NWKS RADIO NEWS

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a Do Not Drink Order for Qwik Fuel, LLC public water supply system located in Thomas County. The order was issued because of a failure of disinfection equipment and elevated nitrates in the PWS water.

Just before 3:30 pm on Thursday, June 11th, a 2026 Honda HRV, driven by 82-year-old Paul Eisenkramer of Coronado, California, was traveling Northbound on US 283 in Graham County, approximately 1 mile South of Hill City. Suddenly, the vehicle veered across the lanes and struck the North guardrail of a bridge.

The Prairie Museum of Art & History, The Thomas County Historical Society recently received a $10,000 grant from Sunflower Foundation through its Paving the Way – From Blazing Trails to Building Community grant and education program, which is supporting Kansas communities at various stages of public-access trail development with customized planning support, technical assistance, and peer learning opportunities.

Bert Mosier with Sherman County Community Development joined the Good Neighbor Hour to give an update on different things going on within the Sherman County Community Development organization.

Governor Laura Kelly today announced 18 Kansas communities have secured over $13.7 million in federal and state funding for airport and energy grid resilience improvement projects.

The Sherman County Commissioners met on Monday, June 8th, and talked about multiple items, including a GAC update, a couple of budget requests, as well as a new water conservation program.

This 4th of July, the United States of America will be celebrating 250 years of independence, so celebration this year is going to be incredible. But why not celebrate a little early? In Brewster, they are doing just that this weekend, June 13th and 14th, at Hunter Park.

Thunderstorms swept the region on Monday evening, June 8, bringing heavy rain, gusting winds, and plenty of lightning. During these storms, around 11 pm Central time, dispatch was called to the scene of Salem Lutheran Church in Cheyenne County, Northwest of St. Francis.

Severe thunderstorms brought large hail, damaging winds, tornado warnings, flooding concerns and heavy rain to northwest Kansas and eastern Colorado Monday night. Hail up to 2 inches was reported, along with wind gusts nearing 70 mph. Storms impacted Goodland, St. Francis, Colby, Brewster, Wheeler and surrounding communities. More severe weather is possible again today across the NWKS Radio listening area.

After Monday's active weather, we're not done yet. Another round of strong to severe thunderstorms is possible this afternoon and evening across the region. While hail and an isolated tornado can't be ruled out, the primary concern today, June 9, 2026, will be damaging winds.

Jessica McCoy with the Brewster Public School system joined the Good Neighbor Hour to discuss things going on within the school district. The most important item she mentioned included Brewster separating themselves from the Winona-Tri Plains cooperative, as well as some upcoming programs they're adding for the next school year and other important items.

The Kansas Sports Hall of Fame has announced their 2026 class to be inducted at multiple times at lots of different events. One of these future inductees, Tracy Rietzke, originates from the Northwest part of Kansas in Smith Center.