Topeka, Kan. (February 23, 2011) – Telling stories of travel along the Kansas Byways netted a Flip HD video camera for five Kansas travelers who were recently selected as winners of the “My Kansas Byway Story” contest. 

The contest was sponsored jointly by the Kansas Department of Commerce, Travel & Tourism Division, and the Kansas Department of Transportation to promote the Kansas Byways, a collection of 10 historic and scenic roadways across the state. Winners of the first-ever contest are Lois Sechrist of St. Louis, Mo., and Kansas residents Michelle Moon of Assaria, Shauna Rumbaugh of Spearville, Sandra Lowery of Leavenworth and Amanda Bartholome of Fort Riley.

“I love the Kansas Byways because they allow me to experience Kansas in a way that I otherwise wouldn't be able to,” said Amanda Bartholome. “Both my husband and I grew up in California, so when the Army assigned us to Fort Riley we had no idea what to expect. When we arrived we were pleasantly surprised by the beauty of the rolling prairies and the depth of the Flint Hills.” 

The Kansas Byways Program was formed to identify and designate scenic and historic roadways for the enjoyment of Kansas travelers. The program is a cooperative effort among citizens, local groups, local governments and state agencies. The Kansas Byways Program is part of the National Scenic Byways Program, which is administered by the Federal Highway Administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation.