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Sunrise Middle School unveils improved athletic field with new turf
Sunrise Middle School unveils improved athletic field with new turf

Students at Sunrise Middle School finally have a state-of-the-art sports field to call their own.

Cyberattack shuts down Kearney Public Schools network, classes to continue Monday

Cyberattack shuts down Kearney Public Schools network, classes to continue Monday

Kearney Public Schools is dealing with a cybersecurity attack that has shut down its district network — but officials say classes will continue as scheduled on Monday.

Pattern of alleged staff sexual abuse at state-run Kearney youth center emerges in court hearings

Pattern of alleged staff sexual abuse at state-run Kearney youth center emerges in court hearings

Two staff members at the juvenile treatment center in Kearney have resigned, another is on leave and a third faces a criminal charge due to allegations of inappropriate sexual contact.

New Early Head Start Center in Kearney set to open in 2026

New Early Head Start Center in Kearney set to open in 2026

The new project aims to expand affordable child care for families across Buffalo County.

Park Elementary named National Blue Ribbon School

Park Elementary named National Blue Ribbon School

Park Elementary in Kearney has been named a 2025 National Blue Ribbon School — one of the highest honors a school can receive from the U.S. Department of Education.

County Court Judge set to retire next year

County Court Judge set to retire next year

County Court Judge Arthur S. Wetzel is retiring from the bench after 14 years in service.

Chief Deputy Dan Schleusener announces run for Buffalo County Sheriff as Miller plans retirement

Chief Deputy Dan Schleusener announces run for Buffalo County Sheriff as Miller plans retirement

Chief Deputy Dan Schleusener has officially announced he’s running for Sheriff of Buffalo County.

Wanted man arrested after 120-mph chase, cornfield pursuit in Central Nebraska

Wanted man arrested after 120-mph chase, cornfield pursuit in Central Nebraska

A Pennsylvania man is in custody after a high-speed pursuit in Central Nebraska.

Hastings restaurant announces sudden closure

Hastings restaurant announces sudden closure

A well-known Hastings restaurant is in its final days of operations after announcing its abrupt closure on Thursday.

Banners tied to white nationalist group found over Grand Island bridge

Banners tied to white nationalist group found over Grand Island bridge

Activists and city officials are speaking out after hate-filled signs linked to a white nationalist group were found hanging from a Grand Island bridge near the heart of the Hispanic business district.

'Conversations on a Bench' sees Nebraska homeless shelter director spend 24 hours outside as part of national campaign

'Conversations on a Bench' sees Nebraska homeless shelter director spend 24 hours outside as part of national campaign

Crossroads Mission Avenue Executive Director Daniel Buller is sitting on a bench for 24 straight hours to help raise awareness and fight the stereotypes of homelessness in Nebraska.

Diocese of Lincoln limits priest’s duties after accusation of sexual assault

Diocese of Lincoln limits priest’s duties after accusation of sexual assault

The Diocese of Lincoln is limiting a Priest’s assignments after he was accused of sexual abusing a minor three decades ago.

Tinsman, senior leadership leading Hastings High Softball into postseason

Tinsman, senior leadership leading Hastings High Softball into postseason

The 2025 Tiger Softball team is ready to make a deep postseason run behind the top state pitcher in Class B plus a versatile and selfless lineup.

Animal causes thousand of residents to lose power

Animal causes thousand of residents to lose power

Almost 5,000 residents were without power Wednesday morning because of a wandering animal.

'You have the power to be the change:' youth leadership event at UNK

'You have the power to be the change:' youth leadership event at UNK

Youth leaders from across Central Nebraska are taking helpful tips and tricks home as part of the Power of Change Youth Summit.

Toddler abandoned in Adams County ditch; authorities investigating

Toddler abandoned in Adams County ditch; authorities investigating

The Adams County Sheriff's Department is investigating after a 15-month old child was found alive on the side of a road just southwest of Hastings city limits. 

Target opens first store in Grand Island, Nebraska’s first new location in nearly 20 years

Target opens first store in Grand Island, Nebraska’s first new location in nearly 20 years

The new Target store in Conestoga Marketplace is the first Target ever in Grand Island and the first new build in Nebraska in nearly 20 years.

North Platte man sentenced to prison for sexual assault of minor

North Platte man sentenced to prison for sexual assault of minor

A North Platte man was sentenced to prison in Lincoln County District Court Monday for the third-degree sexual assault of a minor.

Fans invited to name Grand Island’s Diamond Baseball League team

Fans invited to name Grand Island’s Diamond Baseball League team

Fans can submit their ideas for the franchise’s official name by participating in the “Name The Team” contest at www.giparks.com/nametheteam.

Troopers find nearly 100 pounds of Ketamine in I-80 traffic stop

Troopers find nearly 100 pounds of Ketamine in I-80 traffic stop

A North Carolina man is in custody after Nebraska State Patrol troopers found 98 pounds of Ketamine in the vehicle he was driving.

South Heartland District Health Dept. launches new Six-Year Community Health Improvement Plan

South Heartland District Health Dept. launches new Six-Year Community Health Improvement Plan

A south-central Nebraska health department announced the launch of a new community improvement plan Friday by the literal launching of rockets. 

‘You Can’t Frown at a Sunflower’: Koelling Family welcomes visitors to annual Simply Sunflower Field Day

‘You Can’t Frown at a Sunflower’: Koelling Family welcomes visitors to annual Simply Sunflower Field Day

The Koelling Family Farm is opening their sunflower fields to the public this Saturday for their annual Simply Sunflower Field Day, offering tours, photo opportunities and bottles of cold-pressed sunflower oil.

Hastings Sodbusters baseball to shift ownership, join new league

Hastings Sodbusters baseball to shift ownership, join new league

The Hastings Sodbusters summer baseball team is transitioning to new ownership and a new league for the 2026 season, but isn't going anywhere new.

Nebraska senators call for public briefing on proposed ICE facility in McCook

Nebraska senators call for public briefing on proposed ICE facility in McCook

Several Nebraska senators are requesting a public briefing to address the proposed conversion of the McCook Work Ethic Camp.

Kinkaider Brewing opens Monday in Kearney with new taproom at Younes Landing

Kinkaider Brewing opens Monday in Kearney with new taproom at Younes Landing

The Nebraska brewery is set to officially open Monday at Younes Landing, featuring a newly-designed space, signature beers and more.

Hastings College's Mural Day gathers 200+ high school artists for showcase competition

Hastings College's Mural Day gathers 200+ high school artists for showcase competition

Hastings College's annual Mural Day welcomed more than 200 students from 36 Nebraska high schools to showcase their drawing and painting skills while racing against a set time limit.

Albion woman wins Hometown Roots competition

Albion woman wins Hometown Roots competition

An Albion woman is being awarded $5,000 to donate to charity after winning a photo submission contest.

NRD leaders tackle funding shortfalls while honoring conservation work

NRD leaders tackle funding shortfalls while honoring conservation work

Over 400 natural resource leaders gathered in Kearney this week for the annual Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) Conference, held Sept. 29 - Oct. 1.

Hastings now eyeing City Hall building renovation completion in March 2026

Hastings now eyeing City Hall building renovation completion in March 2026

The Hastings City Hall building has now been undergoing renovations for an entire year, which are now expected to continue into the spring of 2026. 

Intoxicated driver crashes into power pole, leaves 1,100 Kearney customers without power

Intoxicated driver crashes into power pole, leaves 1,100 Kearney customers without power

Police say Monday night's power outage was cause by an intoxicated driver who struck a power pole.

KHAS Radio recognized on 85th anniversary

KHAS Radio recognized on 85th anniversary

Tuesday marks 85 years to the date of KHAS Radio's first day on the air in Hastings. 

Leaders gather in Kearney to tackle rural health challenges in Nebraska

Leaders gather in Kearney to tackle rural health challenges in Nebraska

Kearney hosted the Rural Engagement and Wellness Summit Monday, which saw health leaders collaborate on how to improve healthcare in Rural Nebraska.

Two Nebraska Liquor Commission members resign at governor’s request

Two Nebraska Liquor Commission members resign at governor’s request

The last two members of the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission who served with a former director who faces federal charges alleging public corruption are resigning at the governor’s request.

Hastings defense pitches second half shutout to top Beatrice

Hastings defense pitches second half shutout to top Beatrice

The Hastings Tigers made just enough plays on both sides of the ball to win a battle of the defenses against Beatrice on Friday night. 

Hastings hosting WWII aircraft flights and community cookout

Hastings hosting WWII aircraft flights and community cookout

Pilots with the Commemorative Air Force and Nebraska Antique Airplane Association are bringing a rare WWII plane to Hastings Saturday, offering flights and a community hamburger feed to support aircraft maintenance.

Food pantry shelves filled thanks to community generosity in Hastings

Food pantry shelves filled thanks to community generosity in Hastings

Even though Brandon J McDermott is enjoying his time back on solid earth, he says the station is already planning to bring the food drive back for a third year in 2026.

Greenlief National Guard training site unveils $18 million in new renovations, upgrades

Greenlief National Guard training site unveils $18 million in new renovations, upgrades

10 years of ongoing renovations are now officially complete at the Nebraska National Guard's primary training facility. 

Kearney man accused of assaulting, robbing girlfriend has more than 30 prior arrests

Kearney man accused of assaulting, robbing girlfriend has more than 30 prior arrests

A Kearney man is behind bars after police arrested him for allegedly assaulting and robbing his girlfriend.

Kearney hosts first annual Inspire Awards honoring local women leaders

Kearney hosts first annual Inspire Awards honoring local women leaders

Kearney hosted its first Inspire Awards, honoring women leaders across eight categories.

Gov. Pillen, local and state leaders recognize seven inaugural Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics in Nebraska

Gov. Pillen, local and state leaders recognize seven inaugural Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics in Nebraska

The state of Nebraska’s new Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic model is set to ensure anyone can access mental healthcare no matter their age, background or financial status.

Central Nebraska state senator announces reelection campaign

Central Nebraska state senator announces reelection campaign

A State Senator from Sumner will be running for re-election in the Nebraska Legislature. 

Barber out as Mary Lanning President/CEO, interim named

Barber out as Mary Lanning President/CEO, interim named

Mary Lanning Healthcare released a statement Wednesday morning saying Eric Barber is no longer the President and CEO of the hospital. 

Adams Central's Kowen Rader commits to Nebraska Baseball

Adams Central's Kowen Rader commits to Nebraska Baseball

Adams Central junior Kowen Rader announced on social media Tuesday evening his commitment to play baseball at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 

Ricketts launches re-election campaign in Kearney, seeks first full Senate term

Ricketts launches re-election campaign in Kearney, seeks first full Senate term

Senator Ricketts kicked off his re-election campaign Tuesday in Kearney where he highlighted his tenure, outlined his priorities and took direct aim at his opponent.

UNK remains in Top 10 for value and regional public university by US News and World Report

UNK remains in Top 10 for value and regional public university by US News and World Report

The University of Nebraska at Kearney is once again in the top ten for rankings by U.S. News and World Report.

McDermott ascends Burlington Center rooftop to begin 2nd annual 'Heroes for Hunger' Food Drive

McDermott ascends Burlington Center rooftop to begin 2nd annual 'Heroes for Hunger' Food Drive

The Partyline morning show host climbed to the top of the Burlington Center Tuesday morning to begin the station's 2nd annual 'Heroes for Hunger' food drive. 

Sheriff's Office investigating animal welfare concerns in Chapman

Sheriff's Office investigating animal welfare concerns in Chapman

Merrick County deputies are investigating possible animal abuse in Chapman after a viral photo spread on social media.

Man killed in crash with semi south of North Platte

Man killed in crash with semi south of North Platte

A man has died following a crash Saturday morning south of North Platte.

Nebraska man accused of sexually assaulting multiple children faces new charges

Nebraska man accused of sexually assaulting multiple children faces new charges

A Nebraska man is in jail for sexually assaulting two children over the course of seven years, officials say.

Kearney secures new data center after city's deal with Sequitor Edge

Kearney secures new data center after city's deal with Sequitor Edge

Kearney has approved the sale of 16 acres of land which will bring a new data center.

Heartland United gives out $50K to 3 lucky donators

Heartland United gives out $50K to 3 lucky donators

Heartland United is giving out $50,000 in donations during the holiday season.

New rare mosquito virus detected in Adams County

New rare mosquito virus detected in Adams County

A new sample from the South Heartland District Health Department show some mosquitoes in Adams County are infected with an extremely rare virus. 

Pleasanton Public Schools breaks ground on $11 million expansion

Pleasanton Public Schools breaks ground on $11 million expansion

Pleasanton public schools broke ground Thursday on a new $11 million expansion.

Shelton Standoff: Man arrested after breaking into home

Shelton Standoff: Man arrested after breaking into home

A Shelton man has been arrested following a long standoff with Police Thursday.

Hastings father charged in infant son's death waives hearing, could head to trial

Hastings father charged in infant son's death waives hearing, could head to trial

A Hastings man accused of leaving his 5-month old son in a hot car is on track to head to trial after waiving a court hearing. 

Juvenile missing in Buffalo County

Juvenile missing in Buffalo County

The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help locating a missing teenager.

Chick-fil-A opens first location in Grand Island this Thursday

Chick-fil-A opens first location in Grand Island this Thursday

Chick-fil-A is set to open its first location in Grand Island this Thursday.

North Platte man on probation for role in illegal hunts

North Platte man on probation for role in illegal hunts

The final sentencing for an illegal mule deer hunt is issued almost 6 years later.

One dead, two injured in early-morning crash near Lexington

One dead, two injured in early-morning crash near Lexington

One person is dead and two others are injured after an early morning crash occurred near Lexington on Monday.

Thriving Children Conference brings together hundreds to tackle Nebraska’s child care crisis

Thriving Children Conference brings together hundreds to tackle Nebraska’s child care crisis

More than 450 early childhood advocates gathered in Kearney on Tuesday to discuss the issue of childcare in the state.

Two children killed in rural Adams County crash

Two children killed in rural Adams County crash

Authorities say two children did not survive a two-vehicle crash in rural Adams County on Monday afternoon.

Sparks fly, tensions nearly boil over before Hastings City Council approves city's fiscal year 2026 budget

Sparks fly, tensions nearly boil over before Hastings City Council approves city's fiscal year 2026 budget

Talks of Budget cuts got heated at Monday night's Hastings City Council meeting, with multiple council members flat out arguing and yelling at each other and city staff because of new proposed cuts that came as a surprise during the middle of the meeting.

Taste Kearney Restaurant Week serves a fresh take on local dining

Taste Kearney Restaurant Week serves a fresh take on local dining

It’s a great week to be a foodie in Central Nebraska, as Kearney kicks off a city-wide celebration of local flavor.

Aurora Co-op merges with Farmers Union out of Kearney

Aurora Co-op merges with Farmers Union out of Kearney

One of Nebraska's largest co-ops is expanding its footprint in Kearney.

Update: Two Kearney men killed in plane crash Northeast of Airport

Update: Two Kearney men killed in plane crash Northeast of Airport

More information is coming in about the fatal plane crash that happened in Kearney last month.