Found an item? Your responsibilities

What to do when you find someone else's property — your responsibilities and how to return it safely.

Found something in Northwest KS? Handling it responsibly protects both you and the owner. Rules vary by location, but the principles are consistent.

Make a reasonable effort to find the owner. Check for ID, contact details, or anything that identifies who it belongs to.
Don't assume it's yours to keep. Keeping found property without trying to return it can have legal consequences. When in doubt, hand it in.
Hand valuables to the authorities. Report significant or high-value finds to the police non-emergency line for Northwest KS; they'll log it and may issue a reference.
Store it safely. Keep the item secure and unchanged while you try to return it.
Post a found listing. Add a found-item listing for Northwest KS with enough detail for the real owner to identify it — while holding back one verifying detail.

Helpful resources for Northwest KS

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Northwest KS

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Found wrist watches near the county fairgrounds, Northwest KS

While walking the gravel path by the county fairgrounds in Northwest Kansas around 4:15 p.m. Tuesday, I found a wristwatch lying face up near a bench. It’s a stainless steel case with a navy fabric strap and a small scratch on the crystal. I tucked it into my bag and started this listing because I know how a simple watch can carry memories and daily routines back home. If this belongs to you, the worn strap and that tiny scratch may help you recognize it; I hope whoever wore it last sees this and claims it.

by the county fairgrounds 13 days ago

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Found driver's license in northwest Kansas

Last night around 7:45 PM, as I walked along Fort Hays Drive behind Fort Hays State University in northwest Kansas, I spotted a driver's license lying on the edge of the sidewalk by the campus parking lot. The card looked freshly issued and the photo showed a student with a bright smile. I can't imagine how that owner feels, so I held onto it and kept it out of sight until I could post here. Fingers crossed someone can claim it soon.

Fort Hays State University vicinity 15 days ago

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Found kittens in Northwest Kansas

Hi, I’m Mason Reed. I found a litter of kittens this morning around 8:20 a.m. near Prairie Dog State Park’s entrance in northwest Kansas. They were meowing by the roadside, tucked under a bush, clearly hungry and a little scared. I brought them to safety on my porch, kept them warm, and checked for any signs of a mother nearby, but I couldn’t find one. I’d like to reunite them with their owner or help them find a good home. If these kittens belong to you or you know someone missing a litter, please let the site know.

Near Prairie Dog State Park entrance, Northwest Kansas. about 1 month ago

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Found guitars near Colby City Park, NW KS

I was walking the gravel path by Colby City Park around 7:15 p.m. on Friday when I spotted a weathered guitar case tucked behind a fence along the bike trail. Inside were two acoustic guitars, one sunburst and one natural wood, plus a frayed strap and a faded gig bag. They looked well-used but cared for, and I knew I had to do the right thing and bring them here so the owner could find them. I can only imagine what a shock it is to lose instruments you rely on, and I hope this helps reunite you with your guitars soon.

Sentimental

near Colby City Park about 1 month ago

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Found Devices – Northwest KS, Kansas

Thursday at 6:20 pm, I found a backpack sitting on a bench near the Fort Hays State University campus in Northwest KS. Inside were several devices—a laptop, a phone, a charger, and earbuds. I felt a rush of responsibility and relief thinking someone out there might be panicking over their gear. I picked it up, kept everything together, and brought it to campus security, hoping the owner will claim it soon. If you’re missing devices, I hope you see this and know someone cared enough to hold onto them for you.

Sentimental

near Fort Hays State University campus about 2 months ago

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Found holiday decorations in Northwest Kansas

I was tidying up the Goodland Community Center foyer around 7:20 PM last Friday after the Christmas festival, and a tote tucked behind a chair caught my attention. Inside were holiday decorations: string lights, garlands, and a wreath with a bright red ribbon. I felt a mix of curiosity and relief—these looked like something a neighbor had been planning to display for a family gathering. I brought the tote to the front desk and posted it here, hoping the owner will recognize the keepsakes and claim them through the site. Sometimes small things like these carry a lot of memories, and I’m glad to help reunite them.

Near the Goodland Post Office 2 months ago