Rice County Tourism has launched an exciting story-driven adventure that takes you through the charming communities of Rice County! Inspired by Shima, the majestic bronze rabbit sculpture on the Davis Nature Trail in Lyons, this journey follows the thrilling exploits of eight curious rabbits. Each of our eight communities proudly hosts a life-size bronze rabbit, eagerly awaiting discovery. The Adventures of the Rabbits in Rice County invites readers to follow the clues, uncover hidden secrets, and explore the unique stories behind each rabbit’s travels across the county.
Meet the Designers
Meet the Author & Illustrator
Valerie Reynoso
Sterling Kansas
I have a strong connection to Rice County as this is the community where I
grew up. I attended college in Sterling, and I currently live there with my husband. I graduated from Sterling College with a BA in Creative Writing and Editing and a BFA in Graphic Design.
Meet the Artist
Toby Flores
Fort Hays State University
At times Toby's work can be humorous and light-hearted, but his recent body of work comes from a different place and reflects his passion for iron, steel, and other tools that shape them. Working in foundries and balcksmithing shops all over the world reminds him of why he started sculpting with ferrous metals in 1997.
Valerie's concept of the Story
The goal of the story is to show the children in Rice County that we are connected as
one community, though separated through our eight different towns. Just like a riddle, the story
of Rice County isn’t complete with only one piece but when put together it becomes a beautiful treasure.
Meet the Rabbits
The rabbits have arrived!
Photos below are of the actual bronze rabbits in their locations.
SHIMA
LYONS - Davis Nature Trails
1145 E Hwy 56, Lyons, KS 67554
PORTTEUS
ALDEN - Garden between the Post Office and Prairie Flower Craft Studio
Portteus is named after Portteus Latimer, a prominent member of the Alden community. She was the first female mayor of Alden and also served as the minister of the Methodist church for an extended period. Those who knew her describe her as very smart, quite prim and proper, always dressed nicely, and possessed both intellect and humor. She was considered very classy.
CLARENCE
BUSHTON - Windy Acres Park
220 S. Main, Bushton, KS 67427
Clarence is named after Clarence Huebner, an army general from Bushton.
His most notable role was the Commanding General of the 1st Infantry division of the Normandy Landing in WWII. The city of Bushton loves to get together and talk with one another. The town is very happy and there are generations of families that live in the town together. Clarence's character reflects the nature of the town.
THUMPER
Chase - Chase City Park
Intersection of Grove and Pine
Thumper was named by the children in the local school district. The people of Chase are hard workers. "From sun up to sun down," the people are always working. The community is close-knit, giving, and focused on helping one another. That's why Thumper loves to help and fix things!
GENNY
GENESEO - Geneseo City Hall
802 Main, Geneseo, KS 67444
Genny is named for Geneseo, a community that is fascinated with unusual things. The Geneseo museum is filled with alien memorabilia and other Geneseo history. While the
town isn’t heavily populated, they still have some fun hobbies like maintaining the museum and the Kansas UFO convention.
STU
LITTLE RIVER - Little River City Park
Intersection of Prairie and Clinton
Stu got his name from "rabbit stew." He has spent his life avoiding becoming rabbit stew. Just like the city of Little River is full of ambitious survivors, Stu embodies that same resilient spirit.
JONESY
LYONS - The Gathering Space on the West side of the Courthouse Square
Jonesy is named after the Jones family of Lyons, who were early settlers of the land. The Joneses were attorneys in Lyons and also editors of the newspaper. Like them, Jonesy is caring, supportive, and willing to help.
WEEZ
RAYMOND - Raymond Community Development Center
709 N. Main, Raymond, KS 67573
Weez is named after a prominent member of the community who loved to trap, fish, and hunt. He is described as a goofball who was always smiling and always laughing. He did some pretty silly things just because he could - he even built a cannon!
MOXLEY
STERLING - Evergreen Park
425 N. 7th, Sterling, KS 67579
Moxley is named after Max Moxley of Sterling who was a long-time editor of the Sterling Bulletin and local historian. He had a rather dry sense of humor and wore some pretty fun socks. He usually preferred the company of children over adults and drove a convertible.
BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE AT:
Alden - Prairie Flower Crafts, City of Alden
Bushton - Bushton's Farmer Township Library
Chase - Chase City Hall
Geneseo - Geneseo City Museum, Geneseo City Library
Little River - Garden of Eden
Lyons - Brew56, Lumberyard on 56, Yours Truly, El Rinconcito
Raymond - Raymond Community Development Center
Sterling - Clive's Coffee Shop, Flower Shop on Broadway, Studio 96