Rice County News – Page 14 – Ad Astra Radio

Aerial Fire Attack Grounded Thursday, December 18

Thursday, December 18

The high winds are also hampering part of the wildfire response. The Kansas Forest Service said their firefighting aircraft are grounded today due to the high winds, which can make flying unsafe for pilots and reduce effectiveness of water drops. Because of this, firefighters... Read More.

Lyons City Council Receives Update on Wastewater Treatment Plant Project

Tuesday, December 16

LYONS, Kan. — The Lyons City Council received an update during Monday's meeting on the Wastewater Treatment Plant project. Thaniel Monaco from BG Consultants said they are encountering delays in the geotechnical report and transfer processes. He also reviewed two options for the wet... Read More.

Governor Kelly Announces Over $1M for Apprenticeship Programs

Monday, December 15

TOPEKA, Kan. – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that more than $535,000 has been awarded to 12 businesses across Kansas for projects that will attract and retain workers and continue building the state’s workforce through apprenticeships. The grant awards were matched with more than... 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.

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 period The 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.

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.