Hey Rick,
We'll be back in Lyons 1-5 Dec but will likely use I-35 to Emporia then to Lyons via US 50, KS 150 and US 56 (formally US 50N).
I returned on I-70 above Ellsworth on the last trip to visit a niece and nephew, each have families in Salina. We spent the night at the KOA off N 9th st (exit 252) and had a very nice supper with them at Kings off W Crawford. Salina has really grown over the years. BTW, I also have a niece living in Topeka and her husband is a cop.