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 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 10 hours 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 3 days 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 16 days 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 about 1 month ago

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Golden retriever mix with orange collar

I found a dog this morning around 9am wandering behind the Wal-Mart on 41st Street in Hays, Northwest KS. It's a medium-sized golden retriever mix, about 50 pounds, with a tan coat and a darker muzzle. It's wearing an orange nylon collar with a reflective strip and a tag that reads 'Rex'. There's a small white patch on its chest and a tiny notch in the left ear that makes him easy to spot. He looked a little tired but friendly and wagged when I approached; I'm keeping him safe and hoping to reunite him with his people soon.

Northwest KS 3 months ago

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Well-worn Lonely Planet travel guide found

I found a well-worn Lonely Planet Western US travel guide this afternoon around 2:15pm, here in Northwest Kansas, tucked under a bench in the parking lot behind the Hays Public Library on 9th Street. It's a paperback with an orange cover, about 1.5 inches thick, and the spine is creased from heavy use. There's a blue bookmark with the initials 'S.J.' peeking out, and a small map folded in the back cover that shows the California coast. It looks like it's been in someone’s bag for a while, with a coffee stain on the top edge. If you’re the owner, I’d be happy to return it in person at the library—hope to reunite it with its owner soon!

Northwest KS 3 months ago