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.

A new road project is starting in Colby, and starting Thursday, July 16th, traffic will only be Northbound on Country Club Drive. This closure will start at Hill Street and continue on.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Wallace public water supply system located in Wallace County. The advisory was issued because of a loss of pressure in the distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Kirwin public water supply system located in Phillips County.

**SEO Description (500 characters or less):** NWKS Radio's annual signed guitar auction during the Collin Raye and Walker Montgomery concert raised $2,000 for veterans charities. The winning bidder from WaKeeney donated the proceeds to Wounded Warriors, Honor Flight, and American Legion Post 173 in memory of family members who served in the military. The annual concert tradition continues to make a lasting impact across Northwest Kansas.

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.

2026 County Fair Times for NWKS Radio Listening area

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has released the 2025 Kansas Crime Index Report. The report compiles crime statistics reported to the KBI by state and local law enforcement agencies throughout Kansas.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Kirwin public water supply system located in Phillips County.

More moisture has arrived in the area over the last few weeks, but much of the area is still under some sort of drought status. The National Weather Service Office has provided recent information regarding the drought status of all the counties in their coverage area.