Rice County News

Kansas Families Struggle to Find Child Care, According to Annual Kids Count Report

Wednesday, June 14

By Sam Bailey, Kansas Reflector TOPEKA, Kan. — Child care challenges have forced Kansas parents to give up or change jobs, while child care workers are paid worse than 98% of professions, according to a new report.Kansas Action for Children released information about Kansas child... Read More.

Wichita Woman Crowned Miss Kansas 2023

Tuesday, June 13

PRATT, Kan. - On Saturday, Courtney Wages of Wichita was crowned the 2023 Miss Kansas. Sixteen women from across the state competed in this year’s pageant in Pratt.Following Courtney was Sierra Marie Bonn as the first runner-up, Alexis Smith as the second runner-up, Lluvia... Read More.

2 Hospitalized After Helicopter Crash in Pratt County Wheat Field

Tuesday, June 13

PRATT COUNTY, Kan. – Two people were injured when their helicopter ran out of fuel and crashed into a Kansas wheat field. The Kansas Highway Patrol says the accident happened Sunday afternoon in Pratt County.According to authorities, the 1972 Bell Helicopter was piloted by... Read More.

Hutchinson Doctor Killed in Commercial Rafting Accident

Tuesday, June 13

FREEMON COUNTY, Co. – A Hutchinson man died Friday after a raft he was riding in reportedly flipped in the area of Sunshine Falls on the Arkansas River. According to Fremon County Coroner Randy Keller, 47-year-old Dustin Harker died on the scene.County Undersheriff Derek... Read More.

Kansas Man Drowns in Kayak-Related Accident at Kanopolis State Lake

Tuesday, June 13

ELLSWORTH COUNTY, Kan. – Authorities are investigating the drowning of a Kansas man Sunday at Kanopolis State Lake. According to the Ellsworth County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a report of a potential kayak-related drowning Sunday just before 6:30 p.m.Ellsworth County Sheriff Murray Marston... Read More.

Kansas Officials: Medicaid Recipients Losing Coverage

Tuesday, June 13

TOPEKA, Kan. (KNS) — About 70% of Kansas Medicaid recipients who’ve had their eligibility reviewed since April have lost their coverage. The Kansas News Service reports that this spring, Kansas had one of the highest rates of taking people off Medicaid rolls.Most of the... Read More.

Kansas State Fair Offering Buy One Get One Ticket Deal on June 21st

Tuesday, June 13

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – You won't find a better deal on gate admission than the Kansas State Fair’s (KSF) $10 Buy One Get One Free ticket offer. Order on Wednesday, June 21st from 10 am to 10 pm to get this First Day of Summer... Read More.

K-State Salina Campus Getting Millions to Address Pilot Shortage

Monday, June 12

SALINA, Kan. (KNS) — Kansas State University's Aerospace and Technology Campus in Salina is receiving almost $5 million in federal funding to help address the national shortage of pilots. The money from Congress will go toward building a flight simulation center at the K-State... Read More.

Nurses, State Officials Mark New Law Improving Workplace Safety

Monday, June 12

WICHITA, Kan. (KNS) –Doctors, nurses and other medical staff joined Governor Laura Kelly last Thursday to celebrate a new law that improves workplace safety for health care workers and increases penalties against people who assault medical personnel. Kelly says that workers in medical fields... Read More.

K-State Chosen to Lead Global Animal Health Effort

Monday, June 12

By Pat Melgares, K-State News MANHATTAN, Kan. — A Kansas State University agricultural economist has been selected to lead a five-year project to develop decision-making tools and improve communication on the economic impacts of animal disease, ultimately improving the health of those animals. Dustin Pendell,... Read More.

Gov. Laura Kelly Selects DEA Administrator to Take Charge of Kansas Highway Patrol

Monday, June 12

By Tim Carpenter, Kansas Reflector TOPEKA, Kan. — A national search led Gov. Laura Kelly to nominate Friday a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration official to serve as superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol.Erik Smith, who is expected to begin KHP duties on an acting basis... Read More.

Fundraising Efforts Underway After Fire Destroys Heavily Damages Northwest Kansas High School

Monday, June 12

ATTWOOD, Kan. – Efforts are underway to support a northwest Kansas school district whose junior-senior high school was heavily damaged in a June 5th fire that has been ruled arson, including fundraising begun by one of the school's long-time rivals. St. Francis Junior-Senior High School is... Read More.