Rice County News

Lyons City Council to Negotiate Offer for Permanent City Administrator Position

Monday, April 6

Interim Lyons City Administrator Bailey Sayler could soon drop the interim part of that title. Following an executive session at Monday's Lyons City Council meeting, the Council voted to authorize Mayor Alicia Hommon, Council President Rick Miller, and City Counselor Remington Dalke to negotiate a... Read More.

KDHE Announces the Beginning of the Harmful Algal Bloom Season

Wednesday, April 1

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) are announcing the beginning of the Harmful Algal Bloom season. The water recreation season in Kansas officially runs from April 1 to October 31, as do the harmful... Read More.

K-State Food Scientist Shares Tips for Safe – and Perfect – Easter Ham

Wednesday, April 1

Blakeslee says variety will affect how you prepare the ham MANHATTAN, Kan. (extension.k-state.edu) — Ham is a staple for many families’ Easter feast, but between all the varieties available, consumers are often confused on how to safely prepare this holiday favorite. Kansas State University food... Read More.

Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation Extends Entry Deadline for Third Annual Kansas State Fair T-Shirt Contest

Wednesday, April 1

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation is hosting a t-shirt design contest for the 2026 Kansas State Fair. Entry Deadline has been extended to April 26, 2026. Online voting will take place on Facebook from May 1, 2026 through May 31, 2026. Kansas Fairgrounds... Read More.

Kansas State Board of Education Names Finalists for Commissioner of Education

Tuesday, March 31

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas State Board of Education has named three finalists for the position of Kansas commissioner of education following a national search conducted in partnership with Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates. The Board will announce the next commissioner during its April 14 meeting. The... Read More.

KBI Conducting Death Investigation in Ellsworth County

Monday, March 30

ELLSWORTH COUNTY, Kan. – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is assisting the Ellsworth County Sheriff’s Office with investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 5-year-old in Brookville, Kansas. On Saturday, March 28, at approximately 3:15 p.m., a caller from a residence located south... Read More.

Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation Seeks Nominations for Wall of Honor

Friday, March 27

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation (KFF) is now accepting nominations for its prestigious Wall of Honor, an annual recognition established in 2005 to celebrate individuals, businesses, and organizations that have made — or continue to make — a significant difference in the Kansas... Read More.

KDOT Announces Approved March Bids

Thursday, March 26

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place March 18, 2026, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work. District One... Read More.

KDHE Issues Air Quality Health Advisory due to Prescribed Burns

Wednesday, March 25

Conditions were ideal for burning in the Flint Hills and all surrounding areas yesterday, March 24. Any early burning activity today, combined with remnant smoke from yesterday’s activity, will lead to elevated air pollutant levels throughout central and eastern Kansas. These conditions are expected... Read More.

Arrest Made in Fatal Shooting Near Inman

Tuesday, March 24

An arrest has been made in the Jan. 31 shooting death of Joshua Soden southwest of Inman. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation says Daniel T. Hawkinson, 18, of McPherson was arrested early Monday evening by McPherson County Sheriff's deputies on a single count of voluntary... Read More.

KDHE Issues Air Quality Health Advisory Due to Prescribed Burns

Friday, March 20

Conditions will continue to be ideal for burning in the Flint Hills and all surrounding areas today, March 20, through early afternoon Saturday, March 21. Today’s burning activity, combined with remnant smoke from yesterday’s activity, will lead to elevated air pollutant levels throughout central... Read More.

Senator Marshall Speaks on Homeland Security Funding, SAVE Act and Iran

Wednesday, March 18

US Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) expressed frustration Wednesday with his Democratic colleagues over their actions, or refusal to do so, on Funding for the Department of Homeland Security and the SAVE Act during a news conference with Kansas reporters Wednesday. Marshall said the real question... Read More.