Rice County News

Caring for Poinsettias

Thursday, December 11

K-State horticulture expert says popular holiday plant can be maintained year-round MANHATTAN, Kan. — In all their colorful glory, poinsettias are a great addition to any home during the holiday season. Ranging from red, white, green, pink or a color combination, poinsettias can be maintained year-round,... Read More.

Kansas Broadband Receives Federal Approval for $166.6M BEAD Final Proposal

Monday, December 8

TOPEKA, Kan. (December 8, 2025) – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved the Kansas Office of Broadband Development’s (KOBD) $166.6 million final proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. The approval represents... Read More.

Buying Firewood? Knowing Heat Values Could Aid Your Choice

Friday, December 5

K-State horticulture expert gives tips for choosing firewood MANHATTAN, Kan. — Not all firewood is created equal.That’s the word from Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini, who said the wood from some tree species produces more heat than others.High on the list are red,... Read More.

Evergy Urges Holiday Light and Decoration Safety

Thursday, December 4

Follow these guidelines for a safe and merry holiday season KANSAS CITY, Mo. (December 4, 2025) — The holiday season is here. As families get ready to put up holiday decorations, Evergy is reminding customers to be safe with both indoor and outdoor holiday... Read More.

Governor Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

Thursday, December 4

TOPEKA, Kan. — Governor Laura Kelly, in accordance with Executive Order #20-30, today ordered flags throughout the State of Kansas be flown at half-staff from sunup to sundown on Sunday, December 7, 2025, in recognition of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. “The events that unfolded... Read More.

Governor Kelly Announces More than $19M to Improve Airport Infrastructure

Wednesday, December 3

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced three Kansas communities have secured over $19 million in federal Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act (IIJA) funding to bolster local airport infrastructure. The funding from the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program, combined with over $1.5 million... Read More.

Patrol Reports Thanksgiving Holiday Activity

Tuesday, December 2

KHP personnel assisted 882 motorists over the holiday reporting periodThe Kansas Highway Patrol is releasing its Thanksgiving Weekend Holiday Activity Report. The reporting period for the holiday ran from 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26 through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 30, 2025.The Kansas... Read More.

Governor Kelly Announces $5.9M for KDOT Cost Share Program Projects

Tuesday, December 2

TOPEKA, Kan. — Governor Laura Kelly and Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) Secretary Calvin Reed today announced $5.9 million in awards for 10 transportation construction projects through KDOT’s fall 2025 Cost Share Program. This state investment will leverage nearly $3.3 million in community matching... Read More.

Lyons City Council Appoints Interim Administrator and Addresses Budget Fire Department and Policy Updates

Tuesday, December 2

LYONS, Kan. — City Clerk Bailey Saylor was designated as Interim City Administrator by the Lyons City Council during Monday evening's meeting. This is one of a number of actions taken in the wake of the resignation of Troy Houtman on Nov. 17. As... Read More.

State Weather Official Urges Kansans to Prepare for Winter Conditions, Travel

Tuesday, December 2

Conditions can change rapidly in the Sunflower State, Redmond says MANHATTAN, Kan. — The calendar says the first day of winter is Dec. 21. Chip Redmond is not so sure you ought to get locked in on just that date.“Winter conditions in Kansas can change... Read More.

November Total Tax Collections at $687.0 Million; 0.3% Below Estimate

Monday, December 1

TOPEKA, Kan. — The State of Kansas ends November 2025 with total tax collections at $687.0 million. That is $1.9 million, or 0.3%, below the estimate. Total tax collections were up 1.7% from November 2024. “November’s tax collections were nearly on target overall. While individual... Read More.

Evergy Urges Space Heater Safety as Winter Weather is Here

Monday, December 1

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (December 1, 2025) — Cold weather is here, and Evergy urges customers to be safe when using space heaters, electric blankets and other portable home heating devices. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports space heaters cause more than 20,000 housefires each... Read More.