Rice County News

Award-Winning Christian Artists Perform at Kansas State Fair September 13

Tuesday, April 4

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - Renowned Christian artist and songwriter Matthew West will perform at the Kansas State Fair on Wednesday, September 13. He’ll be joined by up-and-coming Christian artist Anne Wilson. Matthew West is a prolific artist, scoring 25 number-one hits. He’s a five-time Grammy... Read More.

Smoky Valley Teacher Finalist for Kansas Teacher of the Year

Sunday, April 2

LINDSBORG, Kan. - Gretchen Elliott, an art teacher at Smoky Valley High School, and Erin Pittenger, an elementary teacher at St. George Elementary School were named Region 1 finalists for the 2024 Kansas Teacher of the Year award program during a ceremony Saturday, April... Read More.

March Classroom Hero Recipient Betsy Dutton Comes from a Family of Teachers

Friday, March 31

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Ad Astra Radio is proud to announce the most recent recipient of the Classroom Hero Award presented by Heartland Credit Union.Betsy Dutton teaches Speech, Debate/Forensics, and Theatre at Sterling High School. She is retiring this year after 41 years in education,... Read More.

Extended Drought Leads to Waning Optimism on Potential of Kansas Wheat Crop

Friday, March 31

Written by Marsha Boswell, Kansas Wheat MANHATTAN, Kan. - Wheat farmers are, by nature, optimistic, but that optimism is starting to wane in southwest Kansas, where much of the wheat that was drilled last fall has yet to emerge.Only 19% of the Kansas wheat crop... Read More.

Kansas Senate Advances Bill Making It Easier to Get Religious Exemptions from Vaccine Requirements

Friday, March 31

TOPEKA, Kan. (KNS) - The Kansas Senate has approved a bill making it easier to get a religious exemption from vaccine requirements. The bill makes it harder for childcare facilities, schools and employers to require vaccinations because it would be easier to get an... Read More.

Kansas Lawmakers Approve Bill Requiring Medical Care for Infants Who Survive Abortion Procedure

Friday, March 31

TOPEKA, Kan. (KNS) - Kansas lawmakers have passed a bill requiring doctors to provide medical care to infants born alive following an attempted abortion. Those births are rare, but sometimes occur after late-term abortions.Critics say the bill could force doctors to take infants who... Read More.

Governor Issues Declaration of Disaster Emergency Due to Threat of Wildland Fires

Friday, March 31

TOPEKA, Kan. (KPR) - Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has issued a declaration of disaster emergency due to the potential for wildland fires and severe storms in the state. Friday's verbal declaration will allow the state to preposition assets for a quicker response to any... Read More.

Reno County Fire Crews Responded Thursday to a Grass Fire Northwest of Abbyville

Friday, March 31

RENO COUNTY, Kan. – Fire Crews responded Thursday afternoon to a small grass fire in western Reno County. A 911 call was made shortly before 2 p.m. Thursday to report a small 10x10 fire in the north ditch in the area of US-50 and... Read More.

Kansas Senate Approves Adoption Tax Credit

Wednesday, March 29

TOPEKA, Kan. (KNS) - The Kansas Senate has given initial approval to a bill increasing state tax credits for adoption. Under the measure, those who adopt children would get almost $15,000 per child.The Senate also made the tax credit refundable. That means parents eligible... Read More.

Kansas House Votes to Prohibit Bans on Plastic Bags, Straws

Wednesday, March 29

TOPEKA, Kan. (KNS) - The Kansas House has voted to prohibit local governments from banning single-use plastics, like plastic bags and straws. But the bill fell short of a veto-proof majority and may not survive. Democratic Governor Laura Kelly vetoed a similar measure last... Read More.

Kansas Medicaid Patients Struggle to Obtain Medical Equipment

Wednesday, March 29

TOPEKA, Kan. (KNS) - Medical equipment - like wheelchairs, walkers or bath chairs - can make a big difference in the quality of life for people with disabilities. But Kansans who are on Medicaid often face red tape and that can cut them off... Read More.

Lyons High School Students Exchange Cultural Experience with Students from Spain

Monday, March 27

LYONS, Kan. – Approximately two dozen Lyons High School students and sponsors traveled to Spain during Spring Break where they stayed with host families. Students participated in school activities with their peers at the host school and toured historical and cultural sites.This past week,... Read More.