Rice County News

Update: Two Bodies Recovered from Boating Incident at Kanopolis Lake

Friday, July 4

ELLSWORTH COUNTY, Kan. (July 7, 2025) — The bodies of two people who went missing on July 3 at Kanopolis Lake have been recovered.The Ellsworth County Sheriff's Office made an update on July 5 that the two missing from the boat accident at Kanopolis... Read More.

Kansas Students Earn Agriculture Skills and Competencies Certificates

Wednesday, July 2

Setting the Stage for Future Ag Industry Leadership MANHATTAN, Kan. — Forty-three students from seven schools in Kansas have been awarded the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Kansas Agriculture Skills and Competencies Certificate. High schools with students earning certificates include Buhler, Cheney, Ellsworth, Holton, Lyons, Mission... Read More.

Governor Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Phillips County Deputy Brandon Gaede

Tuesday, July 1

TOPEKA, Kan. — In accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly on Tuesday directed flags be flown at half-staff on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities from sunup to sundown on July 5, 2025, in honor of Phillips County Deputy Brandon Gaede who... Read More.

Kansas Ensures Seniors Have Access to Fresh Produce, Program to Begin July 14

Tuesday, July 1

TOPEKA, Kan. (July 1, 2025) – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is pleased to announce that the Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (KSFMNP) will officially begin on July 14, 2025. The program provides eligible seniors with coupons to purchase fresh... Read More.

Vehicle Escort for Deputy Brandon Gaede

Tuesday, July 1

On behalf of the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) announces the fallen officer escort of Deputy Brandon Gaede from Wichita, Kansas, to Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel in Phillipsburg, Kansas, on July 1. Deputy Gaede died in the line of duty on... Read More.

Lyons Man Convicted in Shooting of Lyons Police Officer and Teacher

Monday, June 30

EMPORIA, Kan. — A Lyons man has been convicted of attempted capital murder and aggravated assault in the October, 2020 shootings of Lyons Police Sergeant Cory Ryan and Lyons High School teacher and coach Brian Friess.Adam Hrabik was convicted Friday by a Lyon County... Read More.

KBI Releases 2024 Statewide Crime Statistics

Monday, June 30

TOPEKA, Kan. (June 30, 2025) – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has released the 2024 Kansas Crime Index Report. The report compiles crime statistics reported to the KBI by state and local law enforcement agencies throughout Kansas.Violent crime analysisThe 2024 Kansas Crime... Read More.

Phillips County Deputy Shot and Killed During Arrest Attempt Friday Night, Suspect also Dead

Saturday, June 28

PHILLIPS COUNTY, Kan. — A Phillips County Sheriff's Deputy was shot and killed Friday night while attempting to make an arrest as he was investigating reports of illegal fireworks.Deputy Brandon Gaede was attempting to place the suspect in handcuffs when a struggle broke out,... Read More.

City of Lyons Holds Park Dedication Ceremony for Salt Miners Park

Friday, June 27

LYONS, Kan. — The City of Lyons hosted a park dedication this morning at the corner of East Avenue South and West Commercial for Salt Miners Park, the home of the World’s Largest Saltshaker. Tanner Faust, the City of Lyons Assistant City Administrator and Community... Read More.

Day 5, Kansas Wheat Harvest Report

Thursday, June 26

This is day 5 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. Harvest is progressing steadily across parts of Kansas, with yields generally around... Read More.

Kansas Tourism Announces 2025 Sunflower Summer Attraction Lineup

Wednesday, June 25

TOPEKA, Kan. (June 23, 2025) — Kansas Tourism announced that more than 230 tourism attractions across the state are participating in the 2025 Sunflower Summer program. The lineup includes something for every interest and region of the state — museums and historic sites, zoos,... Read More.

Kansas Highway Patrol Warns Motorists to be More Cautious on Kansas Roads During Harvest

Monday, June 23

It’s a busy time for farmers in Kansas, with wheat harvest underway. The Kansas Highway Patrol would like to remind motorists to use more caution and patience when traveling around farm trucks, tractors, combines, and other implements.“With wheat harvest season beginning, you’ll see heavy... Read More.