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FBI and ICE raid Omaha-area hotels, make human trafficking arrestsSeveral people are in federal custody after a series of raids at Nebraska hotels on Tuesday.
By News Channel Nebraska
OMAHA — Several people are in federal custody after a series of raids at Nebraska hotels on Tuesday.
The FBI says its agents arrested five people at four hotels, two residential places, and six businesses described as eyebrow salons in eastern Nebraska. FBI Special Agent in Charge for Omaha Eugene Kowel says the operation involved years of investigating human trafficking rings.
Agents say victims as young as 12 were forced into unsafe and da
Kristina Hemel
Aug 123 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


Gale Merlin Schaffer
Gale Merlin Schaffer, 73, of Monument, Kansas, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. Born on September 18, 1951, in Monument, Kansas, Gale was the son of Glenn and Edith Schaffer. He carried the values of hard work, humility, and quiet strength throughout his life — values deeply rooted in his upbringing.
Kristina Hemel
Aug 121 min read


Thomas County to Vote on “Liquor by the Drink” in November
Thomas County residents will soon have a big decision to make at the ballot box this November — one that could change how alcohol is served in local establishments.
On November 4, 2025, voters will be asked whether to approve what’s commonly called “Liquor by the Drink” without a food sales requirement.
Kristina Hemel
Aug 122 min read


Texas Queen of Country Music Bri Bagwell Talks Vans, Vocals, and a Chihuahua Named Whiskey
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to interview Texas Female Artist of the Decade in her natural habitat, let me set the scene: August 1, 2025, Central Station in Dodge City, Kansas. The rain stayed away this time, so I finally got to see a full Bri Bagwell show after her 2023 Central Station set was cut short. She and “The Banned” (yes, that’s what they call themselves) opened for Micky and the Motorcars at Dodge City Days, and it was worth the two-year wait.
Kristina Hemel
Aug 113 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


Wind Gust Causes Crop Duster Accident at Goodland Airport
A crop duster made a rough landing at the Renner Field/Goodland Municipal Airport Sunday afternoon, August 10, after catching a gust of wind during approach.
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Air Tractor aircraft, registered in Kansas, was attempting to land around 3:40 p.m. when wind conditions caused it to rotate, snapping off the left landing gear.
Kristina Hemel
Aug 111 min read


Crash on I-70 in Sherman County Sends Five to Hospital
Traffic on Interstate 70 was slowed Friday morning, August 8, following a rollover crash near mile marker 34.5, just west of Exit 36 in Sherman County.
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a 2025 Volkswagen Atlas was headed eastbound at about 7:05 a.m. when it left the roadway to the south, struck the guardrail, and rolled before coming to rest on its passenger side in the eastbound shoulder.
Kristina Hemel
Aug 111 min read


Colby accountant pleads guilty to defrauding clients
A Kansas businessman pleaded guilty to various charges related to defrauding clients of his accounting firm by falsely claiming money he had stolen was being used to pay business expenses.
According to court documents, Quintin Flanagin, 45, of Colby pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, one count of bank fraud, one count of false statements, and one count of money laundering.
Kristina Hemel
Aug 111 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


Terry Lynn Overton
Terry Lynn Overton, 54, of Colby, Kansas, passed away on Monday, August 4, 2025. Terry was born in WaKeeney, Kansas, on October 28, 1970, to George and Inez Overton. Terry was the middle child of three. He attended Trego Community High School and graduated in 1989. He attended Fort Hays State University and proudly graduated with a degree in Chemistry in 1994.
Kristina Hemel
Aug 113 min read


Options Plans New Shelter Beds in Colby to Better Serve Northwest Kansas
For over four decades, Options Domestic & Sexual Violence Services has provided vital support to individuals facing some of life’s darkest moments. Serving all 18 counties of Northwest Kansas, the organization currently operates out of offices in Hays and Colby. But soon, their Colby location may see a major upgrade — one that could make a life-changing difference for survivors in our area.
Kristina Hemel
Aug 72 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


Terri Ann Anderson,
Terri Ann Anderson, of Goodland, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Monday, August 4, 2025, at Cheyenne County Village in St. Francis, Kansas. In 2022, Terri was diagnosed with acute myelomonocytic leukemia (AMML), a rare form of leukemia, and bravely battled the disease for more than two years. She was 68. Terri was born May 2, 1957, in Oberlin, Kansas, to Ora R. “Bud” and Myrna (Railsback) Kelley.
Kristina Hemel
Aug 73 min read


Carolyn D'Ann (Brown) Kerr
Carolyn D'Ann (Brown) Kerr was born to Kenneth “Jap” Brown and Alice (Schroder) Brown on January 20th, 1945 in Lamar, Colorado, and passed away on August 3, 2025 at Goodland Regional Medical Center in Goodland, Kansas.
Kristina Hemel
Aug 73 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


Gary Lee Weber
Gary Lee Weber
June 19, 1948 — July 31, 2025
Sylvan Grove, Kansas
Gary L. Weber, 77, of Sylvan Grove, KS passed away July 31, 2025.
He was born on June 19, 1948 in Colby, KS to Charlie and Eunice Weber. Gary grew up in Goodland, KS and graduated in 1966 from Goodland High School. In high school, he was noted for his athleticism and held a record in track and was also an avid baseball player. He served in the Kansas National Guard. He worked for Air Midwest Airline in Grea
Kristina Hemel
Aug 62 min read
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