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Colby Community College update from President Dr. Seth Carter

July 2, 2026

We hope everyone is doing well. I want to wish everyone a happy and safe 4th of July. I am always proud to be part of the Northwest Kansas community, but that pride was especially evident following the recent windstorm. Neighbors and friends came together to support one another and restore our community. While the damage and debris were significant, so was the spirit of camaraderie and resilience. Thank you for your continued commitment to making this area such a special place to live.

Brewster Plans Big for America’s 250th: Community Invites Region to Celebrate on Flag Day Weekend

May 7, 2026

From a downtown parade and kids carnival to live music, a community BBQ, fun run, street dance, and plenty of family-friendly activities, organizers are inviting all of northwest Kansas to come celebrate Flag Day weekend in small-town America. Organizers are still seeking parade entries, volunteers, vendors, sponsors, classic cars, and creative community involvement to help make the event something special.

Food for Thought Season Closes with History, Growth, and Annual Meeting at Prairie Museum

April 28, 2026

The Prairie Museum of Art and History brought its Food for Thought series to a close for the season on April 16, pairing the final program with the Thomas County Historical Society’s annual meeting inside the Garvey Room. The combined event offered attendees both a look back at a year of progress for the museum and a historically rich presentation centered on the early symbols of American independence.

HEARTLAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL HAPPENINGS

March 27, 2026

Welcome back from spring break! Mr. Shane Timson was our chapel speaker this past Wednesday. Shane works for NWKS Radio(KLOE and KWGB), and he shared some of the stressful times he has experienced at his job and how he has allowed God to be in complete control. Shane related that when challenging times and events occur, we have two choices: 1) to remain calm and to trust Jesus; or 2) to not remain calm and get caught up in the chaos. His other main point was “greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world”. Thank you, Mr. Timson, for sharing with our staff and students.

SHERMAN COUNTY 911 COMMUNICATIONS CELEBRATES NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATORS WEEK

March 27, 2026

Sherman County 911 Communications is celebrating the second full week of April as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. This week, sponsored by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International and celebrated annually, honors the thousands of men and women who respond to emergency calls, dispatch emergency professionals and equipment, and render life-saving assistance to the world’s citizens.

Sens. Moran, Bennet Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Revitalize Rural Hospitals

March 23, 2026

U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – a member of the Senate Rural Health Caucus – and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) – co-chair of the Senate Rural Health Caucus – yesterday introduced the Rural Hospital Revitalization Act, bipartisan legislation that would strengthen rural hospitals by providing zero-interest loans to support new construction and the renovation of existing hospital facilities.

Former director of Prairie Museum publishes memoir Book will be available for purchase in museum bookstore

March 11, 2026

Randy Mathews, who served as director of the Prairie Museum from March 2023 to December 2024, is the author of “Twenty Minutes ‘til Doors – (Mostly) true tales from the showbiz fringe.” In his personal memoir, Mathews shares favorite stories of his experiences as a stagehand, lighting director and other technical roles, starting in high school in the early 1970s and extending through most of the 1980s.

Dempewolf Wins State Title as Eagles Place Three at 4A State Wrestling Tournament

March 4, 2026

The Colby High School Eagles capped their season on the state’s biggest stage, sending six wrestlers to compete at the Kansas State High School Activities Association 4A State Wrestling Championships held February 27–28 at the Tony’s Pizza Event Center in Salina. Facing the best wrestlers from across Kansas, Colby finished eighth in the team standings with 64 points, placing among the top programs in the classification.

Prairie Museum of Art and History Hosts Packed “Food for Thought” on Volga German Heritage

February 26, 2026

On a rare cold February afternoon in Colby, nearly 70 guests filled the Garvey Room at the Prairie Museum of Art and History for its monthly Food for Thought luncheon. Despite the weather, the aroma of a homemade German-inspired buffet welcomed attendees on February 19, as Norma Pipkin delivered an engaging and deeply personal lecture on the journey of the Volga Germans and their eventual settlement in Kansas.

Booked for Lunch Brings Poetry and Community Together at Pioneer Memorial Library

February 10, 2026

The monthly Booked for Lunch series at Pioneer Memorial Library continues to grow into a cornerstone community gathering, blending literature, conversation, and local talent into a welcoming mid-day program. The latest installment, held Wednesday, February 4, filled the library with a standing-room-only crowd eager to hear from local poet Rich Hawkins and his newly released book, On Sitting Bull Hill.

Trojans Battle to the Finish, Fall to Dodge City in Tight Home Contest

February 9, 2026

The Colby Community College men’s basketball team battled through early struggles and multiple momentum swings before falling 80–71 to Dodge City Community College on Tuesday, February 4, at the Colby Event Center. Despite a tightly contested game that featured numerous lead changes and a deadlocked halftime score, Dodge City’s timely perimeter shooting and late defensive pressure proved to be the difference.

Lady Trojans Stun No. 3 Dodge City Behind Ulmer’s 33-Point Night

February 9, 2026

The Colby Community College Lady Trojans delivered one of their most complete performances of the season Tuesday night, knocking off No. 3–ranked Dodge City 71–64 on February 4 at the Colby Event Center. Behind a dominant scoring effort and relentless pressure on both ends of the floor, Colby controlled much of the game and held off multiple late pushes from one of the top teams in the country.

Lady Eagles Grind to Strong Finish at Rocky Welton Girls Invitational

February 5, 2026

The Colby High School Lady Eagles faced one of the most demanding tests of the season as they traveled to Garden City for the 5th Annual Rocky Welton Girls Invitational at the Garden City SportsPlex. Widely regarded as one of the toughest girls tournaments in the region, the Rocky Welton Invitational consistently draws elite programs from multiple states, creating a level of competition that often surpasses what athletes see at state tournaments. Against that backdrop, Colby delivered a strong, resilient performance, finishing fourth as a team in a loaded field.

Chairman Moran Leads Hearing to Review Reforms to the Veterans Health Administration with VA Secretary Doug Collins

February 3, 2026

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs – today led a committee hearing with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins about VA’s efforts to reform the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) through the Restructure for Impact and Sustainability Effort (RISE) reorganization initiative.

Lady Eagles Earn Seventh at Younes Hospitality Duals Behind Hoover’s Outstanding Effort

January 29, 2026

The Colby High School Lady Eagles made the trip north to Kearney, Nebraska on January 23 to compete in the Younes Hospitality Duals, a demanding girls dual tournament that featured a deep field of programs from across Nebraska and the surrounding region. Battling through a full day of duals, Colby finished seventh overall and came away with several strong individual performances that underscored the team’s depth and competitiveness.

Lady Eagles Battle Through Highs and Lows at 41st Orange and Black Classic

January 28, 2026

The Colby High School Lady Eagles hosted the 41st Annual Orange and Black Classic last week at the Colby Event Center, a three-game stretch that tested the team’s resilience, focus, and ability to respond to adversity. Facing Concordia, Beloit, and Ulysses over the course of the tournament, the Lady Eagles experienced early frustration before regrouping and closing the event with their strongest performance.

Lady Trojans Open 2026 with Strong Showing at York Women’s Open

January 26, 2026

The Colby Community College Lady Trojan wrestling team opened the 2026 calendar year on January 17 by traveling to York, Nebraska, where they faced one of the deeper and more challenging fields they have seen this season. The York University Women’s Open provided a strong measuring stick coming out of an extended holiday break, and head coach Michael Ruiz viewed the event as both a competitive test and a strategic tune-up with national goals already in sight.

Lady Eagles Test Themselves Against Elite Field at Newton Tournament of Champions

January 22, 2026

The Colby High School Lady Eagles made the trip east to Newton last week to compete in one of the most demanding events on the Kansas girls wrestling calendar, the Newton Girls Tournament of Champions. Featuring a deep field loaded with ranked wrestlers across nearly every weight class, the two-day tournament served as both a measuring stick and a proving ground as teams begin turning their attention toward postseason wrestling.

Citizens Health Celebrates Grand Opening of New South Campus in Colby

January 22, 2026

The lobby of the new South Campus at Citizens’ Medical Center was filled with anticipation Thursday morning as community leaders, healthcare professionals, and residents gathered to celebrate a milestone years in the making. On January 22, 2026, Citizens Health officially marked the grand opening of its new South Campus in Colby, a facility that many speakers described as both a commitment to the present and an investment in the future of northwest Kansas.

Colby Eagles Claim Team Title at Salina South Invitational

January 18, 2026

The Colby High School boys wrestling team delivered a statement performance on the road Saturday, capturing the team title at the Salina South Boys Invitational inside Salina South High School. Behind a balanced lineup, multiple finalists, and a dominant showing at the top of several weight classes, the Eagles finished first overall with 194 team points, narrowly edging Abilene by 4.5 points in a tightly contested field that featured ten schools.

Colby Girls Wrestlers Open 2026 With Strong Showing at Dodge City Lady Demon Showdown

January 14, 2026

The Colby High School girls wrestling team returned to action on January 10 by traveling to Dodge City for the Lady Demon Showdown, opening competition for the new year against one of the deepest and most competitive fields they will see this season. Coming off a long holiday break, the tournament provided an important measuring stick as the Eagles tested themselves against large schools from across Kansas and neighboring Oklahoma.

Community Spotlight: Bob Kelly Retires as Logan County EMS Director

January 2, 2026

After decades of steady leadership, calm decision-making, and service rooted in community, Bob Kelly is stepping away from his role as director of Logan County EMS. His retirement was marked not with ceremony or speeches, but in a way that suited both the man and the mission: a brief, casual, come-and-go gathering at the EMS office where friends, coworkers, and community members stopped by to share conversation, snacks, and well-wishes.

Center Pivot Brewery Opens in Colby, Marking a New Chapter for Downtown Growth

December 26, 2025

Center Pivot Restaurant and Brewery officially opened its doors in Colby on December 26, marking a significant new chapter not only for the business itself, but for the broader momentum building across downtown Colby. Located at 360 N. Franklin Avenue, the brewery and restaurant represents the relocation and expansion of a concept that first took root in Quinter and has now found a larger, more central home in Thomas County.

Trojans Shuffle Lineup, Roll Past Otero Behind Bonus-Point Surge

December 19, 2025

The Colby Community College wrestling team continued to show its depth and adaptability Wednesday night in La Junta Colorado, earning a convincing dual victory over Otero Junior College despite being short a pair of starters in the lineup. Forced to shuffle several weights, the Trojans responded with an aggressive performance, winning eight of the ten contested bouts and piling up bonus points to pull away early and often to a 45-11 win.

Lady Eagles Claim Invite Title at Home

December 12, 2025

The Colby High School girls wrestling team defended its home mat in emphatic fashion on Wednesday, capturing the team championship at the Lady Eagle Invitational with a deep, balanced performance that showcased both veteran leadership and emerging contributors. Competing in a fast-paced, scramble-style format designed to maximize mat time, the Lady Eagles piled up points across nearly every weight class to secure the title in front of their home crowd.

Lady Eagle Basketball falls to Life Prep in Tip-Off Opener

December 12, 2025

The Colby Lady Eagles opened play at the Topside Tip-off on December 11 in Goodland with a difficult first-round matchup, running into a sharp-shooting Life Prep team that capitalized early and built separation that proved too much to overcome. Colby battled throughout the night but ultimately fell 67–23 in a game that tested the Eagles’ defensive discipline and offensive execution against a deep, athletic opponent.

Lady Eagles take runner-up at Wakeeney for season opener

December 11, 2025

Colby’s girls wrestling program opened its latest campaign with a strong collective showing on Friday, traveling to WaKeeney for the always-deep Christmas City Classic and returning with three individual champions, multiple podium finishes, and a clear sense of where early-season progress is already taking shape. The Lady Eagles displayed energy, conditioning, and competitive intent throughout the day, attributes head coach Andrew Flanagin said were evident from the opening whistle.

Colby Erases 12-Point Deficit, Stuns Ulysses 49–47 in Season Opener

December 10, 2025

The Colby Eagles opened their boys basketball season with the kind of resilience, poise, and fourth-quarter execution that first-year head coach Reed Stephens hopes will define his program. Down by as many as 12 and unable to find rhythm through most of the first half, the Eagles methodically clawed their way back before finally overtaking Ulysses in the closing minutes to secure a dramatic 49–47 road victory.

Colby Girls Open Season with Steady Road Win at Ulysses, 40-26

December 9, 2025

With a new-look roster and several first-time varsity starters, the Colby Lady Eagles opened their 2025–26 basketball season with a composed and convincing 40-26 road win Friday night at Ulysses. The victory came after a steady buildup through the first half, followed by a decisive third quarter in which Colby finally found consistent scoring and the defensive rhythm that head coach Yancey Walker had been waiting to see.

Children Find Holiday Magic at TCCF’s Santa’s Workshop

December 9, 2025

The Thomas County Community Foundation’s beloved Santa’s Workshop once again filled the office complex with joy on Saturday, December 6, drawing young shoppers and an army of volunteers for one of the organization’s longest-running traditions. The program, now roughly four decades old, invites children ages 4 to 10 to step into a transformed holiday shopping space where they select meaningful gifts for parents, grandparents, teachers, or other loved ones — all without the grown-ups by their side.

Thomas County Commissioners Press Forward at Dec. 8 Meeting

December 8, 2025

The Thomas County Commissioners worked through a wide-ranging agenda Monday morning, addressing ongoing IT transition issues, overdue hazardous waste cleanup requirements at the landfill, and heightened public frustration over Jake brake noise north of Colby. The meeting was held December 8 at the courthouse and began with routine announcements of receipts totaling $120,922.98 and $60,461.50 for the half-cent and quarter-cent sale tax revenue.

Colby Scholars Bowl Team off to Great Start

December 7, 2025

Colby High School’s Scholars Bowl squad is off to a fast, disciplined start this winter, opening the season with three strong tournament finishes and continued growth across its young roster. With Kansas Scholars Bowl operating under the KSHSAA format — rapid-fire rounds of 16 questions across math, science, social studies, language arts, fine arts, year-in-review and miscellaneous topics — consistency is often the difference between an average team and a competitive one. Through the first month, the Eagles have shown they can be both composed and competitive.

Colby Boys Basketball Preview

December 5, 2025

A new era begins for Colby boys’ basketball this winter as first-year head coach Reed Stephens takes over the program, stepping into the role previously held by his father, longtime coach Tom Stephens. Though it is his first season at the helm, Reed is far from a newcomer. He spent the past two years as Colby’s assistant coach and brings a lifetime steeped in basketball—playing at multiple collegiate stops and coaching at both the high school and junior college levels.

CCC Board Takes First Look at Dormitory Bids During Special Session

December 4, 2025

The Colby Community College Board of Trustees held a special session on December 1 to hear presentations from two construction teams vying to build a new 80-bed residence hall and a new maintenance facility on campus. No action was taken, but the board spent more than two hours listening to proposals, comparing design features, and outlining what additional information will be required before a selection can be made.

Trojans Battle Through UNK Younes Hospitality Open in Kearney

December 1, 2025

The Colby Community College Trojan wrestling team wrapped up a demanding stretch on the road Saturday as they traveled to Kearney, Nebraska, to compete in the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s annual Younes Hospitality Open. The tournament, known for drawing deep brackets and a high volume of four-year and junior-college talent, pushed the Trojans through a long day of matches that yielded ten total wins across multiple weights.

Trojans Push No. 11 Barton to the Final Seconds in 73–70 Road Battle

November 29, 2025

GREAT BEND — The Colby Community College men’s basketball team delivered its most complete performance of the regular season Tuesday night, pushing 11th-ranked Barton Community College to the final horn before falling 73–70 in a tense finish inside Fleske Fieldhouse. The Trojans led for long stretches, defended with purpose, and matched the Cougars statistically across nearly every category, but second-chance points and late-game turnovers ultimately tilted the outcome.

Thomas County Commissioners update

November 26, 2025

Thomas County commissioners worked through a packed agenda during their November 26 regular meeting at the courthouse, hearing ongoing complaints about north-side truck noise, environmental compliance requirements for a local feedyard, IT transitions, and employee holiday scheduling. The meeting followed the agenda as published by the county clerk, with presentations from multiple county departments and Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) officials.

Lady Trojans battle in Liberal, escape with win

November 26, 2025

Colby Community College put together one of its most competitive road efforts of the early conference slate on Saturday, pushing Seward County for more than three quarters before the Saints strung together a late surge to hand the Trojans a 72–62 loss inside The Greenhouse in Liberal. The game featured six ties and eight lead changes, and for long stretches the Trojans appeared poised to steal an early KJCCC road win despite their short rotation and ongoing battle with injuries.

Office of the President, Seth Carter CCC Campus Update

November 24 2025

Colby Community College was recognized by WalletHub as being in the top 2% of all community and technical colleges in the nation. In addition, the College has been named an Aspen Prize Top 200 U.S. Community College. This is a competitive process that will eventually lead to the top community/technical college in the nation. The winner of this honor will receive a $1,000,000 grant. The College is actively working on the required data and narrative submission for this project. We will know the results by mid-2026.

Thomas County Economic Development Alliance meets for November Meeting

November 24 2025

The Thomas County Economic Development Alliance met on November 19 to review financial standing, explore ongoing development initiatives, and discuss emerging opportunities that could shape the region’s long-term growth. The meeting touched on everything from downtown revitalization and housing shortages to potential ag-based development and a new promotional video highlighting Colby’s economic landscape.

Tatum Leads Strong Trojan Effort at Grand View Open

November 24 2025

The Colby Community College men’s wrestling team stepped onto one of the toughest stages of the early season on November 15, competing at the Grand View Open in Grimes, Iowa — a tournament annually packed with nationally ranked NAIA and NJCAA talent. For a roster heavy on freshmen, the weekend became both a proving ground and a measuring stick, and the Trojans responded by racking up 15 total wins, including six pins, one tech fall, and a fifth-place finish from heavyweight standout Robert Tatum.

Lady Trojans Host Historic First Home Event, Gain Valuable Experience in Inaugural Season

November 20, 2025

The Colby Community College Lady Trojan wrestling team made history over the weekend, hosting the program’s first ever home competition inside the Colby Event Center. The two-day Dust Bowl Duals and Dust Bowl Open, held November 14 and 15, marked a milestone for the brand-new program while also giving Colby athletes a chance to test themselves against established junior-college and four-year programs.

Trojans Show Offensive Spark but Drop Two Hard-Fought Contests at Barton Booster Classic

November 18, 2025

The Colby Community College men’s basketball team made the most of its two-day road swing at the Barton Booster Classic in Great Bend, turning in some of its strongest offensive stretches of the young season. But despite competitive efforts both nights, the Trojans came home with a pair of close losses, falling 94–83 to Northern Oklahoma College–Tonkawa on Friday November 14th, and 78–68 to Northern Oklahoma College–Enid on Saturday.

Braxton Withington Signs with Cloud County

November 17, 2025

For Colby senior pitcher Braxton Withington, signing his letter of intent to play baseball at Cloud County Community College wasn’t an overnight achievement. It was the product of a childhood spent playing up in age divisions, countless miles on the road, long days in weight rooms and bullpens, and a belief that steady work would eventually match his steadily growing talent. On November 14th, he made it official, committing to a program he believes can elevate him into the pitcher he wants to become.

Trojans’ Memorable Season Ends Just Shy of Nationals

November 16, 2025

The Colby Community College volleyball team’s remarkable 2025 campaign came to a close on November 9th, at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, as the 13th-ranked Trojans fell to No. 5 Barton Community College in a five-set thriller during the Plains District Championship. Despite the heartbreak of coming up just short of a national tournament berth, Colby finishes its season with an outstanding 24-7 record and a second-place regional finish.

Airport Board Discusses Growth, Safety, and Expansion at November Meeting

November 4, 2025

The Colby Airport Board met Monday morning, November 3, at Shalz Field to discuss several updates and future plans for the growing facility north of Colby. The meeting, attended by City Manager Ron Alexander and airport management from High Plains Aviation, centered around infrastructure improvements, new leadership appointments, and long-term development strategies that could position the airport as a stronger driver of local economic growth.

Six Candidates Share Vision Ahead of Board of Education Election

October 31, 2025

As voters prepare to head to the polls on November 4 to elect three new members to the Colby USD 315 Board of Education, six candidates have stepped forward to share their thoughts, priorities, and vision for the future of local education. Each candidate was asked to respond to four general questions that help the community understand who they are, what issues they see facing the district, and how they plan to serve if elected.

Colby’s Tubbs and Sons Celebrates 3rd Annual Mustang Rally

October 27, 2025

A familiar sound of oldies on the radio filled the air Saturday afternoon as Tubbs and Sons Ford hosted its 3rd annual Mustang Rally on October 18. The dealership cleared its lot and shop bays to welcome a mix of vintage Mustangs, classic cruisers, and a few modern muscle cars — all gathered to celebrate Colby’s automotive spirit and the dealership’s long tradition of giving back to the community.

Trojan wrestling launch season with takedown tournament

October 27, 2025

The Colby Community College men’s wrestling team kicked off the 2025-26 season on home mats Saturday, hosting the first Colby Takedown Tournament inside the Colby Event Center under second-year head coach Joseph Cornejo. The scrimmage-style event, designed to maximize mat time and provide early evaluation opportunities, gave the Trojans a chance to test their skills in front of a home crowd while setting the tone for the season ahead.

Press Release - Thomas County Economic Development Alliance

October 27, 2025

Under Kansas law, counties have three options with respect to the sale of alcoholic liquor by the individual drink in public places: 1) Prohibit the sale; 2) Permit the sale only if establishments derive at least 30 % of gross receipts from food consumed on-premises (currently in place in Thomas County); or Permit the sale without any portion of their gross receipts needing to be from food sales (November 4, 2025 ballot question).

Lady Eagles battle brutal winds to finish third at Regional

October 23, 2025

The Colby Lady Eagles golf team showed toughness and composure under harsh conditions at the Kansas State High School Activities Association Region tournament on Monday, October 13, at Sugar Hills Golf Club in Goodland. Fighting through relentless winds and one of the region’s most demanding courses, the Lady Eagles rebounded after a tough opening nine holes to finish third as a team with a score of 438, earning their spot at the upcoming state tournament.

COLBY’S DEMPEWOLF CAPTURES COSMIC CLASH TITLE

October 7, 2025

For Colby’s own Ryder Dempewolf, the lights were bright, the stage was national, and the competition was fierce — exactly how he likes it. On September 20 at the National Western Stock Show Complex, Dempewolf stormed through the Rocky Mountain National Events’ Cosmic Clash, claiming the 120-pound championship in the 18-and-under division with a performance that left little doubt he’s back and better than ever.

Public Invited to Town Hall on Nine Mile Corner Safety Project

September 30, 2025

Thomas County residents will soon have the chance to weigh in on a major proposal that could reshape one of the region’s busiest intersections. A public town hall meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 6, at 6:30 p.m. inside the Commissioners Chambers at the Thomas County Courthouse to discuss the possibility of constructing a roundabout at the Nine Mile Corner, east of Colby where highways 25 and 83 intersect.

Eagles Soar on Homecoming Night With Victory Over Holyoke

September 16, 2025

The Colby Eagles gave their hometown fans plenty to cheer about Friday night as they defended Dennen Field with a high-powered performance in their Homecoming matchup against the Holyoke Dragons. Behind a 347-yard, four-touchdown effort from quarterback Maxson Smiley, the Eagles delivered a 34-20 victory to cap off a festive night that crowned seniors Braxton Withington and Brittany Swartz as Homecoming King and Queen....

Colby BOE Reviews Budget, Enrollment, and Facility Concerns at Packed September Meeting

September 15, 2025

The Colby Public Schools Board of Education met Monday, September 15, before a nearly full house, with new teachers, students seeking early graduation, and two candidates for the upcoming board election in attendance. With extra chairs nearly exhausted, the evening’s meeting reflected strong community interest in district issues ranging from enrollment and facilities to teacher contracts and the 2025-26 budget...
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