Local 

'I watched the limbs fly': Grand Island residents clean up after extreme wind storm
'I watched the limbs fly': Grand Island residents clean up after extreme wind storm

The aftermath of a severe thunderstorm that moved through Grand Island Thursday night is visible on rooftops and scattered across yards.

Jobless Eaton employees offered aid in finding work

Jobless Eaton employees offered aid in finding work

The jobless Eaton employees will have the chance to find new opportunities after communication with multiple Kearney agencies.

Tennis courts at Harmon Park are set for resurfacing with help from a national tennis organization

Tennis courts at Harmon Park are set for resurfacing with help from a national tennis organization

A popular recreation spot in Kearney is getting a face-lift thanks in part to a sizable donation made from a national tennis organization.

Howard County Fair hosts donkey baseball game

Howard County Fair hosts donkey baseball game

The Howard County Fair introducing a new form of entertainment to this year’s festivities, bringing in a show from Chippewa Falls, Wisc.

A Lifetime of Good Memories: Bev Mathiesen bids farewell to UNK after five decades

A Lifetime of Good Memories: Bev Mathiesen bids farewell to UNK after five decades

One quote from Bev Mathiesen best summarizes her 53-year career at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Kearney Regional branching out for more space

Kearney Regional branching out for more space

Bryan Health is expanding its footprint in Kearney with plans to construct new medical office buildings just south of its existing Kearney Regional Medical Center campus.

Businesses take next step toward opening in new Younes Landing development

Businesses take next step toward opening in new Younes Landing development

Adults 21 and older will be getting new options to choose from later this year with two businesses taking the next step in becoming south Kearney's newest additions.

Eaton ending valve production at Kearney plant, cutting more than 200 jobs

Eaton ending valve production at Kearney plant, cutting more than 200 jobs

A major employer in Kearney is cutting more than 200 jobs.

Kearney named fifth 'Good Life District' in Nebraska, unlocking major economic potential

Kearney named fifth 'Good Life District' in Nebraska, unlocking major economic potential

Kearney has officially secured its place as Nebraska's fifth Good Life District, which is a long-term program that's designed to drive retail, tourism and more through targeted initiatives.

York couple arrested after domestic dispute, crash with kids

York couple arrested after domestic dispute, crash with kids

The York County Sheriff’s Office made two arrests after a woman allegedly rammed into a car with children in both vehicles on Friday.

Law enforcement center bond going to Buffalo County voters

Law enforcement center bond going to Buffalo County voters

The Buffalo County Commissioners moving to bring a bond vote to residents in September.

Driver killed while working on cement truck in North Platte

Driver killed while working on cement truck in North Platte

The North Platte Police Department is investigating after a man was killed while working on a cement truck over the weekend.

ATM jackpotting attempt yields two arrests

ATM jackpotting attempt yields two arrests

The Heartland Bank on the north side of Kearney has been the site of multiple ATM crimes, and over the holiday weekend, it was once again targeted.

School bond to be decided on by Cambridge voters

School bond to be decided on by Cambridge voters

A $13.2 million bond is going out to families within the Cambridge Public School district.

Nebraska Court of Appeals sides with City of Grand Island in lawsuit over sewage backing up into business

Nebraska Court of Appeals sides with City of Grand Island in lawsuit over sewage backing up into business

A Grand Island business is fighting the City over damages experienced in their basement.

Hastings man elected as new Sertoma Great Plains Regional Director

Hastings man elected as new Sertoma Great Plains Regional Director

A Hastings man will be serving as the Regional Director with Sertoma Great Plains for the upcoming years.

Kearney lands state’s final Good Life District, eyes growth around SportsPlex

Kearney lands state’s final Good Life District, eyes growth around SportsPlex

The City of Kearney is getting a major boost to its economic development efforts by being one of the select communities to pick up a special state designation.

Cyclist trapped under SUV rescued by first responders and nearby employees after Monday crash

Cyclist trapped under SUV rescued by first responders and nearby employees after Monday crash

First responders and employees of a central Nebraska business work together Monday to free a man who was trapped following a collision involving a car and bike.

New Archway exhibit honors first coast-to-coast motorcyclist

New Archway exhibit honors first coast-to-coast motorcyclist

A new exhibit and memorial has recently rolled in a Central Nebraska Museum, and it highlights a unique pioneer who made history over a hundred years ago.

‘We have to have the dollars before we can give them’: Kearney United Way pauses partner grants, citing financial strain

‘We have to have the dollars before we can give them’: Kearney United Way pauses partner grants, citing financial strain

A non-profit organization in central Nebraska is making major changes by pausing its partner grants and altering its funding model.

Grand Island seeks emergency aid following recent flood damage

Grand Island seeks emergency aid following recent flood damage

The City of Grand Island is actively pursuing emergency assistance through two government agencies in response to recent flood damage that impacted dozens of local homes and businesses.

Patriot Parade salutes veterans at Central Nebraska Veterans Home

Patriot Parade salutes veterans at Central Nebraska Veterans Home

A patriotic ceremony rolled through Central Nebraska Wednesday and continued its tradition of honoring local veterans ahead of independence day.

Six Submit their Names for District Court Judge in the Eleventh Judicial District

Six Submit their Names for District Court Judge in the Eleventh Judicial District

Six Submit their Names for District Court Judge in the Eleventh Judicial District

Six Submit their Names for District Court Judge in the Eleventh Judicial District

Six Submit their Names for District Court Judge in the Eleventh Judicial District

Six Submit their Names for District Court Judge in the Eleventh Judicial District

Kearney United Way restructuring to stay afloat, puts grants and fireworks show on hold

Kearney United Way restructuring to stay afloat, puts grants and fireworks show on hold

The Kearney Area United Way is pausing grants and restructuring its organization in response to financial pressures, staffing changes, and a continued drop in donations.

2025 Downtown Rehabilitation Grant Awards

2025 Downtown Rehabilitation Grant Awards

The City of Kearney, in partnership with the Community Redevelopment Authority and Downtown Improvement Board, is proud to announce the 2025 Downtown Rehabilitation Grant Program awards for 13 projects.

Bertrand Days brings big crowds, bigger spirit to small-town Nebraska

Bertrand Days brings big crowds, bigger spirit to small-town Nebraska

Small-town spirit is alive and well this week in Central Nebraska as one community celebrates their annual Bertrand Days.

Schnase 1906 District unveils new entrepreneurship center in renovated Stein Building

Schnase 1906 District unveils new entrepreneurship center in renovated Stein Building

A brand new co-working and entrepreneurship space in Hastings is giving people from all backgrounds a place to network, collaborate, and formulate unique ideas thanks to a local organization. 

UNK Football announces coaching staff additions and promotions

UNK Football announces coaching staff additions and promotions

UNK’s coaching staff will look a little different this season with new additions and promotions being announced on Tuesday.

Kearney Public Schools owned trailer is stolen

Kearney Public Schools owned trailer is stolen

Kearney Police Department is investigating the theft of a Kearney Public Schools owned trailer.

Lopers qualify seven on national academic squad

Lopers qualify seven on national academic squad

The UNK women’s golf team is breaking a school record by adding seven members to the All-American Scholar team.

Phelps County man potentially facing up to 90 years in prison

Phelps County man potentially facing up to 90 years in prison

A Phelps County man is in custody for multiple felonies including sexual assault.

State lawmaker from Seward to seek another term

State lawmaker from Seward to seek another term

Jana Hughes announces run for a second term

Two men charged after damage to Valentine bar and vehicle

Two men charged after damage to Valentine bar and vehicle

Two men are facing charges after police say they caused damage to a Valentine bar and a nearby vehicle earlier this month.

Auditor: State agencies sending checks to deceased former employees

Auditor: State agencies sending checks to deceased former employees

State officials say thousands of dollars in paychecks were sent to dead Nebraskans last year.

Kansas deputy, suspect killed in exchange of gunfire after a call about fireworks, authorities say

Kansas deputy, suspect killed in exchange of gunfire after a call about fireworks, authorities say

A Sheriff's deputy in Kansas responding to a call about fireworks died after being shot by a man who was then killed by the fatally wounded deputy.

Nebraska softball star makes an appearance in Hastings

Nebraska softball star makes an appearance in Hastings

The softball superstar of Nebraska is drawing attention to a local business in Hastings.

Central City welding camp sparks career interest among students

Central City welding camp sparks career interest among students

Sparks are flying in Central Nebraska this week as a summer camp is giving middle and high school students a head start into a career path that's heating up across the country.

7 inches of rain brings flooding and damage to Grand Island, city leaders praise response

7 inches of rain brings flooding and damage to Grand Island, city leaders praise response

The aftermath of seven inches of rain in less than 12 hours is floating down the Grand Island streets.

"It's like I never left," Kubo smoothly transitioning to new city staff role

"It's like I never left," Kubo smoothly transitioning to new city staff role

Kevin Kubo says there are some similarities and differences from his old position in Hastings, but he wants to give this new position 120%. 

Tom Dinsdale sells Grand Island and Hastings dealerships

Tom Dinsdale sells Grand Island and Hastings dealerships

One of the biggest names in car sales in Central Nebraska is officially changing hands.

Firework sales begin Sat. in Hastings, city reminds residents of firework laws

Firework sales begin Sat. in Hastings, city reminds residents of firework laws

The city of Hastings wants residents to be aware of city firework laws with firework sales beginning this weekend. 

Three Hastings railroad crossings reopen after 'Quiet Crossing' construction work

Three Hastings railroad crossings reopen after 'Quiet Crossing' construction work

Upgraded railroad crossings at three intersections in Hastings, part of on ongoing city project, are now open after completed construction.

Roger Jasnoch is retiring after nearly four decades of putting Kearney on the map

Roger Jasnoch is retiring after nearly four decades of putting Kearney on the map

A familiar face at the heart of Kearney's tourism and community development is stepping into retirement next week after nearly four decades of service.

Eric Church to headline NEBRASKAland Days after Luke Bryan cancels due to illness

Eric Church to headline NEBRASKAland Days after Luke Bryan cancels due to illness

Country music superstar Luke Bryan has canceled his performance at NEBRASKAland Days this Friday due to illness, but a start-studded friend is stepping up to take his place.

Nebraska volleyball coach Dani Busboom Kelly to light State Games caldron

Nebraska volleyball coach Dani Busboom Kelly to light State Games caldron

Nebraska Sports Council officials have announced who will light the caldron during Opening Night festivities for the Cornhusker State Games.

City of Hastings hires familiar face as new Development Services Director

City of Hastings hires familiar face as new Development Services Director

A familiar face is now leading the City of Hastings’ Development Services Department.

Changes coming to Kearney Keno in face of local opposition

Changes coming to Kearney Keno in face of local opposition

There was a large crowd gathered at Kearney City Hall on Tuesday, where the city council was set to approve the committee’s decision of awarding the new contract to Big Red Keno, based out of Omaha.

Nebraska’s Big Rodeo rebuilding after storm destroys historic grandstand

Nebraska’s Big Rodeo rebuilding after storm destroys historic grandstand

Repairs are underway in Burwell, where just last week the grandstand and several other buildings suffered extensive damage due to 90 mph wind gusts

Nebraska Economic Development director resigns amid workforce tour

Nebraska Economic Development director resigns amid workforce tour

K.C. Belitz, Nebraska's Economic Development Director, resigned after a year in the role, right after starting a workforce development tour.

20+ Nebraska grocery stores included in national merger

20+ Nebraska grocery stores included in national merger

Over 20 grocery stores across Nebraska will be getting new ownership with changes expected by the end of 2025.

Connor Beranek named head coach of Amherst boys basketball

Connor Beranek named head coach of Amherst boys basketball

Connor Beranek takes over the program after spending the last two seasons as an assistant at Kearney High School.

Kearney scores big in outdoor duel for Maine-Nebraska Wrestling Exchange

Kearney scores big in outdoor duel for Maine-Nebraska Wrestling Exchange

The free showcase had strong support and the temperatures were ideal for competition, albeit friendly.

Hastings City Council passes initial vote to term limit city board and committee members

Hastings City Council passes initial vote to term limit city board and committee members

The Hastings City Council is beginning the process to limit how many terms that members on city boards and committees can serve consecutively. 

Former Kearney pitcher speaks on commitment to Texas

Former Kearney pitcher speaks on commitment to Texas

A Kearney High Graduate and Texas baseball transfer recently opened up about his decision to join the longhorns.

Nebraska's Top High School Golfers Tee Off in Kearney

Nebraska's Top High School Golfers Tee Off in Kearney

The 23rd annual Nebraska Lions All Star Golf Tournament is underway at Meadowlark Hills in Kearney, with 60 golfers competing to see who’s the best.

Police drone training to close parts of Cottonmill Park Monday

Police drone training to close parts of Cottonmill Park Monday

Police will be conducting a joint drone training exercise at Cottonmill Park Monday from 8:00 p.m. to midnight.

Former Kearney High pitcher Cal Higgins commits to Texas

Former Kearney High pitcher Cal Higgins commits to Texas

Left-handed pitcher Cal Higgins announced that he's taking his talents to the University of Texas.

Protesters gather at Senator Pete Ricketts' Kearney office

Protesters gather at Senator Pete Ricketts' Kearney office

Protesters part of the Friends of Bernie Sanders Organization gathered at Senator Pete Ricketts' Kearney office on Friday to protest a bill working through the Senate.

East team ambitious to snap three-game skid in Sertoma 8-man football all-star game

East team ambitious to snap three-game skid in Sertoma 8-man football all-star game

The East team is looking to defeat the West team in the Sertoma 8-man football All-Star Classic for the first time since 2021.

Lincoln County woman named Miss Rodeo Nebraska 2026

Lincoln County woman named Miss Rodeo Nebraska 2026

A new Miss Rodeo Nebraska was crowned Wednesday night during the opening of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo at the Wild West Arena.

Grand Island eyes $16 million makeover for Island Oasis Water Park

Grand Island eyes $16 million makeover for Island Oasis Water Park

City leaders say that the Island Oasis Water Park, now 32 years old, is due for a major renovation.

West team gearing up for 48th annual Sertoma 8-man football All-Star Classic

West team gearing up for 48th annual Sertoma 8-man football All-Star Classic

From all the way out in the panhandle to southeast Nebraska, the best 8-man football athletes from all across the state are aiming to get one more win in their high school careers.

Grand Island man arrested for throwing Molotov cocktail at Homeland Security building, authorities say

Grand Island man arrested for throwing Molotov cocktail at Homeland Security building, authorities say

A Central Nebraska man is under arrest after allegedly throwing a homemade explosive device at the Department of Homeland Security building in Grand Island.

Hastings LandMark Implement debuts new facility after 2022 arson

Hastings LandMark Implement debuts new facility after 2022 arson

A Hastings business is showing off its rebuild, after their old building was intentionally destroyed just under three years ago.