The commute to work for Shelly Buhler's husband was cut from an hour to a minute.

A Junction City native, Buhler wasn't accustomed to life in a large metropolitan area. Her family left Denver, and for the past eight years the Buhlers have called Rossville their home.

The community rests near the western edge of Shawnee County. With a population of more than 1,000 residents, Rossville is the county's third-largest city.

Buhler, the town's mayor, said a "small-town atmosphere" makes Rossville an attractive location. She said the town's proximity to larger cities - Topeka is 15 miles away - is alluring for many residents.

"We're close to educational facilities with Kansas State University and Washburn, we have affordable housing, but we still have that small-town atmosphere," she said.

A drive to Topeka isn't required to find amenities. Buhler said the community is building an industrial park and also boasts banks, doctors and other luxuries of a larger city.

The Kansas River flows through Shawnee County, close the to the outskirts of Rossville. The northwest region of the county is well-served by major highways that extend through the Capital City. Interstate 70 runs south of town, while K-24 highway bisects the community.

Easy access has helped to spur growth.

Buhler said although the town has grown at a slower pace than many would like, home lots are being sold in a new subdivision. The community has found the formula for success in attracting new businesses, with a new car wash and gas station on the way.

"We're looking to keep businesses here that are here in the first place and looking to see what other businesses we can get to come in." Two annual festivals are staples of the community.

At the Tall Corn Festival, a three-day event in August, the Kansas Corngrowers Association judges entries to decide who bears the largest head of corn. The event in 2001 also will celebrate the town's 130th birthday. The Christmas Festival, on the first Saturday in December, features a night parade and Santa's Workshop, where children can purchase inexpensive gifts for their parents.

Buhler said she entered the mayoral race because it was a natural progression for her involvement in the community. She said as the community moves forward, residents will continue that "spirit of cooperation" that sets Rossville apart from other small towns.

"I see us taking care of our city a little bit more," she said. "I don't see us as a big city, because I don't think a lot of people want that. We just want to improve on what we have and keep the pride going."