Rice County News

Lyons City Council Approves 2026 Budget and 2.5 Mill Increase in Property Tax Levy, Special Meeting to be Held Thursday Afternoon

Tuesday, September 16

LYONS, Kan. — The Lyons City Council at Monday's meeting approved a 2026 budget calling for a 2.5 mill increase in the city's property tax levy. The entirety of the increase is for the general fund, with levies for the Lyons Public Library and... Read More.

Kansas State Fair Final Weekend Parking Update

Saturday, September 13

HUTCHINSON, Kan — As the parking lots are now open, the Kansas State Fair will be discontinuing all shuttle services for Sunday, September 14. The following parking areas will be available. Please plan accordingly: On-Grounds ParkingLots A & B (State Fair Road): Open... Read More.

Shocker Saturday at the Kansas State Fair

Saturday, September 13

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (September 13, 2025) - The Kansas State Fair is wrapping up! This morning's State Fair Board meeting kicked off with a quote from President John Leslie, sharing the wisdom of Bob Dole: "You feel a little older in the morning. By noon... Read More.

Kansas State Fair Final Weekend Parking Update

Friday, September 12

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - See below the updated parking information for the final weekend of the Fair, Saturday, September 13, and Sunday, September 14.On-Grounds Parking:Lots A & B (State Fair Road): Currently open and will remain open all weekend. Normal traffic patterns apply. Lot... Read More.

Kansas State Fair: Community Spirit Shines Amidst Challenges

Friday, September 12

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (September 12. 2025) - The Kansas State Fair is in full swing, and this year, community collaboration has been key to its continued success, especially with recent weather challenges.During this morning’s meeting, Fair Board President John Leslie presented his Kansas State Fair... Read More.

Weekend State Fair Happenings: Daily Highlights Sept. 12-14

Friday, September 12

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Don't miss out on the Kansas State Fair. There's still a lot of activities and events happening this weekend, from Chiefs Red Friday to Sunflower Sunday! Check out the daily highlights below!Weekend Fair Schedule: Friday, Sept. 12: Kansas Lottery Chiefs Red FridayALL... Read More.

Governor Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Staff in Remembrance of Victims of Political Violence

Friday, September 12

TOPEKA, Kan. — Today, in remembrance of Charlie Kirk, Minnesota Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, and all victims and survivors of political violence, Governor Laura Kelly, in accordance with Executive Order #20-30, directed flags throughout the State of Kansas to be lowered to half-staff effective... Read More.

State Fair Parking Update for Sept. 12, 2025

Thursday, September 11

Due to current conditions, parking availability at the Kansas State Fair has been updated for Friday, September 12. Parking Lot Update:Lots A & B on State Fair Road will open at 10 AM on Friday, September 12 and can be accessed from Main Street... Read More.

Remembering 9/11: Giving People a Sense of Normalcy on the Day the Earth Stood Still

Thursday, September 11

September 11, 2001, started out like any other Tuesday. At that time the Hutchinson City Council met every week, rather than the twice a month schedule they now use. Also, back in 2001 Reno County District Court had their first appearance criminal docket each... Read More.

CHS Announces Plans to Return $120 million to Owners

Wednesday, September 10

Cash returns from patronage and equity distributions will support cooperative owners and rural communities. CHS Inc., the nation’s leading agribusiness cooperative, has announced it intends to return $120 million in cash patronage and equity redemptions to its owners in calendar year 2026. The planned distribution... Read More.

Reps. Mann, Tokuda Lead Bipartisan Coalition of Members in Strengthening Rural Health Care

Wednesday, September 10

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01) and Jill Tokuda (HI-02) led a bipartisan group of 13 of their colleagues in introducing the Modernizing Rural Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner Utilization Act, the Rural Health Clinic Location Modernization Act, and theRead More.

Wildcat Wednesday Rocks the Kansas State Fair!

Wednesday, September 10

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (September 10, 2025) - What a great morning at the Kansas State Fair! Droves of people are pouring through the gates, eager to celebrate Wildcat Wednesday. The fairgrounds are abuzz, and the light cloud cover and cool temperatures are making for absolutely... Read More.