Two years ago, scientists in Kansas and around the world found an interesting way to track the novel coronavirus: sewage water. By measuring the concentration of virus particles in flushed bowel movements, they are able to estimate how much of the virus was generally present in any given area. People infected with the coronavirus shed it through breathing, sneezing, coughing and in their stool. By measuring viral particles in the sewer system, known as wastewater surveillance, scientists can capture the total amount of virus present in large groups of people regardless of whether they had been tested.
Source: Wichita Eagle

One day in 1973, The Wall Street Journal published a review of Kansas tourist attractions. It was not kind. “Kansas is trying to promote tourism,” the Journal noted, “but it really doesn’t have a heck of a lot to promote.” The column singled out the godfathers of Kansas roadside tourism — the World’s Largest Ball of Twine in Cawker City, the World’s Largest Hand-Dug Well in Greensburg and the folk art town of Lucas — for particular ridicule, with pause breaks in the spots where the Journal expected its audience to chuckle at Kansas’ expense. Local newspapers from Salina to Lawrence to Atchison responded swiftly and defensively, standing up for the state’s quirky attractions and the simpler-times spirit they represent.
Source: Wichita Eagle