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Willow Estates Ribbon Cutting Celebrates Major Step Forward in Colby Housing
A strong crowd gathered on Monday morning in Colby to officially cut the ribbon on Willow Estates, an 18-unit duplex development designed to help meet the growing housing demand in the community. Located just behind Jimmy John’s on Sewell Avenue, the new neighborhood includes both 2- and 3-bedroom income-based units and was celebrated as a much-needed investment in the city’s future.
Kristina Hemel
Aug 44 min read


Melvin Crow Aims High: Goodland Shooting Sports Program Booms Under Local Coach’s Leadership
Coach, trainer, organizer, and guide, Crow wears more hats than most folks own. He leads college, high school, and 4-H shooting sports programs; trains hunting dogs; runs a dog training business; and still finds time to guide hunts across the region. If you’ve heard clay targets shatter in northwest Kansas, there’s a good chance Melvin had something to do with it.
Kristina Hemel
Jun 194 min read


Follow-Up: Fire North of Gem Contained Thanks to Fast Response from Fire Crews and Local Farmers
NWKS Radio first reported on the brush fire north of Gem, Kansas, on the evening of June 16 after multiple lightning strikes were seen in the area and reports of a fire came in around 9:50 PM. The fire, located at the intersection of County Road 30 and County Road CC in northeast Thomas County, was quickly responded to by multiple fire departments and local farmers.
Kristina Hemel
Jun 172 min read


Cruisin’ Down Memory Lane: Celebrating 20 Years of the Tri-County Cruisers in Oakley!
Get your engines revved and your spirit of adventure ready—Oakley is about to host a historic and heart-pumping celebration! Paul Heskett recently sat down with Alan Suter of the Tri-County Cruisers to chat about the 20th Anniversary Cruise-In-and-Car Show, and here’s the inside scoop on the festivities!
Kristina Hemel
Jun 122 min read


Celebrating Community at the Colby/Thomas County Chamber Annual Banquet
The City Limits Convention Center was buzzing with pride and appreciation today as the Colby/Thomas County Chamber of Commerce held its annual banquet — this year in the form of a lively and well-attended luncheon. From honoring outstanding individuals to reflecting on a year of business milestones, it was a celebration of the spirit, success, and service that makes Colby shine.
Kristina Hemel
Jun 112 min read


Sweet Skies Tonight: Catch the Strawberry Moon Over the NWKS Radio Listening Area 🍓🌕
Get ready to look up, NWKS Radio listeners — tonight, Tuesday, June 10, 2025, the Strawberry Moon will rise, and it’s going to be a beauty!
Kristina Hemel
Jun 102 min read


Party in the Park Returns to Russell Springs – June 14th!
It’s that time of year again! The Butterfield Trail Museum’s Party in the Park is back in Russell Springs, Kansas on Saturday, June 14th, promising a full day of fun, food, music, and community spirit — all to support one of the region’s most treasured historical landmarks.
Kristina Hemel
Jun 103 min read


Sherman County Summer Fun: Live Music, Movies, BBQ & More!
There’s no shortage of things to do this month in Sherman County! Jessica from Sherman County Community Development joined Kristina on NWKS Radio this week to highlight a packed schedule of fun, family-friendly events you’ll want to get on your calendar.
Kristina Hemel
Jun 102 min read


Kansas Governor Laura Kelly Proclaims June 2025 as Dairy Month at McCarty Family Farms
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly officially proclaimed June 2025 as Dairy Month in the State of Kansas during a special event held at McCarty Family Farms along Highway 83 near Rexford...Kansas is currently one of the fastest-growing dairy states in the nation, home to more than 180,000 dairy cows on over 130 family-operated farms. Together, they produce more than 4 billion pounds of milk each year. These farms don’t just nourish Kansas—they feed the nation and the world
Kristina Hemel
Jun 52 min read


Sheridan County launches LOVE Kansas campaign to Showcase Rural Opportunities
Sheridan County Economic Development is proud to announce the official launch of LOVE Kansas — a statewide initiative designed to spotlight the opportunities, talent, and stories that make rural Kansas a special place to live, work, and thrive.
The Sheridan County LOVE Kansas kickoff will take place during the Sunshine and Shenanigans 5K hosted by AmberMed-Restore Therapy. Attendees will be invited to enjoy cookies and write welcome letters as part of the LOVE Kansas campa
Kristina Hemel
Jun 52 min read


NWKS Radio Launches “Rock the Block” Summer Game & Giveaway
Rock the Block started June 1 with over 50 players signed up the first day! NWKS Radio invites you to join the ultimate summer giveaway game through the Eventzee app. From June 1 through August 31, players can complete photo, trivia, and location-based challenges to earn points and compete for amazing prizes — including the chance to throw the party of the summer in your own neighborhood
Kristina Hemel
Jun 22 min read


🌾🎶 A Beautiful Weekend at Pickin' on the Plains – But It Needs Your Help! 🎶🌾
The 29th Annual Pickin’ on the Plains Music Festival in Colby was a HUGE success! While it’s been an amazing tradition for 29 years, this year the organizers delivered some tough news. The Pickin’ on the Plains Music Festival may not make it another year—unless the community steps up to help.
Kristina Hemel
Jun 12 min read


🌌 Northern Lights in Northwest Kansas: Your Guide to Tonight’s Spectacular Show! 🌟June 1, 2025
When Can You See the Northern Lights Tonight?
The best time to catch the Northern Lights is typically after sunset, but here’s the kicker: they’re best seen when the sky is darkest and the solar activity is strongest. Tonight, experts predict an uptick in geomagnetic activity, meaning the lights could be visible even as far south as Kansas! 🌠
Kristina Hemel
Jun 14 min read


Family, Fiddles, and Fun: Pickin’ on the Plains Returns This Weekend in Colby
If your summer plans are missing live music, laughter, and a whole lot of family-friendly fun, then clear your calendar—Pickin’ on the Plains Music Festival is back this weekend at the Thomas County Fairgrounds in Colby, Kansas! This hometown festival is celebrating its 29th year of unforgettable tunes and community togetherness.
Kristina Hemel
May 293 min read


Governor Laura Kelly visits Grinnell, KS
Kansas Governor Kelly visited Grinnell today to see firsthand the damage of the tornado that directly hit the town of Grinnell, KS on Sunday, May 18th.
Kristina Hemel
May 221 min read


Tornado Strikes Grinnell, Kansas – Devastation Reported in Gove County
However, at approximately 6:50 PM CST, a tornado touched down in Grinnell, Kansas. The National Weather Service in Goodland issued the tornado warning at 6:38 PM, noting that a storm capable of producing a tornado was located 7 miles south of Grinnell, moving northeast at 30 mph. The warning remained in effect until 7:15 PM CDT. The storm brought with it the threat of a tornado and quarter-size hail, and radar indicated strong rotation.
Kristina Hemel
May 183 min read


High Point Vet Service’s Dr. Kami Miller-Taylor: From the Family Farm to Serving the Tri-State Region
Kami wasted no time returning to western Kansas, launching High Point Vet Service shortly after graduation. Her practice, based in the Goodland area, serves Sherman, Thomas, Wallace, and even parts of Colorado. While she offers routine and emergency care for both large and small animals, her specialty lies in large animal medicine.
Kristina Hemel
May 82 min read


𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 𝐉𝐎𝐄𝐋 𝐍𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐎 𝐆𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐀𝐍 𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐉𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐓???
Joel Navarro gives his Little Texas jacket from 1994 to a The Frontmen SuperFan
Kristina Hemel
May 71 min read


Building Resilience in Sherman County: Emergency Shelters, Health Preparedness, and Community Collaboration
Jennifer, Director of the Sherman County Health Department, recently sat down with NWKS Radio's Rollie Halligan during the Good Neighbor Hou
Kristina Hemel
Mar 313 min read


Meet Sheila Barnett: The Heart Behind the Goodland Housing Authority
Sparks Tower or Handy Tower without realizing the vital role they play in the community. Behind the scenes of these buildings—and 84 apartme
Kristina Hemel
Mar 263 min read
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