Rice County News

Consumer Alert: Recent Storm Damage Could Attract Unregistered Contractors

Thursday, September 4

TOPEKA, Kan. (September 4, 2025) — Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach is urging Kansas residents to use caution to avoid scams by unregistered contractors following storm damage sustained recently in Kansas. Storms last night produced hail in Harvey and Coffee counties, and in the... Read More.

Kansas State Fair Board Meets for Final Time Before the Fair

Thursday, September 4

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (September 4, 2025) - The Kansas State Fair Board met this afternoon for their orientation meeting to finalize preparations for the Kansas State Fair. One of the key points throughout the meeting was security for the fair. Lieutenant Dave Golden of the... Read More.

Kansas Wheat Test Weight and Protein Down from 2024

Thursday, September 4

Preliminary data for the 2025 Kansas winter wheat crop show an average test weight of 59.9 pounds per bushel. This compares to 60.7 pounds per bushel for the 2024 crop and an average of 60.7 pounds per bushel for the 2015 through 2024 crops.... Read More.

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.