Rice County News

KCC Schedules Public Hearings on Evergy’s Request for Rate Hike

Monday, May 22

TOPEKA, Kan. (KPR) – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has scheduled three public hearings in July to give Evergy customers an opportunity to learn more about the company’s recent rate increase request and to make comments before the Commission. Evergy is requesting a rate... Read More.

Kansas Jobless Rate Holds at 2.9% in April, Unchanged Since November

Friday, May 19

By Tim Carpenter, Kansas Reflector TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas unemployment rate remained at 2.9% in April despite a hiring uptick of 300 in government positions and decline of 500 people holding private-sector jobs.The Kansas Department of Labor and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics... Read More.

Fun for the Whole Family, It’s Rodeo Weekend in Abbyville

Thursday, May 18

ABBYVILLE, Kan. – For a weekend every May, Abbyville transforms into the host for one of the premier small rodeos in the country. The 60th Abbyville Frontier Days and PRCA Rodeo take place this Friday and Saturday, May 19th and 20th.“It’s a family-oriented rodeo,”... Read More.

A Portion of 69th Ave in Northwest Reno County to Close for Bridge Replacement

Thursday, May 18

RENO COUNTY, Kan. – According to Reno County Public Works, 69th Avenue between Yaggy Road and Wilson Road will be closed to all-through traffic beginning Monday, May 22, 2023, for bridge replacement.The road will remain closed until further notice.

Kansas Board of Regents Contemplates 5% to 7% Tuition Hikes at Public State Universities

Thursday, May 18

By Tim Carpenter, Kansas Reflector TOPEKA, Kan. — The state’s six public universities recommended Wednesday the Kansas Board of Regents authorize tuition increases ranging from 5% to 7% in the upcoming school year to counter inflationary pressure and limited success with requests for new funding... Read More.

Kansas Governor Signs K-12 Education Bill, Strikes Portion Slicing State Aid to Rural Schools

Thursday, May 18

By Rachel Mipro, Kansas Reflector TOPEKA, Kan. — Gov. Laura Kelly struck down a K-12 budget bill provision that would have decreased funding to more than one-third of Kansas public schools, calling the provision potentially “devastating” for rural communities.“This provision pulls the rug out from... Read More.

K-State Breaks Ground on Agronomy Research and Innovation Center

Wednesday, May 17

By Pat Melgares, K-State Research and Extension MANHATTAN, Kan. - Hailing the occasion as “a significant milestone for Kansas StateUniversity and the entire agriculture industry in Kansas,” Gov. Laura Kelly joined state and national officials in a symbolic groundbreaking for the university’s Agronomy Research and... Read More.

Lyons to Soon be Home to the World’s Largest Saltshaker

Wednesday, May 17

LYONS, Kan. – The City of Lyons will soon lay claim to having the world's largest saltshaker. Last week the city was awarded a $14 thousand grant by Kansas Tourism for the project, which will be placed on a vacant lot at the southeast... Read More.

Nickerson-South Hutchinson, Pretty Prairie Voters Approve Bond Proposals

Wednesday, May 17

RENO COUNTY, Kan. – Voters in two Reno County school districts gave approval to bond proposals Tuesday. Unofficial results in Nickerson-South Hutchinson USD 309 indicated that their $7.6 million bond issue passed with 381 votes in favor to 301 against. Pretty Prairie USD 311... Read More.

Wheat Tour 2023 – Day 1

Wednesday, May 17

KANSAS - Approximately 106 people from 22 U.S. states plus Mexico, Canada and Colombia, traveled in 27 cars on six routes between Manhattan and Colby, Kan., Tuesday, stopping at wheat fields every 15-20 miles along the routes, as part of the Wheat Quality Council’s... Read More.

42.3 Million Americans Expected to Travel for Memorial Day Weekend

Wednesday, May 17

By Axia Diaz, AAA News WASHINGTON, DC (May 15, 2023) AAA projects 42.3 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this Memorial Day weekend*, a 7% increase over 2022. This year, 2.7 million more people will travel for the unofficial start of... Read More.

Kansas Honor Flight Car Show Coming Up in June

Wednesday, May 17

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The 4th Annual Kansas Honor Flight Car Show in Hutchinson is June 24, 2023, 5-8 PM at Midway Motors 1200 E 30th Ave. Proceeds will help send to Kansas WWII, Korea and Vietnam Era Veterans on a 3-day trip to Washington DC to see their... Read More.