Sisters-In-Law Explore Every Kansas State Park, And How Low Enlistment Affects Military Preparedness

By Steve Kraske

Published December 5, 2017 at 5:42 PM CST

This hoodoo in central Kansas forms the centerpiece of the aptly-named Mushroom Rock State Park. It's the smallest of Kansas' 26 state parks.

Kansas doesn't usually rank high as an outdoor destination state. But, while there are no grand canyons, snowcapped peaks, or white sand beaches, it does have a subtle character all its own. Today, we meet two sisters-in-law who made a mission of visiting every state park in Kansas. They say outdoorsy-types might be giving the Sunflower State the short shrift. Then, only about 1 percent of Americans currently serve in the armed forces. While some see this as evidence of progress, others think it's a problem. We talk to defense experts about what record-low enlistment numbers might mean for the military, and our nation.

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Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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