Rice County News

Lyons City Council Accepts Administrator Resignation, Elects and Appoints Officials

Monday, November 17

LYONS, Kan. — Following a 30-minute executive session, the Lyons Council voted at Monday evening's meeting to accept the resignation of City Administrator Troy Houtman, effective immediately. The resignation was accepted one day before the one-year anniversary of his hiring, after having served for... Read More.

Governor Kelly, KDHE Ask Kansans to Use Antibiotics Wisely

Monday, November 17

Governor Laura Kelly proclaimed Nov. 18-24 as Use Antibiotics Wisely Week in Kansas. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is asking health care providers and Kansans to use antibiotics wisely to help protect from the threat of growing resistance. This one-week observance... Read More.

FDA Continues Lead Recall in Cinnamon and Cookware

Wednesday, November 12

K-State food science expert shares tips for identifying items deemed unsafe MANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas State University food scientist Karen Blakeslee is reminding consumers to stay alert as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration continues to recall products found to contain lead, including some brands... Read More.

Marion County Agrees to Pay Out $3M for Newspaper Raid, Expresses Regret

Tuesday, November 11

Record editor says court cases against city continue TOPEKA, Kan. — The county involved in a small-town Kansas newspaper raid in 2023 will pay a cumulative $3 million to three journalists and a city councilor. In two of the four agreements, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office... Read More.

Jacam Catalyst Expands Capabilities with Sterling Facility Upgrades

Tuesday, November 11

KANSAS (November 2025) – Jacam Catalyst, a leading manufacturer and full-service provider of oilfield chemicals, announces several new developments underway at the Sterling, KS facility. The newly renovated office space is designed to improve efficiency in design and process engineering. A new 6,900-square-foot fabrication... Read More.

Rice County Appoints Dr. Jennifer Froese to Represent County on Mental Health Board

Monday, November 10

LYONS, Kan. — Rice County Commissioners have appointed Dr. Jennifer Fairchild Froese, a licensed clinical psychologist and professor at Sterling College, to serve as the county’s representative on the Center for Counseling and Consultation Board of Directors. Dr. Froese brings more than 20 years of... Read More.

Governor Kelly Announces Kansans Will Receive Full November SNAP Benefits

Friday, November 7

~~Kansas SNAP recipients can expect to see November benefits on their EBT cards on Nov. 7~~ TOPEKA, Kan. — Governor Laura Kelly announced today that the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has begun processing full November benefits to Kansans receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance... Read More.

Governor Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Former Vice President Dick Cheney

Tuesday, November 4

TOPEKA, Kan. — On Tuesday, Governor Laura Kelly, in accordance with Executive Order #20-30, ordered flags throughout the State of Kansas be flown at half-staff immediately until sundown on the day of interment to honor the passing of Vice President Dick Cheney. “Vice President Cheney... Read More.

Lyons City Council Considers Health Insurance Changes, Reviews Tax Spending and Updates Policies

Monday, November 3

LYONS, Kan. — The Lyons City Council Monday night heard a report on health insurance providers for 2026, which will have some impact on deductibles for city employees during December. Julie Yarmer with Freedom Claims presented a recommendation to change from Blue Cross-Blue Shield to... Read More.

K-State Extension, KU Cancer Center Partner to Boost Cancer Screenings Statewide

Monday, November 3

Early detection is key to surviving cancer, officials say MANHATTAN, Kan. — Two of Kansas’ leading institutions are joining forces to help residents across the state take charge of their health through regular cancer screenings. Kansas State University Extension and The University of Kansas Cancer Center... Read More.

Kansas Cold Weather Rule Takes Effect November 1

Tuesday, October 28

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Cold Weather Rule, designed to help Kansans who are behind on their utility payments avoid disconnection during the winter months, will begin on Saturday, November 1 and remain in effect through March 31. While the Cold Weather Rule is in effect,... Read More.

Lyons City Council Moves Forward with Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements

Tuesday, October 21

LYONS, Kan. — Improvements to the Wastewater Treatment Plant are moving forward following several actions by the Lyons City Council Monday night including acceptance of a bid and authorizing submission of a Community Development Block Grant Application A $650,000 CDBG grant is being sought to... Read More.