“The young people are leaving because we aren't creating any reasons for them to stay. We are the ones that are supposed to be giving them something to strive for, but it just isn't there.”

— Vickie Avery, accounting specialist, Lawrence

“The only thing I can think of is that the agricultural-based economy has changed. A lot of people are moving away instead of staying on their family farms.”

— Craig Aronson, parole officer, Garden City

“Because Kansas is such a great place to live, they don't want to move away.”

— Anne Bradford, social worker, Marysville

“It's just a good, comfortable state to live in. Life is good, and I think people feel at ease here.”

— Kirk Bradford, banker, Marysville