By Jim Misunas
jmisunas@gbtribune.com

STERLING — Two Rice County residents were killed Monday morning in a two-vehicle accident in Rice County that was caused by an icy roadway. The accident occurred at 7:29 a.m. Monday on K-14 just north of the Sterling city limits.
According to the Rice County Sheriff’s Department, Virginia D. Larkin of Lyons was operating a 2000 Grand Am northbound on K-14. The vehicle crossed the center line for an undetermined reason and struck a 2001 Chevrolet S-10 truck driven southbound operated by 75-year-old Laverne H. Barnes of Sterling, according to deputies.
Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene and icy roads were listed as a factor in the accident, according to Rice County Undersheriff Cody Goforth. Overnight snow was followed by early-morning sleet in Rice County. 
An 8-year-old child, Brianna D. Larkin of Lyons was transported to the Lyons District Hospital with injuries. She was transferred to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita for treatment of a broken leg. The drivers and the passenger were reported to be wearing seatbelts by the Highway Patrol. The Kansas Highway Patrol Critical Accident Response Team is investigating the accident.
Responding to the accident were Rice County EMS, the Sterling Fire Department, Rice County Rescue, Rice County Sheriff, Kansas Highway Patrol and Sterling Police.