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Sunflower Festival Returns to Colby This Weekend – Now Two Days of Fun!
Downtown Colby will be buzzing with activity this weekend as the annual Sunflower Festival takes over Fike Park on Friday, August 22, and Saturday, August 23. What started in 2018 as a grassroots idea to bring back community celebrations downtown has now grown into one of Colby’s biggest end-of-summer traditions.
Kristina Hemel
Aug 182 min read


Rock the Plains: Sweat, Dirt, and Red Dirt Country
Rock the Plains 2024 brought Texas Country and Red Dirt music back to Tuttle Creek Park in Manhattan, KS, August 8–9. Hosted at the former Country Stampede grounds, the inaugural festival featured Curtis Grimes, Kaitlyn Butts, Randy Rogers Band, Pat Green, Casey Donahew, and more. FlyOver Country 97.9’s Kristina covered the action live, sharing backstage interviews, contest winners’ experiences, and two unforgettable days of music and community.
Kristina Hemel
Aug 134 min read


🚀 Rocks and Rockets Blasts Back into Colby This Saturday! 🌌
This Saturday, August 16th, the Colby Event Center will be buzzing with curiosity, creativity, and just a little bit of rocket fuel. From 1:00 to 4:30 p.m., Rocks and Rockets returns—an out-of-this-world event for kids, parents, grandparents, and anyone who still has a bit of “kid at heart” left in them.
Kristina Hemel
Aug 122 min read


🎉 NWKS Radio’s Rock the Block – Play, Laugh, Win Big This Summer! 🎉
If summer in Northwest Kansas wasn’t exciting enough, NWKS Radio has cranked it up to party mode with Rock the Block – our interactive, laugh-out-loud, prize-packed scavenger hunt game that you can play right from your phone! It's been going on all summer but you still have time to join in the fun!
We’re talking crazy challenges, epic prizes, and a grand finale that will have the whole neighborhood talking. So… are you ready to play?
Kristina Hemel
Aug 122 min read


The Much Anticipated Perseids Meteor Shower is TONIGHT!
Hey there, NWKS Radio family! Tonight is the night to keep your eyes on the skies because the much-anticipated Perseids meteor shower is putting on its annual show—and it could be a gem for our NWKS Radio listeners. Here's your fun, friendly guide to what to expect, why it’s so special, and how to make the most of the meteor magic
Kristina Hemel
Aug 122 min read


New Ag Ed & Tech Building Opens in Colby Just in Time for School
As the school year kicks off, students in Colby have a brand-new space to explore the future of agriculture. The long-anticipated Agriculture Education and Technology Building is officially open, marking a major step forward for hands-on learning and the future of ag education in northwest Kansas.
Back in May 2024, the school district proudly announced that $1.5 million had been raised to fund the project, which includes both the new ag building and a greenhouse. This mile

Addison Stoddard
Aug 112 min read


Colby Play 315 Benefits from Dive-In Pool Party at Colby Aquatic Park
The Colby Aquatic Park wrapped up its summer season Sunday, August 10, with the annual Dive-In Pool Party — an event that brings the community together for movies, food, and fun, all for a good cause.
This year’s party raised money for Colby Play 315, an organization made up of parents, educators, and community stakeholders working to renovate the Colby Grade School playground to make it safe, accessible, and inclusive for all children. Their goal is to have the new playgr
Kristina Hemel
Aug 112 min read


A Century of Stories: Sherman Theater Celebrates 100 Years with a Yearlong Celebration
The Sherman Theater is turning 100, and we’re kicking off a full year of celebration starting Sunday, August 10! It’s hard to believe the theater has been a part of Sherman County’s history for an entire century, and now it’s time to honor that legacy with a series of events, classic films, community tours, and heartfelt nostalgia.

Addison Stoddard
Aug 112 min read


FlyOver Country 97.9 Goes Live at Rock the Plains!
Get Ready, Northwest Kansas—something big is coming! We’re thrilled to announce that FlyOver Country 97.9 is a sponsor of Rock the Plains, taking place August 8 and 9, 2025, at picturesque Tuttle Creek State Park just outside Manhattan, KS. Hosted for the first time ever, Rock the Plains brings the heart of Texas, Red Dirt, and Americana country music to the heartland.
Kristina Hemel
Aug 72 min read


🎬🌊 End of Summer Bash Returns to Colby Aquatic Park for 4th Year – Movies, Hot Dogs, and a Splash of Fun for a Great Cause! 🌭🏴☠️
NWKS Radio is making a splash one more time before summer fades into fall!
For the fourth year in a row, we’re thrilled to host our End of Summer Bash at the Colby Aquatic Park — and you're invited to join the fun! Mark your calendar for the final day the Aquatic Park will be open this season and come out for a community celebration packed with movies, food, and fun... all while supporting a fantastic cause.
Kristina Hemel
Aug 62 min read


NWKS Radio and Ludell Renew & Revitalize Present: A Drive-In Movie Under the Stars – Raiders of the Lost Ark on the Big Screen!
Get ready to rewind the clock and head back to the 80s with an unforgettable night under the stars at the Ludell School House! NWKS Radio and Ludell Renew and Revitalize are teaming up again to bring you a community favorite — the second annual Drive-In Movie Night, happening Saturday, August 9th in Ludell, Kansas.
This year’s feature? The action-packed, adventure classic RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK — and it’s playing on a HUGE LED screen you have to see to believe!
Kristina Hemel
Jul 292 min read


72nd Annual Bird City Thresher Show to Feature National Rumbly Collectors Expo
It’s almost time for one of Northwest Kansas’ most unique and beloved events—the Bird City Antique Engine and Thresher Show, celebrating its 72nd year from Thursday, July 31 through Saturday, August 2. Howard Raymond, longtime volunteer and enthusiast, joined Rollie Halligan last week on KLOE’s Good Neighbor Hour to share the excitement and history behind this incredible show.
Kristina Hemel
Jul 282 min read


Fairs and Parades Fill the Air Across Northwest Kansas
It’s officially fair season across northwest Kansas, and communities throughout the NWKS Radio listening area are buzzing with events, entertainment, and tradition. From livestock shows and parades to concerts and antique steam engines, there's something for everyone to enjoy this week and next.
Kristina Hemel
Jul 282 min read


Thomas County Fair Week Kicks Off – Volunteers Needed for Carnival Rides!
It’s officially Thomas County Fair Week, and the lights, laughter, and thrill rides are about to take over the fairgrounds in Colby. The Thomas County Amusement Association is getting ready to kick off their 22nd year of operating our very own local carnival — and they need your help to keep the magic going.
Kristina Hemel
Jul 212 min read


Changes coming to State Basketball in Kansas: Including Colby no longer hosting
The Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) is making major changes to the state basketball tournament format beginning...

Ross Volkmer
Jul 152 min read


Community Forum for USD 315 School Board Candidates Set for July 15
NWKS Radio will host and live stream a special moderated forum for the USD 315 School Board candidates on Tuesday, July 15 at 7:00 PM on the NWKS Radio Facebook page. This public event is being hosted at Pioneer Memorial Library and is a chance for voters in Colby and Thomas County to hear directly from the candidates seeking a seat on the USD 315 Board of Education.
Kristina Hemel
Jul 92 min read


WHAT'S GOING ON THE WEEK OF JULY 7TH
What’s Happening This Week on NWKS Radio (July 8–14)Your one-stop roundup for local events, community fun, and summer happenings!
Northwest Kansas is hopping with activities this week, and NWKS Radio is your guide to the good times! Whether you're a board game buff, a fan of fair food, or just looking to get out and enjoy summer, there's something for everyone.
Kristina Hemel
Jul 72 min read


Golf, Goodland & Good Neighbors: Sweet Swinger Stories with Rollie and Friends
As the sun rose on June 13, host Rollie Halligan welcomed in a lively foursome of longtime friends and golfing buddies just ahead of the annual Sweet Swinger Golf Tournament at Sugar Hills. What followed was an hour full of hometown roots, sand green nostalgia, and the kind of stories only decades of friendship can produce.
“By golly, look who’s showing up!” Rollie exclaimed as Mike Rice, Lee Sherman, and Mike Elliott gathered around the mic — later joined by Rollie’s brothe
Kristina Hemel
Jun 193 min read


🎶 BBQ, Bluegrass, and the Great Outdoors: The 5th Annual Shindig at the Smoky is Almost Here!
Get ready to unplug, unwind, and two-step your way into summer — the 5th Annual Shindig at the Smoky is happening Saturday, June 28th from 5 to 8 p.m. MT at Soldiers Memorial Park, just a short 15-mile drive south of Goodland!
Kristina Hemel
Jun 172 min read


🗓 What’s Happening This Week in Northwest Kansas? (June 16–22, 2025)
Summer is in full swing across Northwest Kansas — and whether you're home for the Colby All-School Reunion 🦅 or just soaking up some sunshine, there's something for everyone to enjoy this week!
Kristina Hemel
Jun 163 min read
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