Calen Moore
Western Kansas ReporterCalen Moore is High Plains Public Radio's western Kansas reporter. Based in Liberal, he covers the issues that impact the region — from water conservation and agriculture to rural development and immigration.
His work reaches audiences across through the Kansas News Service, a statewide collaboration of public radio stations.
Growing up in southwest Kansas, Moore has a heart for the region and hopes to tell stories and connect people across the often overlooked High Plains.
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Western Kansas was scorched by wildfires spread out over several counties. While local and state fire agencies contain them, ranchers and small towns move to recovering. -
Western Kansas has the potential to capitalize on our region’s growing energy demands even as rural populations shrink. There’s plenty of land, wind and sun to be a center for renewable energy production. But skepticism is bringing these projects to a halt. -
Southwest Kansas farmers have a tough task: Decide on a plan to reduce their irrigation or have the state decide it for them. Groundwater Management District 3 is proposing an unprecedented districtwide conservation area. But a lot of farmers think there are some holes in this plan. -
The Democratic Kansas governor and Republican attorney general don’t always agree about suing or joining existing lawsuits. Now the Kansas Supreme Court could decide. -
Tumbleweeds have taken over the High Plains. They thrive so well that they are part of the culture of the West. But this ample supply of blowing weeds can hurt farm yields, wreak havoc on neighborhoods and cause fire dangers. -
Groundwater in western Kansas is a precious commodity. Hays and Russell are back in court to defend a plan to transfer water from a ranch in another county. -
There have been thousands of lawsuits by Kansas hospitals in recent years, including many lawsuits for less than $500. One lawsuit was for just $104. -
Western Kansas has inserted itself into the corn belt, a region of the Midwest from Ohio to Nebraska that has dominated corn production. There might be better crop options for the Kansas climate, but huge industries and government subsidies help keep corn growing. -
Kansas farmers are hurting after China’s retaliatory tariffs on the United States closed a major market for the state’s biggest crop. Despite a productive year, farmers across Kansas may not break even. -
Small Kansas high schools are switching to six-man football to keep their teams alive, while their towns’ populations shrink. And state high school sports officials think it’s a trend that will likely grow.
