NWKS RADIO NEWS

Strong thunderstorms brought damaging winds up to 79 mph, heavy rain, and widespread damage across northwest Kansas Thursday night. Colby was among the hardest-hit communities with downed trees, flooded basements, and more than 3 inches of rain reported in parts of town. See rainfall totals from NWKS Radio listeners and a recap of the severe weather that swept across the region.

**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

Kansas Department of Health issues boil water advisory for Wallace, Kansas starting July 8, 2026.

Press release from City of Colby Police Chief Jake Hess regarding Tuesday, July 7th's crash into a building in Colby.

Severe thunderstorms are expected across northwest Kansas, eastern Colorado, and southwest Nebraska Wednesday and Thursday. Damaging winds up to 85 mph, blowing dust, large hail, and dangerous travel conditions are possible. Learn when storms are expected, the biggest threats, and how to stay weather aware with the latest forecast from NWKS Radio.

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.

Colby Plaza Building in Colby, Kansas sustained significant damage Tuesday afternoon after a vehicle crashed through the front windows and came to rest inside the building. One person was transported by Thomas County EMS. Emergency crews from Colby Police, Thomas County Sheriff's Office, Colby Fire Department, and EMS responded. NWKS Radio has the latest details and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

The Kansas Department of Transportation is now accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2028 project for the agency’s Innovative Technology Program.

The Goodland City Commission held their regular meeting on Monday, July 6th, so Goodland City Manager Kent Brown joined the Good Neighbor Hour to discuss important notes from the meeting.

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.

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the Kansas Community Empowerment (KCE) program is accepting new member applications from Kansas communities. KCE supports locally driven projects that strengthen quality of place, volunteer engagement and long-term community vibrancy. The enrollment period will close August 31.

Richard Lee Epard, “Dick” Epard, 86, of Colby, KS passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026, at 11:30 p.m. in Denver, CO surrounded by loved ones.

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.

The State of Kansas ends June 2026 with total tax collections at $1.07 billion. That is $33.5 million, or 3.2%, above the estimate. Total tax collections were up 1.0% from June 2025.