Rice County News – Page 22 – Ad Astra Radio

Governor Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Judge Bruce Brown

Friday, August 22

TOPEKA, Kan. (August 22, 2025) — Governor Laura Kelly has directed flags to be lowered at half-staff at the State Capitol Complex and all court buildings and facilities in honor of 18th Judicial District Division 10 Judge Bruce Brown who passed away on Thursday,... Read More.

Black Hills Corp. and NorthWestern Energy to Combine in All-Stock Merger to Create a Premier Regional Regulated Electric and Natural Gas Utility Company

Tuesday, August 19

RAPID CITY, SD and BUTTE, MT / SIOUX FALLS, SD — Black Hills Corp. (NYSE: BKH) and NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc. d/b/a NorthWestern Energy (Nasdaq: NWE) today announced that each company’s board of directors has unanimously approved a definitive agreement to combine in... Read More.

Local Schools Named to KSHSAA Performing Arts Commended List

Tuesday, August 19

TOPEKA, Kan. - McPherson High School, Buhler High School, and Sterling High School were named to the Commended List for the KSHSAA Performing Arts School of Excellence award. The award recognizes the best schools in Kansas in performing arts, selected by committees from the Kansas Music... Read More.

Area Students Receive American FFA Degrees

Tuesday, August 19

Several area FFA members are among 75 from Kansas who will be presented the American FFA Degree at the 98th annual National FFA Convention and Expo later this year. The American FFA Degree, the organization's highest honor, recognizes the effort members apply towards their... Read More.

Lyons City Council Addresses Budget, Safety, and Infrastructure Updates

Monday, August 18

Lyons City Council Meeting Highlights 8/18/25 LYONS, Kan. — The budget hearing for the city of Lyons will be held Sept. 2, although an action during Monday's City Council meeting was made to change it. The budget is being re-published to take care of an... Read More.

KDOT’s Cost Share Program Applications Being Accepted

Tuesday, August 12

The Kansas Department of Transportation is now accepting applications for the fall 2025 round of the agency’s Cost Share Program. More than $157 million has been given to Kansas communities since the Cost Share Program began in 2019. The Cost Share Program provides financial assistance... Read More.

Governor Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Wyandotte County Deputy Elijah Ming

Friday, August 8

TOPEKA, Kan. — In accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly on Friday directed flags be flown at half-staff on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities from sunup to sundown on August 11, 2025, in honor of Wyandotte County Deputy Elijah Ming who... Read More.

Governor Kelly Announces $10.4M to Increase Broadband Adoption

Wednesday, August 6

TOPEKA, Kan. — Governor Laura Kelly today announced that $10.4 million will be invested in critical broadband initiatives through the Advancing Digital Opportunities to Connect Kansans (ADOPT) program. The Kansas Office of Broadband Development will partner with 18 organizations across the state to connect... Read More.

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.