Russell, Kansas

File:Stouffer's Railroad Map of Kansas 1915-1918 Russell County.png

In 1865, the Butterfield Overland Despatch established a short-lived station named Fossil Creek Station along its route from Atchison, Kansas to Denver near the site of modern Russell. In 1867, the Kansas Pacific Railway reached the area and built its own station, also named Fossil Creek, later just Fossil, north of the Butterfield station. That same year, the Kansas Legislature established the surrounding area as Russell County. In 1871, colonists from Ripon, Wisconsin established a permanent settlement at Fossil Station, renaming it Russell after the county.{{cite web | title = The Early History of Russell County | publisher = Russell County Historical Society | url = http://www.rwisp.com/~rchs/history/history.html | access-date = 2009-08-29}} Russell was incorporated and named the provisional county seat in 1872, and, after a two-year dispute with neighboring Bunker Hill, it became the permanent county seat in 1874.{{cite web | title = The City of Russell, Kansas | publisher = City of Russell | url = http://www.russellcity.org/html/about_russell.html | access-date = 2009-07-17}}{{Cite book | contribution = Russell County | title = Kansas: a cyclopedia of state history, embracing events, institutions, industries, counties, cities, towns, prominent persons, etc. | editor-last = Blackmar | editor-first = Frank W. | volume = 2 | pages = 613–615 | place = Chicago | publisher = Standard | year = 1912 | contribution-url = http://skyways.lib.ks.us/genweb/archives/1912/r/russell_county.html }} In 1876, Volga Germans, mostly from the area around Saratov and Samara in Russia, began settling in and around Russell.{{cite web | title = Volga Germans | publisher = Kansas Trails | url = http://genealogytrails.com/kan/russell/VolgaGermans.html | access-date = 2009-08-29}}

The first discovery oil well in Russell County was drilled west of Russell in 1923. An oil boom ensued and lasted through the 1930s, attracting settlers from Oklahoma and Texas. Petroleum production became a staple of the local economy.{{cite web | title = Russell | publisher = Russell County Economic Development & CVB | url = http://www.russellcoks.org/Attractions/Russell/tabid/193/Default.aspx | access-date = 2010-12-11}}

Russell came to national attention in the mid-1990s as the hometown of U.S. Senators Bob Dole and Arlen Specter when both men campaigned for the U.S. presidency.{{cite web | title = Senators | publisher = Russell County Historical Society | url = http://www.rwisp.com/~rchs/Senators/senators.html | access-date = 2009-08-29}} Dole was born and raised in Russell, and it remained his official place of residence throughout his political career.{{cite web | last = Stengel | first = Richard | title = Campaign '96: Russell, Kansas: You Can Go Home Again | work = Time | date = 1996-04-01 | url = http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,984325-2,00.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121107040958/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,984325-2,00.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = November 7, 2012 | access-date = 2011-04-16}}

Russell is located in north-central Kansas at the intersection of Interstate 70 and U.S. Route 281, Russell is approximately {{convert|113|mi|km}} northwest of Wichita, {{convert|231|mi|km}} west of Kansas City, and {{convert|336|mi|km}} east-southeast of Denver.{{cite web | title = City Distance Tool | publisher = Geobytes | url = http://www.geobytes.com/citydistancetool.htm | access-date = 2010-03-23}}

The city lies in the Smoky Hills region of the Great Plains approximately {{convert|5|mi|km}} south of the Saline River and {{convert|8|mi|km}} north of the Smoky Hill River.{{cite web | title = 2003-2004 Official Transportation Map | publisher = Kansas Department of Transportation | year = 2003 | url = http://www.ksdot.org/burtransplan/maps/HistoricStateMaps/2003-04Mapside.pdf | access-date = 2010-11-16}}{{cite web | title = General Highway Map - Russell County, Kansas | publisher = Kansas Department of Transportation | date = 2010-10-01 | url = http://www.ksdot.org/burtransplan/maps/county-pdf/russell.PDF | access-date = 2010-11-16}} Fossil Creek, a tributary of the Smoky Hill River, passes immediately south of the city where it has been dammed to form a small reservoir, Fossil Lake.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of {{convert|4.87|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, all land.{{cite web|title=US Gazetteer files 2010 |url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=2012-07-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702145235/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |archive-date=2012-07-02 }}

Russell has a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfa), with hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters.{{cite journal | last1 = Peel | first1 = M. C. | last2 = Finlayson | first2 = B. L. | last3 = McMahon | first3 = T. A. | date = 2007-03-01 | title = Updated Köppen-Geiger climate classification map | journal = Hydrology and Earth System Sciences | issue = 4 | pages = 439–473 | url = http://www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci-discuss.net/4/439/2007/hessd-4-439-2007.pdf | access-date = 2012-01-25}} On average, January is the coldest month, and July is both the hottest month and the wettest month.

The high temperature reaches or exceeds {{convert|90|°F}} an average of 63.2 days a year and reaches or exceeds {{convert|100|°F}} an average of 12.5 days a year. The minimum temperature falls below the freezing point {{convert|32|°F}} an average of 129.7 days a year. The hottest temperature recorded in Russell was {{convert|114|F|C|1}} on June 30, 1980, while the coldest temperature recorded was {{convert|-24|F|C|1}} on December 22, 1989.

{{Weather box

|location = Russell, Kansas, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1949–present

|single line = Yes

|Jan record high F = 84

|Feb record high F = 88

|Mar record high F = 91

|Apr record high F = 101

|May record high F = 103

|Jun record high F = 114

|Jul record high F = 111

|Aug record high F = 109

|Sep record high F = 108

|Oct record high F = 99

|Nov record high F = 89

|Dec record high F = 79

|Jan avg record high F = 66.3

|Feb avg record high F = 72.1

|Mar avg record high F = 80.9

|Apr avg record high F = 88.0

|May avg record high F = 94.0

|Jun avg record high F = 101.1

|Jul avg record high F = 104.3

|Aug avg record high F = 102.2

|Sep avg record high F = 98.5

|Oct avg record high F = 90.0

|Nov avg record high F = 76.4

|Dec avg record high F = 65.1

|year avg record high F = 105.7

|Jan high F = 42.1

|Feb high F = 46.2

|Mar high F = 57.2

|Apr high F = 66.6

|May high F = 76.3

|Jun high F = 87.7

|Jul high F = 92.6

|Aug high F = 89.7

|Sep high F = 81.9

|Oct high F = 69.1

|Nov high F = 55.2

|Dec high F = 43.3

|year high F =

|Jan mean F = 30.5

|Feb mean F = 33.9

|Mar mean F = 44.1

|Apr mean F = 53.4

|May mean F = 63.9

|Jun mean F = 75.1

|Jul mean F = 79.9

|Aug mean F = 77.5

|Sep mean F = 69.2

|Oct mean F = 55.9

|Nov mean F = 42.5

|Dec mean F = 32.1

|year mean F =

|Jan low F = 18.8

|Feb low F = 21.6

|Mar low F = 31.0

|Apr low F = 40.2

|May low F = 51.5

|Jun low F = 62.4

|Jul low F = 67.3

|Aug low F = 65.3

|Sep low F = 56.6

|Oct low F = 42.8

|Nov low F = 29.8

|Dec low F = 20.9

|year low F =

|Jan avg record low F = 0.6

|Feb avg record low F = 2.9

|Mar avg record low F = 12.4

|Apr avg record low F = 22.8

|May avg record low F = 35.9

|Jun avg record low F = 49.6

|Jul avg record low F = 56.5

|Aug avg record low F = 54.5

|Sep avg record low F = 39.9

|Oct avg record low F = 24.7

|Nov avg record low F = 12.1

|Dec avg record low F = 2.8

|year avg record low F = -4.9

|Jan record low F = -20

|Feb record low F = -20

|Mar record low F = -16

|Apr record low F = 11

|May record low F = 25

|Jun record low F = 37

|Jul record low F = 45

|Aug record low F = 45

|Sep record low F = 28

|Oct record low F = 11

|Nov record low F = -5

|Dec record low F = -24

|precipitation colour = green

|Jan precipitation inch = 0.55

|Feb precipitation inch = 0.71

|Mar precipitation inch = 1.30

|Apr precipitation inch = 2.17

|May precipitation inch = 3.98

|Jun precipitation inch = 3.31

|Jul precipitation inch = 3.97

|Aug precipitation inch = 3.28

|Sep precipitation inch = 2.15

|Oct precipitation inch = 1.72

|Nov precipitation inch = 0.96

|Dec precipitation inch = 0.74

|year precipitation inch =

|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in

|Jan precipitation days = 4.1

|Feb precipitation days = 4.2

|Mar precipitation days = 6.4

|Apr precipitation days = 8.4

|May precipitation days = 10.9

|Jun precipitation days = 9.3

|Jul precipitation days = 9.7

|Aug precipitation days = 8.4

|Sep precipitation days = 6.6

|Oct precipitation days = 6.3

|Nov precipitation days = 4.3

|Dec precipitation days = 4.1

|Jan snow inch = 5.7

|Feb snow inch = 3.7

|Mar snow inch = 3.9

|Apr snow inch = 0.6

|May snow inch = 0.0

|Jun snow inch = 0.0

|Jul snow inch = 0.0

|Aug snow inch = 0.0

|Sep snow inch = 0.0

|Oct snow inch = 0.3

|Nov snow inch = 1.9

|Dec snow inch = 4.1

|year snow inch =

|unit snow days = 0.1 in

|Jan snow days = 3.4

|Feb snow days = 2.4

|Mar snow days = 1.9

|Apr snow days = 0.5

|May snow days = 0.0

|Jun snow days = 0.0

|Jul snow days = 0.0

|Aug snow days = 0.0

|Sep snow days = 0.0

|Oct snow days = 0.1

|Nov snow days = 1.3

|Dec snow days = 2.5

|Jan snow depth inch =

|Feb snow depth inch =

|Mar snow depth inch =

|Apr snow depth inch =

|May snow depth inch =

|Jun snow depth inch =

|Jul snow depth inch =

|Aug snow depth inch =

|Sep snow depth inch =

|Oct snow depth inch =

|Nov snow depth inch =

|Dec snow depth inch =

|year snow depth inch =

|source 1 = NOAA (snow/snow days 1981–2010)

{{cite web

|url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USW00093997&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL

|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

|title = U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Russell MUNI AP, KS (1991–2020)

|access-date = November 27, 2023

}}

{{cite web

|url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly&stations=USW00093997&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL

|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

|title = U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Russell Municipal Airport, KS (1981–2010)

|access-date = November 27, 2023

}}

|source 2 = National Weather Service

{{cite web

|url = https://www.weather.gov/wrh/climate?wfo=ict

|publisher = National Weather Service

|title = NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Wichita

|access-date = November 27, 2023

}}

}}

{{US Census population

|1880= 861

|1890= 961

|1900= 1143

|1910= 1692

|1920= 1700

|1930= 2352

|1940= 4819

|1950= 6483

|1960= 6113

|1970= 5371

|1980= 5427

|1990= 4781

|2000= 4696

|2010= 4506

|2020= 4401

|estyear=

|estimate=

|estref=

|align-fn=center

|footnote=[https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html U.S. Decennial Census]

}}

As of the 2010 census, there were 4,506 people, 2,041 households, and 1,216 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|919.6|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 2,393 housing units at an average density of {{convert|488.4|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 95.6% White, 1.0% African American, 0.6% American Indian, 0.5% Asian, 0.6% from some other race, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanics and Latinos of any race were 2.1% of the population.{{cite web | title = U.S. Census website | publisher = United States Census Bureau | url = https://www.census.gov | access-date = 2011-07-20}}

There were 2,041 households, of which 26.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.6% were married couples living together, 4.7% had a male householder with no wife present, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.4% were non-families. 36.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16, and the average family size was 2.79.

The median age in the city was 44.6 years. 22.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.2% were from 25 to 44; 27.3% were from 45 to 64; and 22.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.0% male and 51.0% female.

The median income for a household in the city was $32,347, and the median income for a family was $43,834. Males had a median income of $31,727 versus $19,583 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,330. About 17.2% of families and 21.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 38.7% of those under age 18 and 14.1% of those age 65 or over.

As of the census of 2000, there were 4,696 people, 2,057 households, and 1,250 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|956.9|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 2,436 housing units at an average density of {{convert|496.4|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 97.13% White, 0.96% African American, 0.57% Native American, 0.45% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.30% from other races, and 0.87% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.00% of the population.

There were 2,057 households, out of which 25.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.9% were married couples living together, 8.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.2% were non-families. 34.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.82.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.4% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 24.5% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 24.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.0 males.

File:Russell oil derrick.jpg

The economy of Russell is based primarily on agriculture with wheat gluten and ethanol manufacturing facilities located in the local industrial park. Russell County is also one of the leading petroleum producing counties in Kansas.

As of 2012, 65.2% of the population over the age of 16 was in the labor force. 0.4% was in the armed forces, and 64.8% was in the civilian labor force with 61.6% being employed and 3.3% unemployed. The composition, by occupation, of the employed civilian labor force was: 33.9% in sales and office occupations; 24.4% in management, business, science, and arts; 17.5% in service occupations; 12.3% in natural resources, construction, and maintenance; and 11.9% in production, transportation, and material moving. The three industries employing the largest percentages of the working civilian labor force were: educational services, health care, and social assistance (28.3%); retail trade (20.0%); and agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining (12.8%).

The cost of living in Russell is relatively low; compared to a U.S. average of 100, the cost of living index for the city is 77.2.{{cite web | title = Russell, Kansas | publisher = City-Data.com | url = http://www.city-data.com/city/Russell-Kansas.html | access-date = 2014-09-16}} As of 2012, the median home value in the city was $63,200, the median selected monthly owner cost was $935 for housing units with a mortgage and $412 for those without, and the median gross rent was $657.

File:Fossil Station Museum.jpg

Located downtown, the Deines Cultural Center is a non-profit art gallery that hosts exhibits featuring the work of local and regional artists. Its permanent collections consist of paintings by Birger Sandzén and the wood engravings of local artist E. Hubert Deines. In addition, the center also hosts concerts, recitals, lectures, readings, and workshops.{{cite web | title = About Deines Cultural Center | publisher = The Deines Cultural Center | url = http://www.deinesculturalcenter.org/about.html | access-date = 2010-12-04}} The Center opened in 1990 with the Deines family's donation of its building, the Deines engravings, and a cash endowment to the city of Russell.{{cite web | title = History | publisher = The Deines Cultural Center | url = http://www.deinesculturalcenter.org/history.html | access-date = 2010-12-04}}

In the month of July, Russell hosts the Ad Astra Music Festival, a concert series featuring student and professional artists from all over the United States and the world. Music performed ranges from classical to contemporary compositions and jazz. The festival was started in 2015.

The city hosts the annual Russell County Free Fair during the last week of July.{{cite web | title = Annual Events: Russell Kansas Area | publisher = Russell Area Chamber of Commerce | url = http://www.russellks.org/annual.html | access-date = 2010-10-26}} Sponsored by local businesses and organizations, the Fair includes a 4-H livestock sale, carnival, live music, and other entertainment.{{cite web | title = Russell County Fair 2010: Entertainment | publisher = Russell County Free Fair | url = http://russellfair.org/index.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090827160123/http://www.russellfair.org/index.html | url-status = usurped | archive-date = August 27, 2009 | access-date = 2010-10-26}} Other annual events include the annual Blarney Stone Hunt, the Independence Day Freedom Fireworks Celebration, Bricks, Broncs & BBQ and Flatland Car & Cycle Show the first weekend in October, the Lighted Christmas Parade, and Weihnachtsfest, a Christmas festival held the second Saturday in December for over 25 years.

Every ten years since 1941, Russell has held Prairiesta, a festival commemorating the city's foundation and celebrating its heritage. Held in June, the festival includes a parade, carnival rides, live music, arts and crafts exhibits, and a historical pageant.{{cite web | title = Prairiesta 2011 | publisher = Russell Prairiesta 2011 | url = http://www.prairiesta.com/ | access-date = 2010-10-26}}

The Fossil Station Museum, also located in downtown Russell, displays artifacts from Russell County history dating back to the mid-1800s. Home to the Russell County Historical Society, the museum is housed in the former sheriff's office and county jail, a fortress-like structure constructed of native “post rock” limestone in 1907.{{cite web | title = Fossil Station | publisher = Russell County Historical Society | url = http://www.rwisp.com/rchs/Fossil_Station/fossil_station.html | access-date = 2010-12-04}}

The Russell County Historical Society has restored and maintains two examples of early limestone homes built in Russell, the Gernon House and the Heym-Oliver House. The Gernon House was built in 1872 by blacksmith Nicholas Gernon, one of the town's original settlers, and doubled as a smithery.{{cite web | title = Gernon House | publisher = Russell County Historical Society | url = http://www.rwisp.com/rchs/Gernon_House/gernon_house.html | access-date = 2010-12-04}} The Heym-Oliver House was built by settler Nicholas Heym in 1878.{{cite web | title = Heym-Oliver House | publisher = Russell County Historical Society | url = http://www.rwisp.com/rchs/Heym-Oliver_House/heym-oliver_house.html | access-date= 2010-12-04}}

The Oil Patch Museum, located just north of I-70 Exit 184, houses exhibits on area geology and the history of local petroleum drilling, production, and transportation.{{cite web | title = Area Attractions: Russell Kansas Area | publisher = Russell Area Chamber of Commerce | url = http://www.russellks.org/attractions.html | access-date = 2010-12-04 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110727225241/http://www.russellks.org/attractions.html | archive-date = 2011-07-27 }}

The Russell Public Library, located downtown on West Wisconsin (6th) Street, is the city's main library. A member of the Central Kansas Library System, it has a collection of more than 32,000 volumes.{{cite web | title = Russell Public Library | publisher = Central Kansas Library System | url = http://ww2.ckls.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=152&Itemid=162 | access-date = 2011-03-20}}{{cite web | title = Russell Public Library - Russell, KS | publisher = lib-web-cats - A directory of libraries throughout the world | url = http://www.librarytechnology.org/lwc-displaylibrary.pl?RC=18194 | access-date = 2011-03-20}} The library opened in 1901 and expanded into a Carnegie library in 1907, finally moving to its current facility in 1962.{{cite web | title = History of Russell Public Library | publisher = Central Kansas Library System | url = http://www.ckls.org/histories/russell.html | access-date = 2011-03-20}}

The city government's Park Department maintains seven parks in the city. The largest is Memorial Park, located on the north side of the U.S. 40 business route in the far eastern part of the city. It includes baseball fields, tennis courts, a skateboard park, a play park, a frisbee golf course, and Russell Municipal Golf Course.{{cite web | title = Park/Cemetery Department | publisher = City of Russell | url = http://www.russellcity.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=16&Itemid=124 | access-date = 2012-05-26}} The municipal course is a 9-hole, regulation length course that opened in 1952.{{cite web | title = Russell Golf Course | publisher = Golflink | url = http://www.golflink.com/golf-courses/course.aspx?course=413945 | access-date = 2012-05-26}} In addition, the city government operates a municipal swimming pool next to Memorial Park.{{cite web | title = Swimming Pool | publisher = City of Russell | url = http://www.russellcity.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13&Itemid=121 | access-date = 2012-05-26}}

Russell is a city of the second class with a council-mayor-manager form of government.{{cite web | title = Russell | work = Directory of Kansas Public Officials | publisher = The League of Kansas Municipalities | url = http://www.lkm.org/directory/cities.php?ID=79 | access-date = 2014-09-10 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140714161546/http://www.lkm.org/directory/cities.php?ID=79 | archive-date = 2014-07-14 }} The city council consists of eight members, two elected for each city ward.{{cite web | title = Council Members | publisher = City of Russell | url = http://www.russellcity.org/html/council_members.html | access-date = 2010-02-05}} The council sets policies and approves the city budget, meeting on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 4:30 p.m. in the City Council Room at the City Hall. The city manager is hired by the council, enforces its policies, serves as its chief adviser, prepares the city budget, and administers city government personnel. The mayor presides at council meetings, serves as spokesperson for the city, and represents the city in intergovernmental relations.

As the county seat, Russell is the administrative center of Russell County. The county courthouse is located downtown, and all departments of the county government base their operations in the city.{{cite web | title = Contacts | publisher = Russell County, Kansas | url = http://www.russell.kansasgov.com/ | access-date = 2012-02-27 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120313132419/http://www.russell.kansasgov.com/ | archive-date = 2012-03-13 }}

Russell lies within Kansas's 1st U.S. Congressional District, represented by Tracey Mann (R-Salina). For the purposes of representation in the Kansas Legislature, the city is located in the 36th district of the Kansas Senate, represented by Sen. Elaine Bowers (R-Concordia) and the 109th district of the Kansas House of Representatives, represented by Rep. Troy Waymaster (R-Bunker Hill).

File:Russell High School.jpg

The community is served by Russell County USD 407 public school district, and operates four public schools in the city:{{cite web | title = USD 407 Russell County Schools | publisher = USD 407 | url = http://www.usd407.org | access-date = 2010-05-22}}

• Russell High School (9-12)
• Ruppenthal Middle School (6-8)
• Bickerdyke Elementary School (2-5)
• Simpson Elementary School (K-1)

The Russell County News is the local newspaper, published weekly on Thursdays. It was a daily newspaper until 2000, then was a twice-weekly newspaper from 2001 to 2015.{{cite web | title = Russell County News | publisher = Mondo Times | url = http://www.mondotimes.com/1/world/us/16/7325/22055 | access-date = 2012-04-28}}

Three radio stations broadcast from Russell. KRSL broadcasts on 990 AM, playing a Classic Country format.{{cite web | title = AMQ AM Radio Database Query | publisher = Federal Communications Commission | url = http://transition.fcc.gov/mb/audio/amq.html | access-date = 2011-06-18}}{{cite web | title = Station Information Profile | publisher = Arbitron | url = http://www.arbitron.com/radio_stations/station_information.htm | access-date = 2011-06-18}} Its sister station KRSL-FM broadcasts on 95.9 FM, playing a Classic Hits format.{{cite web|title=FMQ FM Radio Database Query |publisher=Federal Communications Commission |url=http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/fmq.html |access-date=2011-06-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090825071957/http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/fmq.html |archive-date=2009-08-25 }} KCCV-FM, a Christian station in Overland Park, Kansas, operates a translator station in Russell which broadcasts on 95.1 FM.{{cite web | title = Bott Radio Network - Dodge City/Southwest Kansas | publisher = Bott Radio Network | url = http://www.bottradionetwork.com/stations/kansas/dodge-city-southwest-kansas/ | access-date = 2011-06-18}}

Russell is in the Wichita-Hutchinson, Kansas television market.{{cite web | title = TV Market Maps | publisher = EchoStar Knowledge Base | url = http://dishuser.org/TVMarkets/ | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080820131351/http://www.dishuser.org/TVMarkets/ | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2008-08-20 | access-date = 2010-10-20 }} KAKE, the ABC affiliate in Wichita, operates a translator station (K38GH) in Russell which broadcasts on analog channel 38.{{cite web | title = TVQ TV Database Query | publisher = Federal Communications Commission | url = http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/audio/tvq.html | access-date = 2009-09-05 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090508022231/http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/audio/tvq.html | archive-date = 2009-05-08 }} KBSH-DT, KOCW, and KSNC, the respective satellite stations of the CBS, Fox, and NBC affiliates in Wichita, are located in neighboring counties, placing Russell within their broadcast radius.{{cite web | title = Coverage Maps for Wichita-Hutchinson, KS Designated Market Area | publisher = Federal Communications Commission | url = http://www.fcc.gov/dtv/markets/maps_current/Wichita-Hutchinson_KS.pdf | access-date = 2010-10-20}} Smoky Hills Public Television, the PBS affiliate for western Kansas, has its headquarters in nearby Bunker Hill.{{cite web | title = Contact Us | publisher = Smoky Hills Public Television | url = http://www.smokyhillstv.org/index.php/contact-us | access-date = 2011-02-16 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110521005506/http://www.smokyhillstv.org/index.php/contact-us | archive-date = 2011-05-21 }}

Interstate 70 and U.S. Route 40 run concurrently east–west immediately south of Russell, intersecting U.S. Route 281, which runs north–south through the town, at Exit 184. U.S. Route 40 Business follows U.S. 281 north 1.5 miles to its intersection with the old alignment of U.S. 40, which runs east–west through Russell. The business route then follows the old alignment east, ending at its intersection with I-70 at exit 189.

Russell Municipal Airport is located southeast of the city on the U.S. 40 business route. Publicly owned, it has two runways, one concrete and one turf, and is used for general aviation.{{cite web | title = KRSL - Russell Municipal Airport | publisher = AirNav.com | url = http://www.airnav.com/airport/KRSL | access-date = 2011-06-18}}

Union Pacific Railroad operates one freight rail line, the Kansas Pacific (KP) Line, through Russell. It runs east–west through the city.{{cite web | title = UPRR Common Line Names | publisher = Union Pacific Railroad | url = http://www.uprr.com/aboutup/maps/attachments/upcomnam.pdf | access-date = 2010-03-23}}

Electricity production and distribution, recycling and trash removal, waste water management, and water production and distribution are all provided by separate departments of the city government.{{cite web | title = City Utilities | publisher = City of Russell | url = http://www.russellcity.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=9&Itemid=130 | access-date = 2012-05-26}} Eagle Communication and Rural Telephone provide landline telephone service; Eagle Communication and Nex-Tech offer cable television and internet access.{{cite web | title = Utilities | publisher = Russell County, Kansas Economic Development & CVB | url = http://www.russellcoks.org/EconomicDevelopment/RussellCounty/Utilities/tabid/196/Default.aspx | access-date = 2014-09-14}} Most residents use natural gas for heating fuel; service is provided by Kansas Gas Service.

Russell Regional Hospital is the sole hospital in the city. Established in 1942, it is a private, non-profit, 54-bed general medical and surgical facility.{{cite web | title = History | publisher = Russell Regional Hospital | url = http://www.russellhospital.org/index.php?n=AboutUs.History | access-date = 2012-05-26}}{{cite web | title = Russell Regional Hospital | work = U.S. News Best Hospitals | publisher = U.S. News & World Report | url = http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/russell-regional-hospital-6670850 | access-date = 2012-05-26}}

Notable individuals who were born in and/or have lived in Russell include:

{{Columns-list|

• Philip Anschutz (1939–), business magnate{{cite web | last = Anschutz | first = Philip F. | title = Whatever Happened to the Family Film? | work = Imprimis | publisher = Hillsdale College | date = June 2004 | url = http://www.hillsdale.edu/news/imprimis/archive/issue.asp?year=2004&month=06 | access-date = 2010-11-20}}
• Sue Anschutz-Rodgers (1936–), cattle ranch owner and philanthropist
• Wendall Anschutz (1938–2010), news anchor{{cite web|url=http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Wendall-Anschutz&lc=2770&pid=139104786&mid=4117052 |title=Wendall Anschutz Obituary: View Obituary for Wendall Anschutz by McGilley State Line Chapel, Kansas City, MO |publisher=Obits.dignitymemorial.com |access-date=2011-04-01}}
• Judith Barzilay (1944–), U.S. federal judge{{cite web | title = Barzilay, Judith Morgenstern | work = Biographical Directory of Federal Judges | publisher = Federal Judicial Center | url = http://www.fjc.gov/servlet/nGetInfo?jid=3198&cid=999&ctype=na&instate=na | access-date = 2015-07-02}}
• Steven Bender (1950–2010), technology entrepreneur{{cite web | title = Obituaries | publisher = The Santa Ynez Valley Journal | date = 2010-04-01 | url = http://www.syvjournal.com/archive/8/13/6165/ | access-date = 2015-07-02}}
• Curt Dawson (1939–1985), stage and television actor{{cite news|title=Localettes|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/12039907/?terms=%22Curt%2BDawson%22|access-date=December 22, 2017|work=The Emporia Gazette|date=September 27, 1977|page=2|location=Emporia, Kansas|via=Newspapers.com|url-access=registration }}
• Bob Dole (1923–2021), former Senate Republican leader (1985–1996){{cite web | title = Dole, Robert Joseph | work = Biographical Directory of the United States Congress | url = http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=D000401 | access-date = 2010-11-20}}
• Steve Doocy (1956–), news anchor{{cite book | last = Doocy | first = Steve | date = 2009 | title = Tales from the Dad Side | url = https://archive.org/details/talesfromdadside00dooc | url-access = registration | publisher = HarperCollins | location = New York, New York | page = [https://archive.org/details/talesfromdadside00dooc/page/41 41] }}
• Marj Dusay (1936–2020), actress{{cite web | title = Biography of Marj Dusay | publisher = Marj Dusay | year = 2009 | url = http://www.marjdusay.com/biography.html | access-date = 2010-11-23}}
• Paul Eggert (1954–), computer scientist and maintainer of the tz database{{cite web | publisher = UCLA Samueli School of Engineering | title = "Time Zone King": How One UCLA Computer Scientist Keeps Digital Clocks Ticking | url = https://samueli.ucla.edu/time-zone-king-how-one-ucla-computer-scientist-keeps-digital-clocks-ticking/ | access-date = 2023-03-13}}
• Asa Kinney (1810–1886), pioneer and politician'The Convention of 1846 (Wisconsin),' vo. 27, Milo Milton Qualife, Wisconsin Historical Society: 1919, Biographical Sketch of Asa Kinney, pg. 791
• Jim Line (1926–2013), University of Kentucky basketball player{{cite news | last = Karla | first = Ward | title = James R. Line, who played on two UK championship basketball teams, dies at age 87 | newspaper = Lexington Herald-Leader | date = 2013-01-26 | url = http://www.kentucky.com/2013/01/26/2491935_james-r-line-who-played-on-two.html?rh=1 | access-date = 2015-07-02}}
• C.J. Mahoney (1977–), Deputy United States Trade Representative{{Cite web|title=USTR Robert Lighthizer Swears In Deputy USTR C.J. Mahoney {{!}} United States Trade Representative|url=https://ustr.gov/about-us/policy-offices/press-office/press-releases/2018/march/ustr-robert-lighthizer-swears-deput-0|access-date=2021-02-19|website=ustr.gov}}
• Larry Ochs (1924–2003), mayor of Colorado Springs, Colorado{{cite news | title = Kenneth OCHS - Obituary | newspaper = The Gazette | date = 2009-10-02 | url = http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/gazette/obituary.aspx?pid=133805167 | access-date = 2015-07-02}}
• Arlen Specter (1930–2012), U.S. senator from Pennsylvania{{cite web|title=About Arlen Specter - Timeline |publisher=United States Senator Arlen Specter, Pennsylvania |url=http://specter.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=AboutArlenSpecter.Timeline |access-date=2010-11-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100826123625/http://specter.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=AboutArlenSpecter.Timeline |archive-date=2010-08-26 }}
• Walter Sutton (1877–1916), geneticist{{cite web | last1 = Nelson | first1 = Stanley R. | last2 = Nelson | first2 = Peter S. | title = Introduction and Early Years on Rutger's Ranch, Russell, KS | work = Walter Sutton's Chromosome Theory of Heredity: One Hundred Years Later | publisher = University of Kansas Medical Center | url = http://www.kumc.edu/research/medicine/anatomy/sutton/introduction.html | access-date = 2010-11-21}}
• Troy Waymaster, member, Kansas House of Representatives

}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Portal|Kansas}}

{{Kansas books}}

{{See also|Russell County, Kansas#Further reading|l1=List of books about Russell County, Kansas}}

{{Commons category|Russell, Kansas}}

• {{official website|https://www.russellcity.org/}}
• [http://specialcollections.wichita.edu/kw/towns.asp?town=Russell&county=Russell Historic Images] - Wichita State University Libraries
• [https://www.ksdot.org/Assets/wwwksdotorg/bureaus/burTransPlan/maps/city-pdf/russell.pdf Russell city map], KDOT
• [https://archive.org/download/usgs_drg_ks_38098_h7/o38098h7.tif Topo Map of Russell area], USGS

{{Russell County, Kansas}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Cities in Russell County, Kansas

Category:Cities in Kansas

Category:County seats in Kansas

Category:Populated places established in 1871

Category:1871 establishments in Kansas