Rice County News

National Weather Service in Wichita Issues Extreme Heat Warning for Much of Central Kansas

Friday, July 18

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued an extreme heat warning from 2 p.m. Saturday to 7 p.m. Wednesday for much of central Kansas. A multi-day period of temperatures at or near 100 degrees combined with high humidity will produce heat index values up... Read More.

K-State Veterinarian Urges Pet Owners to Stay Alert as Summer Heats Up

Friday, July 18

MANHATTAN, Kan. — As summer temperatures climb, a Kansas State University veterinarian urges pet owners to take precautions against seasonal hazards to keep their pets safe and healthy. "Summer is a great time to be outside with your pets, but it also comes with some... Read More.

Prairie Land Realtors Reports Area Home Sales Up for June as Prices Varied

Tuesday, July 15

June home sales through Prairie Land Realtors' Mid-Kansas Multiple Listing Service were up 18.1% from June 2024, with 150 homes sold. Total sales volume for the month cane to $35 million, up 43.9% from a year ago. The median sales price region-wide for the month... Read More.

Rice County Community Foundation Announces 2025 Community Fund Grant Cycle

Monday, July 14

LYONS, Kan. — The Rice County Community Foundation (RCCF) is pleased to announce that the 2025 Community Fund Grant cycle will officially open on August 4 and will remain open through September 10, 2025. The Community Fund Grants are designed to support impactful projects and... Read More.

KDOR Seizes Assets in Execution of Russell, Scott, Thomas, Phillips, Rooks, Pawnee Tax Warrants

Friday, July 11

Agents from the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) accompanied by the Russell, Scott, Thomas, Phillips, Rooks, Pawnee County Sheriff departments on the 8th day, of July 2025 executed tax warrants and seized the assets of San Juan Mexican Restaurant Inc, Bernabe A Lopez, Magarita... Read More.

State Total Tax Collections for the Month of June at $1.06 Billion; 7.4% Above Estimate

Wednesday, July 9

TOPEKA, Kan. — The State of Kansas ends June 2025 with total tax collections at $1.06 billion. That is $72.6 million, or 7.4%, above the estimate. Total tax collections were up 3.2% from June 2024. “While this month’s stronger-than-expected revenues are a welcome sign, it... Read More.

Lindsborg Names New City Administrator

Tuesday, July 8

LINDSBORG, Kan. — Lyons Assistant City Administrator Tanner Faust has been named the new City Administrator in Lindsborg. He will assume his new position July 18, succeeding Kristi Northcutt who stepped down in March to become director of the University of Kansas Public Management... Read More.

City of Lyons’ Natural Gas Rates to Increase Starting in August, Council Discusses City’s Proposed 2026 Budget

Monday, July 7

LYONS, Kan. — Natural gas rates in Lyons will be going up starting in August. On a 4-1 vote, the Lyons City Council Monday approved an increase in the charge per 100 cubic feet of usage the city adds onto what it purchases natural... Read More.

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.

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.

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.