Rice County News

Blizzard Warnings Issued for Sunday

Saturday, January 4

By Lucky Kidd Blizzard warnings have been issued for much of central Kansas into east central and northeast kansas for Sunday. Winter storm warnings continue for areas around Iola and Yates Center and the area from Pratt to St. John to Larned to Hays. Winter... Read More.

Road Conditions Across Central Kansas Worsen as Winter Storm Approaches

Saturday, January 4

By Lucky Kidd Road conditions are rapidly deteriorating across central Kansas. The Kansas Department of Transportation as of 12:30 PM reported roads across much of western and central Kansas and in the area from Yates Center to Fort Scott of southeast Kansas as being at... Read More.

Kansas Health Officials Provide Update on Avian Flu That Public Risk Remains Low

Thursday, January 2

By the Kansas Department of Health and Environment While the risk to the general public still remains very low, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is reminding Kansans to practice caution around wild birds and backyard poultry amid increasing reports of highly pathogenic... Read More.

KHP Reports 245 Motorists Assisted, 1 Non-DUI Related Fatal Crash Over New Year’s Holiday

Thursday, January 2

The Kansas Highway Patrol 2025-01 Patrol shared the New Year’s Holiday Activity reports. The reporting period for the holiday ran from 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. On Dec. 31, 2024, at 4:00 a.m., Kansas Highway... Read More.

Day of Mourning Declared for Jan. 9, 2025 to Honor Former President Jimmy Carter

Thursday, January 2

An Executive Order 24-05 declaring Thursday, Jan. 9. 2025, as a Day of Mourning in honor of Former President Jimmy Carter was signed on Tuesday by Governor Laura Kelly. State of Kansas offices will be closed as a result of the order. This... Read More.

Rice County Community Foundation to Celebrate 30 Years in 2025

Tuesday, December 31

By the Rice County Community Foundation RICE COUNTY, Kan. — Jan. 1, 2025, The Rice County Community Foundation (RCCF) is thrilled to announce that it will be celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025. This milestone represents three decades of giving, community building, and philanthropic efforts... Read More.

KHP 2024-25 Patrol Reports Christmas Holiday Activity

Friday, December 27

By the Kansas Highway Patrol The Kansas Highway Patrol is releasing its Christmas Holiday Activity Report. The reporting period for the holiday ran from 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, December 25, 2024. The Kansas Highway Patrol worked one fatal... Read More.

Sterling High School Evacuated Amid Gas Leak Concerns During Routine Inspection

Friday, December 20

By Lucky Kidd STERLING, Kan. — Sterling Junior-Senior High school was evacuated this morning after a possible gas leak. According to a release from USD 376, the state fire marshal's office was doing a routine inspection of the school when he felt like there was... Read More.

Lyons City Council Adopts Resolution with Desire to Look at Restructuring City’s Form of Government

Tuesday, December 17

By Lucky Kidd LYONS, Kan. — The current members of the Lyons City Council Monday adopted a resolution stating a desire to look at a restructuring the city's form of Government. The resolution states a belief city government should empower the city administrator and other staff... Read More.

KDOT Announces Award Bids for State Highway Projects, Including Ellsworth, McPherson, Saline County

Tuesday, December 10

By Lucky Kidd The Kansas Department of Transportation has announced award of bids for state highway projects from their November bid letting, including a large mill and overlay project including portions of three highways in Ellsworth, McPherson and Saline counties. Venture Corporation of Great Bend was... Read More.

Lyons, Ellinwood Organizations Receive Tourism Grants

Monday, December 9

TOPEKA, Kan. — Today, Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced that more than $400,000 has been awarded for projects that will boost tourism throughout the state. Funding from the Attraction Development Grant program will be divided among 13 entities. Among grant... Read More.

Traffic Stop Leads to Capture of Rice County Jail Escapee

Friday, December 6

By Lucky Kidd RICE COUNTY, Kan. — A traffic stop near Claflin Thursday led to two arrests, one involving an escape warrant from Rice County. According to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellindir, deputies stopped a car on K-156 belonging to Nathan Manley of Holyrood, who had... Read More.