Rice County News

Four Injured in Area Christmas Eve, Day Crashes

Friday, December 26

(December 25, 2025) — Four area residents were injured in Christmas Eve and Christmas Day crashes. Curtis Moss of Lindsborg was taken to a Wichita hospital with reported minor injuries after his motorcycle, which was northbound in the left lane of I-135 near First Street... Read More.

Fifteen Rural Economic Development Grant Recipients Announced

Friday, December 26

TOPEKA, Kan. (December 24, 2025) — Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the Office of Rural Prosperity at the Department of Commerce has awarded $337,833 in Strategic Economic Expansion and Development (SEED) grants, supporting 15 quality-of-life projects across Kansas. The... Read More.

The Grinch Comes to the Cosmosphere to Spread Holiday Spirit

Tuesday, December 23

Teenagers, adults, and children from all around come to see The Grinch this time of year. Seeing Santa is a tradition in many families, but it’s a special treat to see The Grinch as well. Whether someone is on the naughty or nice list,... Read More.

Gov. Kelly and Kansas City Chiefs Announce Agreement On Plans for State-of-the-Art Domed Stadium in Kansas

Monday, December 22

New stadium and mixed-use entertainment project is expected to create 20,000 jobs and generate more than $4 billion in economic impact for state TOPEKA, Kan. — Gov. Laura Kelly and the Kansas City Chiefs today announced that an agreement has been reached to build a... Read More.

K-State Community Health Expert Highlights Extension’s Work to Reduce Chronic Illness in Kansas

Monday, December 22

Hypertension, diabetes, cancer are among leading causes of illness and death MANHATTAN, Kan. — Chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes and cancer are placing increasing demands on Kansans, and Kansas State University Extension professionals are stepping in to help residents manage those conditions through education,... Read More.

Kansas Forest Service Official Urges Proper Extinguisher Use, Training

Monday, December 22

Williams says fire department should still be called in most instances MANHATTAN, Kan. — As the holiday season brings decorated homes, busy kitchens and cold-weather equipment use, a Kansas Forest Service official is urging residents and producers to take a closer look at fire... Read More.

School Bus Heading to Little River Involved in Crash Near Salina

Saturday, December 20

SALINA, Kan. — A bus carrying members of the Wakefield High School basketball teams to games Friday night in Little River was involved in a crash near Salina while en-route. The crash occurred just after 3:30 p.m. near the I-70/135 interchange where the USD 379... Read More.

Chief Justice Marla Luckert to Step Back From Role

Friday, December 19

TOPEKA, Kan. — Chief Justice Marla Luckert will resign from the office of chief justice on January 2, but she will remain as a justice on the Supreme Court until she retires on a date to be announced. The Kansas Constitution includes a provision that... Read More.

Potato…Po-tah-to: Knowing the Variety Makes a Difference in How You Cook Versatile Vegetable

Friday, December 19

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas State University food scientist Karen Blakeslee says that even though two potato varieties may seem the same, there can be a big difference in how each makes it to the dinner table. She said starch and moisture content determine the best... Read More.

KBI Investigating Officer-Involved Shooting in Leavenworth

Thursday, December 18

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Thursday afternoon in Leavenworth, Kansas. On Dec. 18, at approximately 4:10 p.m., the Leavenworth Police Department requested KBI assistance. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to investigate. At around... Read More.

Aerial Fire Attack Grounded Thursday, December 18

Thursday, December 18

The high winds are also hampering part of the wildfire response. The Kansas Forest Service said their firefighting aircraft are grounded today due to the high winds, which can make flying unsafe for pilots and reduce effectiveness of water drops. Because of this, firefighters... Read More.

Lyons City Council Receives Update on Wastewater Treatment Plant Project

Tuesday, December 16

LYONS, Kan. — The Lyons City Council received an update during Monday's meeting on the Wastewater Treatment Plant project. Thaniel Monaco from BG Consultants said they are encountering delays in the geotechnical report and transfer processes. He also reviewed two options for the wet... Read More.