Rice County News

State of Kansas August Total Tax Collections at $692.3 Million; 3.9% Above Estimate

Thursday, September 4

TOPEKA, Kan. — The State of Kansas ends August 2025 with total tax collections at $692.3 million. That is $26.2 million, or 3.9%, above the estimate. Total tax collections were up 4.0% from August 2024. “This month’s stronger-than-expected tax collections highlight the strength of Kansas’... Read More.

Are You Prepared for the Kansas State Fair?

Wednesday, September 3

The Kansas State Fair starts Friday, Sept. 5! Prepare for your fair trip by following the steps below. Buy Your Gate Tickets in Advance Save 30% today when you buy tickets online, at your local Dillons, or at the ticket office. Offer valid... Read More.

Lyons City Council Accepts $6.5M Loan for Wastewater Treatment Plant Project

Tuesday, September 2

LYONS, Kan. — The Lyons City Council Tuesday evening approved an ordinance accepting a $6.5 million low interest loan from the State Revolving Fund for the Wastewater Treatment Plant repair and upgrade project. The loan will be repaid over 20 years, with an average... Read More.

Central Kansas Hits Record Rainfall this Summer, Temperatures Stay Average

Tuesday, September 2

To say it was a wet summer in mid-Kansas was, for the most part, an understatement.Parts of McPherson, Marion and Rice counties saw rainfall for June through August, considered meteorological summer, in excess of 20 inches, with the largest amount in the area recorded... Read More.

Governor Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Kansas City, Kansas Police Officer Hunter Simoncic

Tuesday, September 2

TOPEKA, Kan. — In accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly on Tuesday directed flags be flown at half-staff on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities from sunup to sundown on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, in honor of Kansas City, Kansas Police Officer... Read More.

Evergy Encourages Customers to be Prepared During National Preparedness Month

Tuesday, September 2

KANSAS, Mo. (September 2, 2025) — September is National Preparedness Month. Evergy encourages customers to prepare themselves, their families and their homes for the change in seasons.Customer preparationDownload Evergy’s mobile app to easily report and track outages. The app is available for download... Read More.

Walker Named Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at Sterling College

Monday, September 1

STERLING, Kan. (August 20, 2025) — Sterling College has named Dr. John Walker as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. In this role, Walker will serve as the senior academic officer of the College and a member of the President’s Cabinet. He... Read More.

Kansas School Districts Facing Over $11 Million in Medicaid Reimbursements

Friday, August 29

Seventy percent of Kansas' public school districts will have to repay some $11.2 million in overpayments from Medicaid. Kansas Secretary of Health and Environment Janet Stanek told a legislative budget committee Tuesday the payments amount to 4.4 percent of what was paid out in... Read More.

Kansas Highway Patrol Stresses Safety for Labor Day Holiday

Friday, August 29

The Kansas Highway Patrol encourages everyone to plan for a safe Labor Day Weekend. Excessive speed, inattention, and impaired driving are leading causes of traffic crashes. Troopers will be on the roadways enforcing Kansas laws, and available to assist motorists.The Patrol is participating in... Read More.

Kansas State Parks Propose Fee Hikes to Cover Parks Cost

Thursday, August 28

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is proposing significant increases in state park fees. KDWP officials say the increases are needed to cover park costs that have gone up nearly 45 percent since 2016, and Parks Director Conner O'Flannagan said they are necessary... Read More.

Governor Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Staff to Honor the Victims of Minneapolis, Minnesota Shooting

Thursday, August 28

TOPEKA, Kan. — Today, in honor of the victims of the Minneapolis, Minnesota shooting at Annunciation Catholic School, Governor Laura Kelly, in accordance with Executive Order #20-30, directed flags throughout the State of Kansas be lowered to half-staff effective immediately until sundown on Sunday,... Read More.

New Foods Featured for 2025 Kansas State Fair

Wednesday, August 27

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair starts next Friday! Many Fair Food Favorites will be returning as well as several new items. New Foods Featured:Truffle Burger — The Beer Garden Fried Pies — Little B’s Fried Pies Blackened Shrimp — MidState Cookers Fried... Read More.