Category: News - Ad Astra Radio | Everything Local

Kansas Turnpike Tolls Increasing September 1st

Tuesday, August 18

It's the first rate hike on the Kansas Turnpike since 2022, and it will begin on September 1st. The Kansas Turnpike Authority is announcing a $500 million dollar investment to improve and modernize infrastructure across the turnpike's 230-miles of roadway. KTA says the plan will improve... Read More.

McPherson County Zoning Board Votes to Block Data Centers

Tuesday, August 18

After nearly two years of research by the McPherson County Planning and Zoning Board, members listened to feedback from the community and used a 5-2 vote Monday night to ban data centers in the unincorporated area of McPherson County. Zoning Board member Glenda Taylor believes... Read More.

The Summit Continues to Grow, Anchored by a Nationally Recognized Surgical Hospital

Monday, August 17

Summit Surgical ranks among the top 15% of more than 3,000 U.S. hospitals evaluated nationally for patient experience — one of only 10 in Kansas HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Summit Surgical, the hospital that is part of The Summit Institute for Orthopedics, Spine, and Human Movement,... Read More.

Governor Kelly and KDOT Announce Over $37M for 33 Transportation Alternatives Projects

Monday, August 17

TOPEKA, Kan. – Governor Laura Kelly and The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) today announced that $37.2 million in federal funds has been awarded to 33 projects selected for inclusion in KDOT’s Transportation Alternatives (TA) program. The TA Program provides federal funding to promote and... Read More.

Hutchinson Community College Earns Ten-Year Reaccreditation

Monday, August 17

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - Hutchinson Community College has earned a ten-year reaffirmation of accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the regional accrediting organization responsible for evaluating the quality and effectiveness of higher education institutions. The ten-year reaffirmation represents a significant achievement and reflects the College’s... Read More.

Public Invited to Behind the Scenes Look at Public Works & Utilities Open House

Monday, August 17

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - Residents are invited to get an inside look at the services that keep Hutchinson running during the Public Works & Utilities Open House on Wednesday, August 19, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Public Works & Utilities Facility, 1500 S... Read More.

Cyclospora Cases Surge in Missouri and Kansas as School Year Begins

Monday, August 17

Health officials are urging families to take extra precautions with fresh produce as the new school year begins following a sharp increase in reported cyclospora cases in Missouri and Kansas. Missouri health data released August 16 show nearly 2,000 cases of the foodborne parasite, up... Read More.

Emily Raff to Open Bowlus 2026-27 Season

Monday, August 17

The Bowlus Fine Arts Center will open its 2026-27 season with a performance by singer-songwriter Emily Raff on Saturday, August 29, in Iola. Raff, known as the “Rock & Roll Cowgirl,” brings a blend of country, rock and Americana to the Bowlus stage, along with... Read More.

Law Enforcement Searching for Escapee

Monday, August 17

Kansas law enforcement officers are searching for a New Cambria man who has escaped from court ordered treatment in Wichita. Saline County Undersheriff Brent Melander tells Ad Astra News that around 5pm Sunday, 25-year-old Xavier L. Murrell escaped from a treatment center located in the... Read More.

Kansas Hiker Dies in Sicily after Struck by Lightning

Monday, August 17

A 29-year-old Kansas man is dead after being struck by lightning while hiking Mount Etna in Sicily. Officials say it happened above the tree line in an area closed to visitors due to volcanic activity. He was rescued by helicopter but later declared dead. The slope... Read More.

McPherson Center for Health Earns High 5 for Mom & Baby Recognition

Monday, August 17

McPHERSON, Kan. – McPherson Center for Health has been recognized as a High 5 for Mom & Baby facility, honoring the hospital's commitment to providing evidence-based maternity care that supports healthy beginnings for mothers and their babies. The recognition is awarded through the United Methodist... Read More.

New Courses Offered for Semester of Bluestem U Lifelong Learning Program

Monday, August 17

NORTH NEWTON, Kan. – Registration is open now for a new semester of Bluestem U courses, the lifelong learning program of Bluestem Communities for individuals age 55 and better. Three courses will be offered for the fall 2026 semester. Each course is $50. More information... Read More.