NWKS RADIO NEWS

The State of Kansas ends May 2026 with total tax collections at $703.8 million. That is $42.5 million, or 6.4%, above the estimate. Total tax collections were up 7.0% from May 2025.

Just before 1 pm Central time on Saturday, May 30th, near the intersection of US Highway 83 and US Highway 24 in Thomas County, a 2016 Dodge Ram 1500, driven by 54-year-old Julio Rodriguez-Sanchez of Lexington, Nebraska, failed to yield the right of way, causing a 2018 Nissan Versa, driven by 86-year-old Virginia Bieker of Hoxie, Kansas, to run into the trailer the Dodge Ram was hauling.

It's time for another legislative update, this time with Speaker of the House Daniel Hawkins! NWKS Radio News Director Lucas Kenney joined Hawkins on a Zoom call to discuss matters regarding the Kansas Government during an election year, property tax relief that failed to pass, and educational tax credits.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of McDonald public water supply system located in Rawlins County. The advisory was issued because of a positive bacteriological sample.

On Friday, May 29th, around 8:30 pm Central time, a 2014 Harley Davidson Motorcycle, driven by 39-year-old Thomas Redinger of Pueblo, Colorado, was traveling Eastbound on I-70 in Gove County. Around mile marker 80, Redinger made contact with a deer crossing the road.

Harvest for Kids Casino Night returns to Colby on Saturday, May 30, at City Limits Convention Center. The fundraiser for the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center features a supper buffet, live auction, blackjack, Texas Hold 'Em, craps, roulette, and more. Doors open at 5 p.m. with gaming from 7 to 10 p.m. NWKS Radio's Joel Navarro will serve as emcee for the evening.

Kansas State High School Activities Association State Track and Field for all Kansas schools continues today and again tomorrow at Wichita State University Stadium. It's hot and humid but fans are cheering on their favorite athletes!

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has announced the recipients of the Regional Partnerships Grant Program (RPGP) and Rural Emergency Hospital Conversion/Transformative Capital Investment Program (REH/CAP) grants through the Kansas Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).

The Kansas Department of Transportation has announced approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place on May 20th in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

Pioneer Memorial Library in Colby kicked off its 2026 Summer Learning Program Thursday with games, activities, family fun, and registration for the “Unearth a Story” summer challenge. Families packed the library throughout the day as kids celebrated the start of summer vacation. The library has a full summer schedule planned for all ages including storytimes, youth activities, book clubs, and educational programs.

Runza is getting ready to open in Colby at 615 W. Willow, becoming only the second Runza location in Kansas. The Nebraska-based restaurant hosted staff training Thursday ahead of its expected mid-week opening next week. Known for its famous Runza sandwiches, burgers, fries, and onion rings, the popular Midwest chain is already creating excitement across northwest Kansas.

The month of May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, and while the month is almost over, mental health struggles almost never stop. Some people go above and beyond in their advocacy for Mental Health Awareness, so to celebrate this, the Kansas Farm Bureau is once again selecting winners for the Rural Minds Matter Advocate of the Year and the Young Advocate of the Year.