Hodgeman County lies in the heart of western Kansas, pretty much in the middle of nowhere—and that’s exactly how many locals prefer it. Jetmore serves as the county seat.

Ranches stretch across the prairie, mixed with fields of wheat and milo. The Pawnee River runs through the county, although there isn’t always much water to see. For much of the year, it can look more like a dry creek bed.

The landscape is rugged, with rolling hills and dramatic canyons. County fairs and high school football games are major community events. People here are friendly in that straightforward Midwestern way, and they’re accustomed to making the most of what they have.