Rice County News

AAA: What a Difference a Year Makes

Monday, June 26

By Andrew Gross, AAA News WASHINGTON, D.C. — The start of summer is nearly here, and drivers are finding prices far lower than last year. Lackluster demand and low oil costs are keeping gas prices relatively stable. The national average for a gallon of gas... Read More.

Kansas Medical Workforce in Crisis as Worker Shortage Persists

Friday, June 23

TOPEKA, Kan. (KNS) – Kansas hospitals are experiencing the highest turnover and job vacancy rates in a decade. The Kansas Hospital Association compiled its annual report with data from 109 hospitals across the state. Some of the highest vacancy rates reported were for nurses,... Read More.

City of Lyons Addressing Tall Weed and Grass Issues

Thursday, June 22

LYONS, Kan. – The City of Lyons is preparing to take action on tall weed and grass issues. Interim City Administrator Howard Partington told the Lyons City Council this week that letters regarding those issues began to go out last week.Due to staffing issues... Read More.

Governor Kelly Appoints Calvin Reed as Secretary of Transportation

Thursday, June 22

TOPEKA, Kan. – Governor Laura Kelly Wednesday announced that she has appointed Calvin Reed as Secretary of the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT). Reed has served as acting secretary since the departure of former Secretary of Transportation Julie Lorenz in December 2022.“Calvin Reed has... Read More.

New Report Estimates $1.3 Million Overpaid by Kansas Medicaid

Thursday, June 22

By Sam Bailey, Kansas Reflector TOPEKA, Kan. — A new Medicaid report finds more than $1.3 million may have been overpaid to managed care organizations due to slow information provision, causing Kansas Medicaid programs to pay members after they left the state.The attorney general’s office... Read More.

KDOT Launches Drive To Zero Crash Data Dashboard

Thursday, June 22

TOPEKA, Kan. – On behalf of the Drive To Zero Coalition, the Kansas Department of Transportation introduces the newest tool to empower transportation safety professionals, local agencies, and the public in making data-informed and safety-conscious decisions. The Drive To Zero Dashboard is an interactive... Read More.

K-State Selects Locations for 2023-2024 Community Visits, Celebrates First Year of Success Across the State

Thursday, June 22

MANHATTAN, Kan. — K-State continues traveling the state. Kansas State University is gearing up for the second year of presidential community visits across Kansas. The regional community visit initiative focuses on the people of Kansas and their communities. K-State is visiting multiple communities... Read More.

Lyons City Council Hears Update on Planned World’s Largest Salt Shaker

Wednesday, June 21

LYONS, Kan. – The Lyons Council Tuesday heard an update from Community Development Coordinator Alicia Hommon and Rice County Community Foundation executive director Karly Frederick on the project that will bring the world's largest salt shaker to Lyons. Hommon and Frederick said that they... Read More.

UPDATE: Investigation of Letters with Suspicious White Powder

Wednesday, June 21

TOPEKA, Kan. – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) announced that the investigation into around 100 suspicious letters sent to legislators and public officials has now expanded beyond Kansas, so the FBI will now be the agency leading the investigation.The KBI will continue to... Read More.

Kansas Firefighters Receive $16.8 million from Kansas Insurance Department

Tuesday, June 20

TOPEKA, Kan. – Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, today, announced, that the Kansas Insurance Department has made its annual distribution to local Firefighter Relief Associations (FRAs). Pursuant to the Kansas Firefighters Relief Act, $16,863,037.79 has been distributed among 554 local FRAs throughout the state.“Firefighters... Read More.

A Section of 95th Ave in Northwest Reno County to be Closed This Week

Monday, June 19

RENO COUNTY, Kan. – 95th Avenue between Jordan Springs Road and Sylvia Road, will be closed to all through traffic beginning, Monday, June 19th through Thursday, June 22nd, 2023.The closure is for crossroad pipe replacement.

Event will Honor Rep. Bob Bethell, Display K-14 Sign in His Name

Monday, June 19

STERLING, Kan. - A gathering to honor the late state Rep. Bob Bethell – who represented Rice County and parts of Reno and Barton counties – will be held Saturday, July 1, in Sterling.The ceremony will include one of the new K-14 memorial interchange... Read More.