Rice County News

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.

Kansas Legislature Looks for Compromise on Tax Cuts

Monday, March 27

TOPEKA, Kan. (KNS) - Kansas lawmakers are looking for a compromise on how much to cut taxes. The Republican-led House will vote on a bill this week that’s closer to what Democratic Governor Laura Kelly wants than to the package of tax-cut measures passed... Read More.

Kansas House Passes Education Budget, Without Special Ed Funding

Friday, March 24

TOPEKA, Kan. (KNS) – The Kansas House approved an education budget plan Thursday that funds public schools without increasing special education spending next year. Democrats had attempted to add nearly $600 million of special needs funding to the bill. But lawmakers voted down the... Read More.

Longtime Sterling High School Theatre Director Preparing for Final Show this Weekend

Thursday, March 23

STERLING, Kan. – This weekend's Sterling High School Theatre Spring Play, The Miracle Worker, will cap the career of the school's long-time theatre director. Besty Dutton is retiring after 43 years on the Sterling High School Faculty at the end of this school year. The Miracle Worker will... Read More.