Rice County News

Severe Storm Rips through Central Kansas Causing Power Outages and Damage to Power Lines

Monday, August 7

By Lucky Kidd CENTRAL KANSAS — Cleanup continues from a Saturday night windstorm that brought gusts to around 80 miles an hour to parts of central Kansas.Some of the heaviest damage was reported in McPherson, where the strongest gusts were reported when a line of... Read More.

Four New License Plates Coming Soon, Depicting Kansas Wildlife

Monday, August 7

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Four new Kansas license plates are coming soon. The plates will help fund conservation efforts for wildlife and fish at state parks. KSNW TV reports that the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks has posted photos of the... Read More.

Kansas Will Need More Health Care Workers as Population Ages

Monday, August 7

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (KNS) — Older Kansans are going to need more health care services as their population continues to grow. One healthcare expert recently told state lawmakers that Kansas is not prepared. A third of people over 65 are expected to need long-term... Read More.

August Proclaimed National Shooting Sports Month

Friday, August 4

By Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks SHAWNEE, Kan. – The National Shooting Sports Foundation has once again announced that August is National Shooting Sports Month, and celebrating the passion millions of Americans have for target shooting is Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Department... Read More.

Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska Awarded Nearly $500K to Boost Internet Connectivity

Thursday, August 3

By Kansas Commerce TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that a $498,000 broadband grant has been awarded to the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska to enhance public Wi-Fi services at community hubs and replace outdated equipment. It will also establish a technology learning center for... Read More.

Governor Kelly Invites Public Input on Broadband Infrastructure Plan

Thursday, August 3

By Kansas Office of the Governor TOPEKA, Kan. – Governor Laura Kelly announced on Aug. 2 that the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Initial Proposal Volume 1 is available for public viewing and comment. The BEAD 5-Year Action Plan, along with Volume 1 and... Read More.

Little River Community Fund Grant Now Open for Applicants

Wednesday, August 2

Information provided by the Little River Community Fund Board of Directors LITTLE RIVER, Kan. — The 2023 Little River Community Fund Grant is now open for applications. The fund financially supports innovative projects that aim to significantly enhance the quality of life in the... Read More.

Brew 56 Now Under New Management

Wednesday, August 2

LYONS, Kan. — Brew 56 Coffee and Tap House has gone under new management as of Aug. 1. Owners Mark and Stacy Clark, along with their daughter Megan Giorgetti decided it was time to sell the business after serving the Lyons/Rice County community for... Read More.

Nominations Open for 2023 Coolest Thing Made In Kansas Contest

Wednesday, August 2

By the Kansas Manufacturing Council Topeka, KAN. - The Kansas Manufacturing Council (KMC), an affiliated program of the Kansas Chamber, is looking for the 2023 Coolest Thing Made In Kansas. Presented by FORVIS, KMC launched this competition in 2020 to promote and elevate Kansas... Read More.

Kansas EMS Association Announces 2023 KEMSA Award Winners

Wednesday, August 2

KANSAS — The Kansas EMS Association just announced the 2023 KEMSA Award Winners who will be attending the award banquet on Aug. 12., along with the Educator of the Year Zach Bieghler from Kingman EMS, who was previously shared about on July 28. 2023 KEMSA... Read More.

Kansas Population Predicted to Grow but Slowly

Wednesday, August 2

WICHITA, Kan. (KNS/KSNT) — The population of Kansas is forecast to grow more slowly in the next 50 years than previously predicted, according to a new report. A Wichita State economic research center predicted the population of Kansas will grow on average about 0.3%... Read More.

Critics Attack Evergy’s Plan to Raise Electric Rates

Wednesday, August 2

TOPEKA, Kan. (KNS/KSNT) — Critics of Evergy’s plan to hike electricity rates in Kansas warn that higher prices would put the health of elderly people in danger. Evergy says its first increase to base rates in five years is less than the inflation over... Read More.