KIRWIN, Kan. — July 23, 2026 — Nex-Tech has marked the completion and availability of its world-class underground fiber broadband in Kirwin, Kansas, by hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Dane G. Hansen Scout Reservation. The event brought together more than 50 community leaders, state officials, local stakeholders, and residents to celebrate and recognize the partnerships and investments that expanded reliable high-speed internet access while creating new opportunities for rural development and youth engagement in northwest Kansas.

Speaking at the event, was the CEO and General Manager of Nex-Tech, Jimmy Todd. Under Jimmy’s leadership, Nex-Tech has evolved from a rural cooperative telephone company into a leading communications and technology provider, pioneering fiber-to-the-home in rural America and now delivering broadband across over 11,000 square miles in Kansas, including Kirwin. “Fiber broadband is essential for rural America. Partnerships with communities and the State of Kansas make projects like this possible, and we are excited about the opportunities this investment will create for Kirwin and future generations,” Jimmy explained.

The project, supported through a Kansas Broadband Acceleration Grant (BAG) Program, extends underground fiber broadband service to over 200 locations in and around Kirwin, including the Dane G. Hansen Scout Reservation, which hosts hundreds of kids every year. The approximately $1.27 million project included a $637,500 state grant, matched by more than $596,500 from Nex-Tech.

Welcoming attendees to the event, Rhonda Goddard, Chief Financial Officer of Nex-Tech, acknowledged the collaborative efforts that made the broadband expansion possible and thanked stakeholders for their support. “Executing a project of this magnitude is not easy. This project today would not be possible without the effort of many both within and outside Nex-Tech, and we are grateful to have active community and state leaders willing to partner with us to make this infrastructure a reality in Kirwin, KS,” Rhonda said.

Representing Kansas Lt. Governor David Toland was Bill Abston, Executive Director of the Kansas Office of Broadband Development. Bill expressed the commitment of the state to improving broadband access to all Kansans. “Kirwin and its partners should be proud of this world-class investment in the community. It is all about working together and moving forward. The future of Kirwin is bright,” Bill stated. Joined by Ben Stanton, state Public Affairs Manager for Broadband Development, Bill further highlighted the importance of partnerships among state agencies, local leaders, and broadband providers to ensuring that rural communities across Kansas have access to essential digital infrastructure. Equally present at the event was Kansas Senate Committee Utilities Chair, Senator Mike Fagg, who expressed satisfaction at yet another Kansas community receiving state-budgeted funds for world-class broadband.

Highpoint of the event was the presentation of a Smart Rural Community road sign and certificate for public display to the City of Kirwin, recognizing the availability of the fiber broadband – the gold standard in broadband connectivity - and the socioeconomic benefits that are now available to Kirwin. Vernon Roth Jr., Mayor of the City of Kirwin, expressed appreciation for Nex-Tech’s investment in the community and recognized the long-term benefits that reliable broadband will bring to residents and businesses. “Nex-Tech came in and did what they promised to do, and today the whole community is connected. We are thankful   to have Nex-Tech and the benefits of fiber.” Vernon said. Ruby Wiehman, Kirwin City Treasurer and member of the Kirwin City Improvement Committee, also thanked Nex-Tech and project partners for their commitment to improving connectivity in Kirwin. “As a former IT manager and tax preparer who works remotely, I understand the need and impact of reliable high-speed Internet. What Nex-Tech has done will help many members of the community both now and into the future,” Wiehman said.

Guests also witnessed a live fiber splicing demonstration, with Nex-Tech staff member Stephanie Hillburn showing attendees how Nex-Tech technicians splice fiber-optic cables and deliver reliable broadband connectivity to communities across rural Kansas.

Also present at the event was Ken Rahjes, Kansas State Representative for Kirwin; Sarah Bloom, Quality Places Director at the Kansas Department of Commerce, Tim Zimmerman, Regional Director, Northwest, Kansas Department of Commerce, Scott Sproul, Executive Director of the Innovation Center, Deb Minkler, Executive Director of the Northwest Kansas Planning & Development Commission and Pioneer Country Development Inc., Kyle Smith, Scout Executive and CEO Coronado Area Council, and other regional and community stakeholders who gathered to celebrate the successful completion of the project.