NWKS Radio wrapped up the 2026 pool season with its Ultimate Pool Party at the Colby Aquatic Park on August 8. More than 280 people enjoyed night swimming, games, the popular Dad Cannonball Contest, a flamingo race benefiting Play 315, food, music, and prizes. The community fundraiser raised money for Colby's inclusive playground project while giving families one final splash before the pool closed for the season.

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Nex-Tech provided employees with resources, education, and opportunities to focus on mental well-being.

The Kansas State Department of Education announces the participation of all Kansas school districts and many private schools in the National School Lunch and/or School Breakfast Program. Local school officials have adopted the following household income guidelines for determining eligibility for Child Nutrition Program benefits:

The Kansas Department of Children and Families has announced over $1 million in grants to 10 Kansas agencies who's main focus is family resources. One of those entities to receive funding was Livewell Northwest Kansas, receiving $125,000 to serve many of the local Norwest Kansas counties.

In recognition of the important role farmers’ markets play in Kansas communities, Governor Laura Kelly proclaimed August as Kansas Farmers’ Market Month. In addition, August 2-8 was also recognized as Kansas Farmers’ Market Week.

Many people in the local area took to the polls on Tuesday, August 4th, for the State of Kansas Primary Election, voting for local government, political party candidates for many positions, as well as a constitutional amendment.

During the Goodland city commission meeting on Monday, August 3rd, a new resolution was passed which is putting the City of Goodland under a Water Watch.

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place on July 22 in Topeka.

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) has received approval from the U.S. Department of Education to pilot a new approach to statewide assessment and accountability through the Innovative Assessment Demonstration Authority (IADA). Kansas is one of only seven states approved to participate in IADA since the program began in 2018.

The 2026 Northwest Kansas District Free Fair is underway after a great parade and carnival opening in Goodland. See this year's parade winners, check out photos on the NWKS Radio Facebook page, and find out what's happening all week, including the free BBQ, Big Air Freestyle Show, drone show, ranch rodeo, demolition derby, carnival, live music, food, and more.

Free Food! The tradition continues with the Thomas County Fair! Wednesday night, July 29th, the Thomas County Fair Board along with sponsors hosted the ever popular Free Fair BBQ. BBQ Sandwiches, chips, watermelon, yogurt, and water were on the menu. Lots of faces came out to enjoy the evening and the great free food before heading into the grandstand event or the carnival. Then this morning, Thomas County Community Foundation hosted their Free Breakfast event at the Thom

NWKS Radio helped kick off the 2026 Thomas County Fair by emceeing, livestreaming, and joining the annual Thomas County Fair Parade in downtown Colby. This year's "Double Down at the Thomas County Fair" theme brought 65 parade entries, community spirit, and plenty of fun to fair week. See parade winners, photos, and learn more about the festivities happening throughout the fair.

The Sunflower Summer Program, a tourist friendly program designed to get Kansas students and their parents/guardians exploring many museums and attractions throughout the sunflower state, will be extending for another week, ending on Saturday, August 8th.

During the latest legislative session for the State of Kansas, House Bill 2299 was passed, which banned the use of cell phones and personal use electronics in schools. Many school districts have already implemented new policies to adhere to the new legislation, one of which is Colby Public Schools, USD 315.

For the second year in a row, NWKS Radio has a station that has been awarded Station of the Year by the Kansas Association of Broadcasters. KLOE FM has been awarded the amazing honor this year, as well as many other NWKS Radio staff members winning individual awards.

Explore what's happening across northwest Kansas this week! The Thomas County Fair, Wallace County Fair, Bird City Tri-State Antique Engine & Thresher Show, Northwest Kansas District Free Fair, Kit Carson County Fair, concerts, rodeos, races, parades, markets, and family events are all on tap. Find highlights and where to be for one of the biggest weeks of the summer in the NWKS Radio listening area.

The American Red Cross has declared only the second national blood supply crisis in its history after blood donations fell to a four-year summer low, deepening an emergency shortage that threatens the availability of lifesaving blood for patients across the country.

The Union Pacific Railroad has announced the travel schedule for their historic "Big Boy" 4014 Steam Locomotive. This train will be making it's way through the area over the next few days, traveling through the likes of Wallace, Logan, and Gove County.

With budget season upon us, local counties are gearing up for their public hearings regarding the budget, Revenue Neutral Rate, and mill levy's. Below is a list of all the local Northwest Kansas counties, the date and location of their hearing, and who to contact for more information. This list will update as more dates get set.

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced 92 Kansas Arts Commission (KAC) grant awards for arts and cultural initiatives across 43 communities in 34 counties in Kansas. The funding reinforces the Commission’s role as a catalyst for economic development and community vitality through arts and culture.