMMUNITY
Miami County Museum to present one-woman play on Laura Ingalls Wilder

The beloved Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of “Little House on the Prairie,” immortalized her pioneer family life through her books and, in 1974, was herself immortalized in the television series of the same title starring Michael Landon. On August 9, one has the... [More]
University of Kansas announces graduates

LAWRENCE — The names of more than 6,700 graduates at the University of Kansas for summer and fall 2024 and spring 2025 have been announced by the University Registrar. Many graduates and candidates for degree celebrated by participating in KU Commencement, which took place... [More]
Knowing and preventing kids sports injuries
School is about to begin and so are school sports. Kids of all ages, from elementary to high school enjoy competitive team sports but injuries happen in all of them. This article will focus on the types of injuries kids can get from playing sports and more importantly what kids,... [More]
More Community
- 4H Style Revue and Performing Arts set for July 26
- Benefit dinner and auction July 26
- Wade recounts WWII experience in South West Pacific theatre
- Cultivating Kindness film crew win Telly Awards
- Local roots bring couple back to familiar territory
- Remembering those who gave all
- Prairie View FFA captures State Ag Mechanics Championship
- Free summer meals for kids age 1 to 18 in Pleasanton