Rice County News – Page 5 – Ad Astra Radio

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.

Lyons City Council Approves Equipment Purchases, Prepares for Retirement Celebration and Upcoming Events

Monday, March 16

LYONS, Kan. — A number of equipment purchases were approved during Monday night's Lyons City Council meeting, including a $96,000 purchase of a tandem axle trailer jet. This unit, which has a 700 gallon water capacity and is being purchased through Key Equipment and... Read More.

Lyons City Council Votes to Remove Police Chief

Monday, March 16

LYONS, Kan. — On a 5-2 vote with one member absent, the Lyons City Council voted Monday night to remove Police Chief Justin Holliday for cause. Holliday had been placed on paid administrative leave on Feb. 17 by Mayor Alicia Hommon, which was extended... Read More.

KDHE Announces Recipients of Waste Tire Product Grants

Monday, March 16

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has announced the recipients of waste tire product grants. These annual waste tire grants are awarded to local municipalities and public and private schools K-12 across the state. The grants are funded by revenue collected through... Read More.

K-State Expert Urges Kansans to ‘Discover the Power of Nutrition’

Monday, March 16

March is National Nutrition Month MANHATTAN, Kan. (extenstion.k-state.edu) — For most people, it’s probably true that a primary reason for eating the foods we eat is that they’re simply delicious. But K-State Extension nutrition and health expert Chelsea King says many may not realize or... Read More.