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Articles by Rex Buchanan
New Book Details Abe Lincoln's Campaign Visit to Kansas in December 1859
LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (KPR) — Abe Lincoln was the first Republican elected President of the United States. A new book recounts Lincoln's week-long campaign stop in Kansas Territory in 1859. Commentator Rex Buchanan says the book is worth checking out. (Transcript) From what I can tell, more books have been published about Abraham Lincoln than any other American. Maybe 15,000. New ones showing up all the time. You might think we don’t need any more. You’d be wrong.
What's in a Place Name? And Where is Buttermilk, Kansas?
BUTTERMILK, Kan. (KPR) - What's in a name? More specifically, what's in a place name? Kansas place names have been weighing on the mind of Commentator Rex Buchanan. Buttermilk, Kansas, is south of Coldwater and north of the Oklahoma state line. (Transcript) For the past couple of years, especially lately, there's been a lot of talk about place names. In part because I worked at the Kansas Geological Survey and spent lots of time looking at maps, I've long been intrigued by Kansas place names.
What's in a Place Name? And Where is Buttermilk, Kansas?
BUTTERMILK, Kan. (KPR) - What's in a name? More specifically, what's in a place name? Kansas place names have been weighing on the mind of Commentator Rex Buchanan. Buttermilk, Kansas, is south of Coldwater and north of the Oklahoma state line. (Transcript) For the past couple of years, especially lately, there’s been a lot of talk about place names. In part because I worked at the Kansas Geological Survey and spent lots of time looking at maps, I’ve long been intrigued by Kansas place names.
Celebrating the Santa Fe Trail - KTWU Airs Documentary
COUNCIL GROVE, Kan. (KPR) - One of the most historic communities in Kansas, Council Grove played a key role on the Santa Fe Trail. Tuesday at 8:30 pm, Topeka public television station KTWU will air a documentary about the trail and the town. Downtown Council Grove, Kansas. On The Road to Santa Fe, producers Dave Kendall and Rex Buchanan transport viewers back to Council Grove in 1831. Some of the voices used in the documentary are provided by KPR employees. For instance, KPR news director J.
Take the Off Ramp - Vol. 6 / (Waterfalls & Mountains, Well... a Mount, Anyway)
Intrepid Kansas explorers Rex Buchanan and J. Schafer Take the Off Ramp into Riley and Wabaunsee counties in search of waterfalls and mountains. Well, maybe not mountains, but a mount, anyway. 1 of 3 — IMG_4789.JPG Deep Creek Falls, also known as Deep Creek Waterfall, at Pillsbury Crossing in Riley County, Kansas. Deep Creek flows over a natural limestone ledge that ends in a wide, relatively low waterfall. J.
Remembering Luther Taylor, a Small-Town Kansas Baseball Player Who Made It to the Majors
BALDWIN CITY, Kan. (KPR) — The MLB regular season will wrap up late next month. But before it does, Commentator Rex Buchanan wants to talk a little baseball. He recently visited a cemetery in southern Douglas County that became the final resting place for a talented Kansas man who played professional ball at the highest levels. 1 of 3 — LUTHER TAYLOR GRAVE 1.jpg The gravesite of Luther Taylor, who played major league baseball in the early 1900s. Taylor was born on a farm in Jefferson County.
Remembering Luther Taylor, a Small Town Kansas Baseball Player Who Made It to the Majors
BALDWIN CITY, Kan. (KPR) — The MLB regular season will wrap up late next month. But before it does, Commentator Rex Buchanan wants to talk a little baseball. He recently visited a cemetery in southern Douglas County that became the final resting place for a talented Kansas man who played professional ball at the highest levels. 1 of 3 — LUTHER TAYLOR GRAVE 1.jpg The gravesite of Luther Taylor, who played major league baseball in the early 1900s. Taylor was born on a farm in Jefferson County.
Some Kansas Animals, Birds and Insects Seem to be Disappearing from the Prairie (Where Is the Horny Toad?)
RICE COUNTY, Kan. (KPR) - Something has been happening on the Kansas prairie. Fewer animals. Less Wildlife. And every day Kansans are starting to take notice. Commentator Rex Buchanan is one of them. A Texas Honed Lizard, as seen in Ellsworth County, Kansas. This small reptile, named for its toad-like shape and prominent cranial horns, can still be seen in parts of Kansas but its population has been dwindling. (Transcript) Some animals get stuck with an unfortunate name. Take the horned toad.
Take the Off Ramp - Vol. 5 / (Teter Rock)
GREENWOOD COUNTY, Kan. (KPR) — There are lots of wide open spaces in Kansas. The Flint Hills contain some of them. And deep inside those hills is a place that's far removed from most signs of human occupation: Teter Rock, near the ghost town of Teterville. Teterville and Teter Rock are both located near this sign, but good luck finding Teterville, as it has become a ghost town.
Some Kansas Animals, Birds and Insects Seem to be Disappearing from the Prairie (Where Is the Horny Toad?)
RICE COUNTY, Kan. (KPR) - Something has been happening on the Kansas prairie. Fewer animals. Less Wildlife. And every day Kansans are starting to take notice. Commentator Rex Buchanan is one of them. A Texas Honed Lizard, as seen in Ellsworth County, Kansas. This small reptile, named for its toad-like shape and prominent cranial horns, can still be seen in parts of Kansas but its population has been dwindling. (Transcript) Some animals get stuck with an unfortunate name. Take the horned toad.
Take the Off Ramp - Vol. 4 (Pawnee Indian Village Museum)
KPR invites you to Take the Off Ramp and explore hidden travel gems scattered across the state. This occasional Kansas travel series aims to explore publicly accessible places worth visiting and today, we visit a quiet, remote place that's really off the beaten path: The Pawnee Indian Village Museum, in Republic County. It's near the town of Republic and not too far from the towns of Belleville and Courtland, Kansas.
Take the Off Ramp - Vol. 3 (Alcove Spring)
KPR's new-ish travel series, Take the Off Ramp, visits northern Kansas and a once-popular stop along the Oregon and California Trail: Alcove Spring. Alcove Spring Park in Marshall County, Kansas. The exact number of pioneers who traveled down the Oregon and California Trails is unknown, but the National Park Service has estimated the number to be around 350,000. And many of them stopped here, at Alcove Spring, to rest and water their livestock.
Take the Off Ramp - Vol. 2 (Wagon Ruts & Presidential Rides)
Take the Off Ramp That's the new name for this new Kansas travel series on Kansas Public Radio. Intrepid explorers J. Schafer and Rex Buchanan are Hittin' the Road again and headed for several places that are off the beaten path. But first, they stop off at a more civilized place - one that's often overlooked, maybe even taken for granted, because it's been here for such a long time: Fort Leavenworth. Limestone and metal sign seen at the Grant Avenue entrance to Fort Leavenworth.
Assessing the water woes of western Kansas
SHERMAN COUNTY, Kan. (KPR) - Much of western Kansas is dry. Seven counties are under a Drought Emergency; dozens more remain under a Drought Warning. Just how bad is the water situation in western Kansas? Commentator Rex Buchanan has a better idea than most. Crews from the Kansas Geological Survey measure water wells in western Kansas every January. This photo was taken in January 2023.
Assessing the Water Woes of Western Kansas
SHERMAN COUNTY, Kan. (KPR) - Much of western Kansas is dry. Seven counties are under a Drought Emergency; dozens more remain under a Drought Warning. Just how bad is the water situation in western Kansas? Commentator Rex Buchanan has a better idea than most. Crews from the Kansas Geological Survey measure water wells in western Kansas every January. This photo was taken in January 2023.
Hittin' the Road with Rex & J. - a Kansas Travelogue (Vol. 1)
© 2026 Kansas Public Radio 91.5 FM | KANU | Lawrence, Topeka, Kansas City 96.1 FM | K241AR | Lawrence (KPR2) 89.7 FM | KANH | Emporia 99.5 FM | K258BT | Manhattan 97.9 FM | K250AY | Manhattan (KPR2) 91.3 FM | KANV | Junction City, Olsburg 89.9 FM | K210CR | Atchison 90.3 FM | KANQ | Chanute See the Coverage Map for more details FCC On-line Public Inspection Files: KANU, KANH, KANV, KANQ Questions about KPR's Public Inspection Files?
This Commentary Is for the Birds and Those Who Care About Them
Birds are in trouble. Their numbers are declining even faster than scientists had imagined. Experts point to several causes, including habitat loss. A recent excursion to South America prompted Commentator Rex Buchanan to think a lot more about our feathered friends... and what we can do to help them. Seven Simple Actions to Help Birds, from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. (Transcript) When I was growing up out in the middle of Kansas, one of the birds I could easily identify was a killdeer.
Can We Solve the Kansas Water Crisis?
WESTERN Kan. (KPR) - Every January, a crew from the Kansas Geological Survey and the Division of Water Resources fans out across western Kansas to measure more than 1,400 water wells. The crew is checking on the health of the Ogallala Aquifer. Commentator Rex Buchanan has been helping measure those wells for more than 20 years and has watched the steady decline in water levels. Now, he's calling the situation a crisis.
Can We Solve the Kansas Water Crisis?
WESTERN Kan. (KPR) - Every January, a crew from the Kansas Geological Survey and the Division of Water Resources fans out across western Kansas to measure more than 1,400 water wells. The crew is checking on the health of the Ogallala Aquifer. Commentator Rex Buchanan has been helping measure those wells for more than 20 years and has watched the steady decline in water levels. Now, he's calling the situation a crisis.
KU Expands Collection of Core Samples - Why We Should Care
We've all heard of an apple core. It's the part of the apple most people throw away. Today, we hear about a different kind of core - a core sample of the Earth. The University of Kansas recently dedicated more space to store and display these rock core samples. Commentator Rex Buchanan tells us why.
KU Expands Collection of Core Samples - Why We Should Care
We've all heard of an apple core. It's the part of the apple most people throw away. Today, we hear about a different kind of core - a core sample of the Earth. The University of Kansas recently dedicated more space to store and display these rock core samples. Commentator Rex Buchanan tells us why.
Catching a Glimpse of Tallgrass Prairie... in the Smoky Hills?
The National Park Service says tallgrass prairie once covered 170 million acres of North America. But within a generation, most of it had been transformed into farms, cities, and towns. Today, less than 4% remains intact. You can still see examples of tallgrass prairie at the Konza Prairie, near Manhattan, and the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, near Strong City. Commentator Rex Buchanan recently found some tall grasses in the mixed grass prairie in the Smoky Hills of central Kansas.
Catching a Glimpse of Tallgrass Prairie... in the Smoky Hills?
The National Park Service says tallgrass prairie once covered 170 million acres of North America. But within a generation, most of it had been transformed into farms, cities, and towns. Today, less than 4% remains intact. You can still see examples of tallgrass prairie at the Konza Prairie, near Manhattan, and the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, near Strong City. Commentator Rex Buchanan recently found some tall grasses in the mixed grass prairie in the Smoky Hills of central Kansas.
Making a Riverrun Down the Mighty Missouri
Ever been up a river without a paddle? That's no place to be. It's always best to climb into a canoe with a life jacket and an experienced person - someone who knows the river. Commentator Rex Buchanan is no stranger to paddling down a river, but he recently took a trip with a real pro, through the heart of downtown Kansas City. Rex Buchanan's canoeing partner, Hannes Zacharias, is giving a presentation Wednesday night about another river he's come to know.
As Kansans cluster in urban areas, our public lands deserve appreciation and protection Original
Kansans often think of themselves as a rural people. Take the two of us, for example. We’re both lifelong Kansans who grew up in farming families, one in central Kansas, the other in northwestern Kansas, in the 1950s and 1960s. Today, we both live in Lawrence. Kansans are no longer a rural people. Almost half of the state’s population lives in just five of the state’s 105 counties: Johnson, Douglas, Shawnee, Wyandotte, and Sedgwick. Nearly one-fourth of the population lives in Johnson County alone.
The Great Fall Bird Migration Begins Across Kansas
Bird lovers of the world - unite! This is your time of year. The great fall migration is underway and will continue into late October and early November. Commentator Rex Buchanan says Kansas is a hot spot for bird lovers this time of year and there are plenty of resources available to help you spot a few feathered friends flying south. (Transcript) This is a great time of year for bird watchers.
The Great Fall Bird Migration Begins Across Kansas
Bird lovers of the world - unite! This is your time of year. The great fall migration is underway and will continue into late October and early November. Commentator Rex Buchanan says Kansas is a hot spot for bird lovers this time of year and there are plenty of resources available to help you spot a few feathered friends flying south. (Transcript) This is a great time of year for bird watchers.
Does Hydrogen Have a Future in Kansas?
The Flint Hills are full of grass, cattle and flint. But underneath these rolling hills are various rock formations, minerals and gases. As Commentator Rex Buchanan tells us, an Australian company is currently searching for something other than gas and oil. (Transcript) Does Hydrogen Have a Future in Kansas? By Rex Buchanan Out in Wabaunsee County, in the Flint Hills south of Wamego, there's something of a science experiment going on.
Does Hydrogen Have a Future in Kansas?
Does Hydrogen Have a Future in Kansas? The Flint Hills are full of grass, cattle and flint. But underneath these rolling hills are various rock formations, minerals and gases. As Commentator Rex Buchanan tells us, an Australian company is currently searching for something other than gas and oil. (Transcript) Does Hydrogen Have a Future in Kansas? By Rex Buchanan Out in Wabaunsee County, in the Flint Hills south of Wamego, there's something of a science experiment going on.
Does Hydrogen Have a Future in Kansas?
The Flint Hills are full of grass, cattle and flint. But underneath these rolling hills are various rock formations, minerals and gases. As Commentator Rex Buchanan tells us, an Australian company is currently searching for something other than gas and oil. (Transcript) Does Hydrogen Have a Future in Kansas? By Rex Buchanan Out in Wabaunsee County, in the Flint Hills south of Wamego, there’s something of a science experiment going on.
Symphony in the Flint Hills Showcased Best of Kansas
CHASE COUNTY, Kan. (KPR) - The Symphony in the Flint Hillshas had its final run. The 20th anniversary and grand finale of the symphony was held in the middle of June in Chase County. Those who loved it will miss it. Commentator Rex Buchanan says the annual event served as a great promotion for the Flint Hills and for the state. (Transcript) The Legacy of the Symphony in the Flint Hills By Rex Buchanan Every June for the past 20 years, the Kansas City symphony has played a concert in the Flint Hills.
Remembering the Deadliest Aviation Disaster in Kansas History
Learjet, Beechcraft, Cessna. These names have been synonymous with aviation and the city of Wichita. For more than 100 years, Wichita has been one of the world's leading producers of small airplanes. (Indeed, the most-produced aircraft of all time is the Cessna 172.) Unfortunately, the state is also connected to some of aviation's worst disasters, like the Chase County crash that killed Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne.
New Book Reveals Kansas Then and Now Using Rephotography
As a state, Kansas has been around since 1861. In that time, much of the topography has changed. For instance, we now have a lot more trees. These changes are revealed in a new book of photographs by a University of Kansas biologist. Commentator Rex Buchanan says the book is worth checking out. (Transcript) Say what you want about death and taxes. Here’s something else that’s certain. Things change. Allow enough time and continents move. Mountains rise and erode. Species change.
Sad Places: Visiting Them Can Help Us Better Understand Our History
There's something compelling about visiting historic sites, particularly places where sad and tragic events unfolded. Whether it's visiting a Civil War battlefield or the site of some horrible disaster, visitors can get a better sense of exactly what happened. Reading books and watching documentaries are useful, but for Commentator Rex Buchanan, few things compare to being there... in the physical space where something took place.
In the Country of the Kaw, by James Locklear: Book Review
A new book examines the state of Kansas from a natural perspective. The book, published by University Press of Kansas, is calledIn the Country of the Kaw, by James Locklear. Commentator Rex Buchanan says anyone interested in the natural world and the Kansas River basin should check it out. (TRANSCRIPT) I’ve long been bothered by artificial governmental boundaries. Like, say, the boders of Kansas.
Make Plans to See the Lesser Prairie Chicken Now... While You Still Can
This week, KPR has been reporting on the lesser prairie chicken. These days, bird watchers have fewer feathered friends to watch than they used to because of massive declines in population. Wayne Walker, with the group Common Ground Capital, says about 90% of the lesser prairie chicken's habitat has been lost. “Imagine if 90% of the rainforest was cut down. People would be freaking out about that," he said. The lesser prairie chicken used to roam across the Great Plains by the millions.
Should Museums Return Historical, Sacred Items to Their Place of Origin?
For curious people, museums are great places to explore. But increasingly, museums have come under fire for displaying items from faraway places that, in some cases, may have been stolen. Commentator Rex Buchanan recently traveled to a massive museum in Great Britain and found something utterly unexpected. (Transcript) For a long time now, I’ve wanted to visit the British Museum in London. I finally made it there in late March.
Having a Water Moment
Water is almost top of mind in western Kansas. But that may be even more true now in both ends of the state. Commentator Rex Buchanan reflects on the recent uptick in interest in water issues, and some of the current thinking that’s driving that interest. Don’t look now, but Kansas water is having a moment. In the past few weeks, the state’s water issues were featured in long stories in the New York Times and the Kansas City Star.
Getting Serious About Water Woes on the High Plains
Parts of western Kansas are running out of water. This has been true for a long time. But Kansas is finally taking steps to address the problem. Commentator Rex Buchanan wonders whether those steps will be enough. (Transcript) Don’t look now, but Kansas water is having a moment. In the past few weeks, the state’s water issues were featured in long stories in the New York Times and the Kansas City Star. In state government, the legislature appropriated significant new water funding.
Where to See the American Buffalo Up Close in Kansas
The American bison was adopted as the official state animal of Kansas in 1955. It's often called the American buffalo, but bison is the preferred scientific term. A recent PBS documentary tells the story of the bison, which once numbered in the millions across the great plains. The animal was nearly killed off by government decree, but as Commentator Rex Buchanan tells us, a Kansas man helped save the animal from extinction.
Book Review: Gathering Strays, a New Book by Jim Hoy
A rancher, writer and retired English professor, talking about life on the plains. That's some of what readers will get when they pick up a copy of the new book Gathering Strays. We asked KPR Commentator Rex Buchanan to review this work, written by Jim Hoy and published by University Press of Kansas.
KU Researchers Use Tech to Track Migrating Birds
Researchers at the Kansas Biological Survey are using technology to track migratory birds that pass through Lawrence. Commentator Rex Buchanan says the KU scientists are part of Motus, a worldwide effort to study and protect our feathered friends. (Transcript) By Rex Buchanan A few miles north of Lawrence, on a hill at the Kansas Biological Survey’s field station, a phone pole sticks up about 30 feet in the air. On top of the pole are six antennae.
Pending Water Crisis Plagues Western Kansas
Water has been an issue in western Kansas for decades. The state's farming and livestock industries rely heavily on massive amounts of water. But the underground reservoir supplying most of that water has been strained, leaving many to wonder just how long it will last. Commentator Rex Buchanan, who's been measuring water wells in western Kansas for 20 some years, is also worried about the future of water out west.
Joys of an All-You-Can-Eat Buffet
Some things just sound All-American, whether they are or not. Take the All-You-Can-Eat buffet. This cornucopia of food was once commonplace, here in the land of plenty. That's less true today. And maybe that's why Commentator Rex Buchanan swells with excitement whenever he encounters such a large and varied display of food. Commentator Rex Buchanan is a writer and director emeritus at the Kansas Geological Survey at the University of Kansas.
New Documentary Tackles Warming Climate in the Midwest
KPR Presents Book Club: Running Out Get more info about this event » Tune in to KPR Presents for a conversation with Lucas Bessire, author of Running Out: In Search of Water on the High Plains. This exploration of family, farming, and water was a finalist for the 2021 National Book Award and is a 2022 Kansas Notable Award winner.
Bill in Congress Aims to Help Animals and Wildlife Habitat
When it comes to lions and tigers and bears, most animal lovers agree they should be protected. But what about animals more common to Kansas? The state is full of deer, foxes, coyotes and more. And lots of folks would like to protect those critters too. Commentator Rex Buchanan tells us about a bipartisan effort in Congress that just might help. Commentator Rex Buchanan is a writer and director emeritus at the Kansas Geological Survey at the University of Kansas.
When and How Did People First Arrive in the Americas? New Book Tries to Find Answers
Science is shedding new light on the origins of the earliest people in the Americas. We think we know when they came and how they got here. But questions remain. A professor at the University of Kansas has been using genetic analysis to search for new answers and reveals her research in a new book. Commentator Rex Buchanan takes a look. Commentator Rex Buchanan is a writer and director emeritus at the Kansas Geological Survey.
Kansas Enjoys Moment on Streaming TV
The state of Kansas is enjoying some of the limelight these days, thanks to a couple popular TV shows. Commentator Rex Buchanan says each show offers viewers something different, but they remain connected by a Kansas thread that runs through both. Commentator Rex Buchanan writes books, rides bikes and sometimes... even watches TV. The Lawrence resident is also director emeritus of the Kansas Geological Survey.
Remembering December's Day of Fire
With so much going on in the world, it's easy to forget or overlook things going on at home. Commentator Rex Buchanan says many Kansans are still recovering from devastating wildfires last December. He's one of them. Commentator Rex Buchanan is an author and director emeritus at the Kansas Geological Survey. The Lawrence resident is also coauthor of the book Petroglyphs of the Kansas Smoky Hills, published by University Press of Kansas.
Thinking of Baseball in the Cold of Winter and Remembering a Kansas Great
Saturday is Kansas Day, when the state celebrates its 161st birthday. That has Commentator Rex Buchanan thinking about some of the state's interesting and noteworthy people, including an athlete from a small town in southeast Kansas. Commentator Rex Buchanan is a writer, author and director emeritus at the Kansas Geological Survey. The Lawrence resident is coauthor of the book Petroglyphs of the Kansas Smoky Hills, published by University Press of Kansas.
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