Larned News

Court Ruling Strikes Down Protection Status for Lesser Prairie Chicken

Friday, August 15

A federal judge in Texas has blocked a US Fish and Wildlife Service decision to list the lesser prairie chicken as a threatened or endangered species.The rule proposed by the Biden administration in 2022 was challenged by attorneys general in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas,... Read More.

Over $32.5M in State Grants Announced for Services for Survivors of Crime, Children’s Advocacy Centers, and CASA Programs

Thursday, August 14

Governor Laura Kelly announced Thursday over $32.5 million in state grants to maintain and enhance services for adult and child survivors of crime. These grants, funded through the State General Fund were awarded to nonprofit organizations providing services for survivors of domestic and sexual... Read More.

Great Bend Man Found Incompetent to Stand Trial in Child Sex Crime Case

Thursday, August 14

LARNED, Kan. — Avian Rincones, 35 of Great Bend, Kansas, appeared Wednesday afternoon in the Pawnee County District Court before District Judge Bruce Gatterman to determine whether he is competent to stand trial.The defendant is charged with two counts of Aggravated Criminal Oral Sodomy... Read More.

Rush County Man Sentenced to Prison for Child Rape

Thursday, August 14

TOPEKA, Kan. (August 13, 2025) — Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announced that a LaCrosse man has been sentenced to prison for the rape of two children. Tyler Whitten, age 31, was sentenced by Chief Judge Bruce Gatterman in Rush County District Court on Aug.... Read More.

July Area Home Sales Down, Prices Mostly Up

Wednesday, August 13

The number of homes sold during July through Prairie Land Realtors’ Mid-Kansas Multiple Listing Service was 147, which is down two percent from July 2024. Total sales volume for the region was $31 million, up from the prior year. The median sales price for... Read More.

KDHE Awards 15 Chronic Disease Risk Reduction Community Grants

Tuesday, August 12

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s (KDHE) Community Health Promotion program announced the recipients of this year’s Chronic Disease Risk Reduction (CDRR) Community grant. In total, the State Fiscal Year 2026 CDRR program covers: 15 grantees, 25 counties and 1,972,817... Read More.

Governor Kelly Proclaims August as Kansas Farmers’ Market Month

Tuesday, August 12

MANHATTAN, Kan. (Aug. 1, 2025) — In recognition of the important role farmers’ markets play in Kansas communities, Governor Laura Kelly proclaimed August as Kansas Farmers’ Market Month.In both urban centers and rural communities, farmers’ markets give consumers access to fresh, locally grown produce... Read More.

KDOT’s Cost Share Program Applications Being Accepted

Tuesday, August 12

The Kansas Department of Transportation is now accepting applications for the fall 2025 round of the agency’s Cost Share Program. More than $157 million has been given to Kansas communities since the Cost Share Program began in 2019.The Cost Share Program provides financial assistance... Read More.

Corteva Agriscience and Pioneer Seeds Partner with Stafford County Fire Department to Keep Producers Safe

Tuesday, August 12

--Pictured Left to Right: Chris Staub, Jim Stanford, Todd Wycoff, and Bryce GarnerSTAFFORD COUNTY, Kan. - The Stafford County Fire Department has recently enhanced its life-saving capabilities through a generous donation from Corteva Agriscience and Pioneer Seeds. These leading agricultural companies contributed funds as... Read More.

Governor Kelly Announces Administration Appointments

Friday, August 8

TOPEKA, Kan. (August 8, 2025) – Governor Laura Kelly announced on Friday 13 appointments to the following state boards, cabinet, commission, and committee. Kansas Board of Regents Purpose: To govern the state’s six universities and the statewide coordinating board for the state’s 32 public higher education institutions, which... Read More.

New Partnership in Respiratory Care Will Better Serve the Reeds of the Region

Friday, August 8

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Community College (HutchCC) and Barton Community College have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a new partnership aimed at expanding access to respiratory care education and addressing a growing workforce need in central Kansas.Through this agreement, students from Barton will... Read More.

Governor Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Wyandotte County Deputy Elijah Ming

Friday, August 8

TOPEKA, Kan. — In accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly on Friday directed flags be flown at half-staff on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities from sunup to sundown on August 11, 2025, in honor of Wyandotte County Deputy Elijah Ming who... Read More.