Rice County News

Kansas State Parks Propose Fee Hikes to Cover Parks Cost

Thursday, August 28

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is proposing significant increases in state park fees. KDWP officials say the increases are needed to cover park costs that have gone up nearly 45 percent since 2016, and Parks Director Conner O'Flannagan said they are necessary... Read More.

Governor Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Staff to Honor the Victims of Minneapolis, Minnesota Shooting

Thursday, August 28

TOPEKA, Kan. — Today, in honor of the victims of the Minneapolis, Minnesota shooting at Annunciation Catholic School, Governor Laura Kelly, in accordance with Executive Order #20-30, directed flags throughout the State of Kansas be lowered to half-staff effective immediately until sundown on Sunday,... Read More.

New Foods Featured for 2025 Kansas State Fair

Wednesday, August 27

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair starts next Friday! Many Fair Food Favorites will be returning as well as several new items. New Foods Featured:Truffle Burger — The Beer Garden Fried Pies — Little B’s Fried Pies Blackened Shrimp — MidState Cookers Fried... Read More.

Attempted Cop Killer Sentenced to Life for 2020 Attempted Murder

Monday, August 25

TOPEKA, Kan. (August 25, 2025) — Adam Jay Hrabik, 45 of Lyons, was ordered to serve life in prison for the 2020 attempted murder of Lyons Police Officer Cory Ryan and aggravated assault of Lyons High School teacher Brian Friess, Kansas Attorney General Kris... Read More.

Governor Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Judge Bruce Brown

Friday, August 22

TOPEKA, Kan. (August 22, 2025) — Governor Laura Kelly has directed flags to be lowered at half-staff at the State Capitol Complex and all court buildings and facilities in honor of 18th Judicial District Division 10 Judge Bruce Brown who passed away on Thursday,... Read More.

Black Hills Corp. and NorthWestern Energy to Combine in All-Stock Merger to Create a Premier Regional Regulated Electric and Natural Gas Utility Company

Tuesday, August 19

RAPID CITY, SD and BUTTE, MT / SIOUX FALLS, SD — Black Hills Corp. (NYSE: BKH) and NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc. d/b/a NorthWestern Energy (Nasdaq: NWE) today announced that each company’s board of directors has unanimously approved a definitive agreement to combine in... Read More.

Local Schools Named to KSHSAA Performing Arts Commended List

Tuesday, August 19

TOPEKA, Kan. - McPherson High School, Buhler High School, and Sterling High School were named to the Commended List for the KSHSAA Performing Arts School of Excellence award.The award recognizes the best schools in Kansas in performing arts, selected by committees from the Kansas Music... Read More.

Area Students Receive American FFA Degrees

Tuesday, August 19

Several area FFA members are among 75 from Kansas who will be presented the American FFA Degree at the 98th annual National FFA Convention and Expo later this year.The American FFA Degree, the organization's highest honor, recognizes the effort members apply towards their... Read More.

Lyons City Council Addresses Budget, Safety, and Infrastructure Updates

Monday, August 18

Lyons City Council Meeting Highlights 8/18/25 LYONS, Kan. — The budget hearing for the city of Lyons will be held Sept. 2, although an action during Monday's City Council meeting was made to change it. The budget is being re-published to take care of an... Read More.

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.

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.