Rice County News – Ad Astra Radio

Kansas Appeals Court Keeps Three-Day Mail Ballot Grace Period for November Election

Thursday, October 8

Kansas mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day will continue to count if they arrive within three days after the Nov. 3 general election. The Kansas Court of Appeals denied Secretary of State Scott Schwab’s request to suspend a temporary injunction preserving the grace period. The... Read More.

Kansas Junior Livestock Show Awards $22,500 in Scholarships

Wednesday, October 7

HUTCHINSON — Twelve exhibitors received a combined $22,500 in scholarships at the Kansas Junior Livestock Show on Saturday, Oct. 3. Since its inception in 1993, the program has awarded $620,050 to 423 young people pursuing higher education. The scholarships recognize achievement in livestock projects, leadership... Read More.

Nonprofits to Erase $34 Million in Medical Debt for 21,000 Kansans

Tuesday, October 6

TOPEKA — More than 21,000 Kansans are set to receive a letter this month notifying them that their medical debt has disappeared. A pair of nonprofit organizations announced they will abolish nearly $34 million in medical debt for 21,490 Kansans who meet certain criteria in... Read More.

National 4-H Week Celebrates Youth, Volunteers Oct. 4–10

Sunday, October 4

National 4-H Week is being celebrated Oct. 4–10, highlighting the organization’s work to prepare young people for life and careers through its “Beyond Ready” initiative. According to National 4-H, the celebration brings together six million youth, more than 3,300 Extension educators, 500,000 volunteers and 35... Read More.

Kansas Apply Free Days Offer No-Fee College Applications Oct. 5–9

Sunday, October 4

Kansas residents can apply to participating colleges and universities without paying an application fee during Kansas Apply Free Days, Oct. 5–9. According to the Kansas Board of Regents, the opportunity is available to residents regardless of age or income. Eligible applicants include first-time freshmen, transfer... Read More.

September Total Tax Collections at $1.08B; 5.5% Above Estimate

Friday, October 2

TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends September 2026 with total tax collections at $1.08 billion. That is $56.5 million, or 5.5%, above the estimate. Total tax collections were up 7.7% from September 2025. Individual income tax collections were $477.7 million. That is $13.3 million,... Read More.

Ad Astra Radio Celebrates 40-Year-Milestone

Thursday, October 1

Ad Astra Radio is excited to share that we have hit a very significant milestone. Today, on Oct.1, 2026, the company is celebrating its 40th Anniversary since KSKU first signed on the air. According to the company’s founder Cliff Shank, there was a big hole... Read More.

Kansas Public Higher Education Enrollment Dips 0.8%; State Universities See Growth

Thursday, October 1

TOPEKA, Kan. — Preliminary fall enrollment figures released by the Kansas Board of Regents show a slight decline across the state’s public higher education system, with gains at state universities offset by decreases at community and technical colleges. Overall student headcount fell 0.8 percent compared... Read More.

Students Celebrate Walk and Roll to School Day

Wednesday, September 30

Kansas schools will celebrate Walk and Roll to School Day on Oct. 7, with support from Kansas Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School program. This annual event promotes safe behaviors and community connection by encouraging students and families to walk, bike and/or roll... Read More.

Residential Fire in Lyons Results in Demolished Home

Tuesday, September 29

LYONS, Kan. - Emergency crews from Lyons Fire alongside Rice County Fire Department units out of Sterling and Little River battled a severe residential fire on Monday in Lyons. Severe conditions and rapid spread across the upper story, attic, and roof prompted incident command... Read More.

Kobach Directs League of Women Voters to Cease Paying People to Register to Vote

Monday, September 28

TOPEKA – Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach today issued a cease-and-desist letter to the League of Women Voters of Kansas and Leavenworth following a complaint from House Elections Committee Chairman Rep. Pat Proctor. Proctor sounded the alarm about voter-registration drives held in May 2026... Read More.

105 Kansas Counties, One Big Opportunity: Baker University Launches Statewide Scholarship Program

Tuesday, September 22

New Baker 105 initiative will seek talented students across Kansas, offering at least one qualified student from every county a full-tuition scholarship BALDWIN CITY, Kan. (Sept. 22, 2026) – Baker University, a premier private university rooted in liberal arts education and academic excellence, is launching... Read More.