Nearby Communities
State Edition
National Edition
🌱 How did Russell’s downtown earn top national Main Street recognition?
Russell, Kansas Patch AM: a 4 min readGood day Russell! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How did Russell’s downtown earn top national Main Street recognition?
- What new changes are coming to Russell schools and downtown’s future?
- How a Russell High School alum became a statewide agriculture standout
Today's riddle: what do you call a rabbit with fleas? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Wednesday: Plenty of sun, with a high of 84 and low of 59 degrees.
- Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m., temps: high: 94, low: 59. 🌶 Hot!
- Friday: Hot, with a high of 95 and low of 61 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Russell Main Street Inc. Named a 2026 Main Street America Accredited Program (krsl.com) — Russell Main Street Inc. has earned national accreditation from Main Street America for its work revitalizing downtown Russell through preservation-based economic development. The group’s recent efforts include supporting local entrepreneurs, improving public spaces, and hosting community events that draw residents and visitors. Leaders say the designation validates the community’s hard work and strengthens momentum for Russell’s future. 
2. USD 407 BOE Discusses Social Media, Cellphone Policy Changes and Approves Painting Inside Amos Morris Gym (krsl.com) — Russell County’s USD 407 board reviewed upcoming Kansas social media and cellphone laws and approved repainting Amos Morris Gym at Russell Junior Senior High School, plus new cheer uniforms. Members also heard about a proposal to designate downtown Russell, including the former Ruppenthal Middle School, as a historic district that could cut renovation costs. Additional actions addressed plumbing at Bickerdyke Elementary and growing sixth-grade enrollment.
3. Barton Student, RHS Grad Selected as Kansas Farm Bureau Collegiate Fellow (krsl.com) — A Russell High School graduate, Kierra Eck, has earned a coveted Kansas Farm Bureau Collegiate Fellow spot, highlighting local talent in agriculture. Now at Barton Community College and headed to Kansas State, she credits her hands-on ag education and community service experiences for preparing her to become a future 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent and agricultural leader.
4. Day One of the Kansas Crop Tour- Freeze and Drought Damage Obvious in Northwestern Kansas (oklahomafarmreport.com) — Wheat fields around Russell are showing clear drought and freeze damage, with plants shorter, soils cracked, and yield estimates dropping compared to eastern Kansas. Day one of the statewide crop tour found highly variable fields, with some near Russell hit by Wheat Streak Mosaic yet others still managing respectable yields as scouts gauge the 2026 harvest outlook.
📸 Around Russell
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓
Upcoming Events in
Russell
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
-
Royals Alumni Baseball Clinic - FB & BSB Field
Simpson Elem Russell, KS 67665
10:00 am -
HS Golf (V) @ MCL (Hays)
Simpson Elem Russell, KS 67665
1:00 pm -
HS T&F @ MCL Meet (Smith Center)
Simpson Elem Russell, KS 67665
3:00 pm -
City Council Meeting →
Russell, KS Calendar, 133 W 8th Street, Russell
Thursday May 14
Tuesday May 19
📣 Russell Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
-
Lincoln Field Day / Little Rascals Track Meet
Hoisington USD 431 218 E 7th St, Hoisington, KS 67544, USA
9:00 am -
LES Field Day
Hoisington USD 431 Hoisington, KS 67544
9:00 am -
Western Plains: Monthly Series Meeting →
Hays Public Library, 1205 Main St, Hays
10:00 am -
Last day of KAS
Kathryn O'loughlin Mccarthy Elem Hays, KS 67601 -
KA End-of-Year Field Trip
Woodrow Wilson Elem Massey Park
9:00 am -
Kansas Room Koffee Hour →
Hays Public Library, 1205 Main St, Hays
10:00 am -
CKL Track at Hillsboro
Hoisington USD 431 Hillsboro
2:00 pm -
V/JV Softball @ Manhattan →
Hays High Manhattan High School, 2100 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502, U
4:00 pm
Wednesday May 13
Thursday May 14
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- McDonald's Restaurants posted a job opening for Crew Team Member in Russell. Apply here.
- BK Behavior posted a job opening for Behavior Technician Support - Ulysses, Ks - No Experience Required in Russell. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Russell here.
Ok Russell! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Bugs Bunny ! (Thank you bruce A. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
👉 Help make Patch AM better
- Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
- Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
- List items for sale or services offered
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.