Rice County News

Lyons City Council Authorizes City Administrator to Contract with Temp Agency, Council Receives 2024 Financial Audit Report

Tuesday, August 5

Highlights from Lyons City Council Meeting 8/4/2025 LYONS, Kan. — Following an executive session, the Lyons City Council Monday night authorized City Administrator Troy Houtman to contract with a temp agency to provide assistance in the Administration Department. That department has seen a number of... Read More.

Nex-Tech to Acquire Bandwidth from US Cellular

Tuesday, August 5

(August 2, 2025) — Nex-Tech Wireless has entered into an agreement with US Cellular to acquire additional spectrum space in the 700 MHz band, which will enable Nex-Tech to increase network capacity in central Kansas. Nex-Tech Wireless CEO Jon Lightle said the additional spectrum will... Read More.

Set Them Up for Success: K-State Expert Offers Tips for Parents of School First-Timers, Transitions

Tuesday, August 5

MANHATTAN, Kan. — A child walking into a school for the first time or transitioning to secondary education can experience a wide range of emotions, which can be overwhelming for both them and their parents. Jessica Lane, associate professor of counseling in Kansas State University's... Read More.

State of Kansas July Total Tax Collections at $670.2M; 3.3% Above Estimate

Monday, August 4

TOPEKA, Kan. — The State of Kansas ends July 2025 with total tax collections at $670.2 million. That is $21.2 million, or 3.3%, above the estimate. Total tax collections were up 1.5% from July 2024. “While this month’s tax collections highlight the strength of Kansas’... Read More.

Update: Missing Solomon Man Found Safe

Saturday, August 2

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. (August 3, 2025) — Alexander Baize has been found safe. The Dickinson County Sheriff's Office thanks everyone for sharing and for all who provided information. Previous announcement: DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. (August 2, 2025) — The Dickinson County Sheriff's Office is looking for a... Read More.

Kansas Governor Candidate Cindy Holscher Objects to Alleged Pressure Campaign by Kelly’s Staff

Saturday, August 2

Governor’s chief of staff says Holscher misrepresents political discussions TOPEKA — State Sen. Cindy Holscher expressed frustration Friday with behind-the-scene involvement of Gov. Laura Kelly’s staff in attempting to influence who launched a campaign for the Kansas Democratic Party’s nomination for governor in 2026. Holscher,... Read More.

KDHE Issues Air Quality Health Advisory Due to Smoke

Friday, August 1

(Aug. 1, 2025) — Light northeast to east winds is bringing Canadian wildfire smoke into the state, particularly central and eastern Kansas. These conditions are likely to persist today and tomorrow. The Air Quality Index (AQI) will likely range from Moderate to Unhealthy at... Read More.

Rice County Highlighted in ‘Treasurer’s Top Ten’ List of Businesses and People with Unclaimed Property

Wednesday, July 30

RICE COUNTY, Kan. — Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson visited Lyons on Wednesday, July 30 for the Unclaimed Property Campaign and shared a "Treasurer's Top Ten" list of businesses and people in Rice County with unclaimed funds. Treasurer's Top Ten Businesses: Rice County Good Samaritan... Read More.

Governor Kelly Announces $25M for Road Improvement Projects Across Kansas

Tuesday, July 29

TOPEKA, Kan. — Governor Laura Kelly announced Tuesday $25 million for 30 projects to improve intersections and roads across the state. The projects were selected for funding through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s (KDOT) City Connecting Link Improvement Program (CCLIP). “Enhancing the safety and accessibility... Read More.

Nominations Open for Coolest Thing Made in Kansas

Monday, July 28

Nominations are open for the Coolest Thing Made in Kansas Competition. Show off the innovation, craftsmanship, and talent behind your Kansas-made product. Nominations will close Friday, August 8 at 12 p.m. People's Choice Voting will run from Monday, Sept. 15 through Oct. 3 at... Read More.

City of Lyons to Receive $7 Million Loan from KDHE for Wastewater Plant Improvements

Tuesday, July 22

LYONS, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has approved a $7 Million loan for the City of Lyons for Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements. That information came during Monday's City Council meeting where Thaniel Monaco from BG Consultants provided an update on... Read More.

Heavy Rain Monday Night Produces Another Round of Flooding and Wind Damage in Parts of Central Kansas

Tuesday, July 22

Very heavy rain Monday night into early Tuesday morning produced another round of flooding and wind damage in parts of Central Kansas, with flooding along the Smoky Hill River in McPherson and Saline counties and Mulberry Creek near Salina. The heaviest rainfall fell over... Read More.