In Memory of September 11, 2001

Today we pause to remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001 - a day that forever changed our nation and left an indelible mark on the people of the NWKS Radio listening area.

Even though our communities are hundreds of miles from New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania, the shock and sorrow of that day reached every home, every school, and every business in our listening area. Listeners still recall exactly where they were when they first heard the news. Many were on their way to work or school, radios tuned in, when the first reports began to break.

The Role of Radio on 9/11

On that day, radio became more than just music, markets, and morning chatter. It was a lifeline. Updates came minute by minute, voices on the air carried the weight of grief, and people leaned on their hometown stations for comfort and clarity. For many across Northwest Kansas, East Central Colorado, and Southwest Nebraska, it was the radio that connected them to the unfolding events in a way television could not. The voices on the dial were local and familiar - neighbors helping neighbors process something the whole world was trying to understand.

The Local Impact

The ripple effects of 9/11 touched our small towns in ways that may surprise those who weren’t here. With U.S. airspace shut down, flights were diverted and passengers were stranded. Along Interstate 70, busloads of people suddenly found themselves grounded and dropped in unfamiliar towns across our region. Colby, Goodland, Oakley, Burlington, and other I-70 communities opened their doors to these unexpected visitors.

Hotels filled quickly, and local stores saw waves of travelers buying pillows, blankets, phone chargers, snacks, and anything to make an unplanned overnight stay a little more bearable. Churches, schools, and community centers offered rest and comfort to strangers who simply wanted to get home to their families.

It was a reminder of what rural communities do best - step up when the world feels heavy.

Remembering Together

As we reflect today, we remember the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the first responders who ran toward danger. We also remember the way our own region came together with compassion and resilience.

Radio has always been about connection - and on September 11, 2001, it carried voices of strength, unity, and hope across the plains. Today, 24 years later, we honor that memory and reaffirm our commitment to serving this region with the same spirit of community.

Never forget.