Local 

Kearney High's 50th student-built house marks a milestone for construction program
Kearney High's 50th student-built house marks a milestone for construction program

A High School in Central Nebraska is unveiling a milestone project that highlights a unique school program that's been around for half a century.

MONA and longtime Visit Kearney director Roger Jasnoch honored with Celebrate Tourism awards

MONA and longtime Visit Kearney director Roger Jasnoch honored with Celebrate Tourism awards

A longtime community leader in Kearney and newly-renovated museum picked up major tourism honors on Monday.

Sen. Fischer pushes for parts of USDA to relocate to Nebraska

Sen. Fischer pushes for parts of USDA to relocate to Nebraska

There are discussions happening in Washington D.C. about the potential relocation for parts of the United States Department of Agriculture, including parts of the Agricultural Research Service.

Head coach Victor Rojas wants to ‘Shock the World’ in new role with Hastings baseball

Head coach Victor Rojas wants to ‘Shock the World’ in new role with Hastings baseball

A new head coach in Central Nebraska has high expectations this coming season for his new team.

Haarberg ends spring practice with new position, perspective

Haarberg ends spring practice with new position, perspective

For just about any college football player, the end goal is to make it to the next level and that includes Kearney's own Heinrich Haarberg.

Fisher Fountain to turn on for season during Mother's Day weekend

Fisher Fountain to turn on for season during Mother's Day weekend

One of the more popular attractions in Hastings will be put into operation for the season this upcoming weekend. 

Brooke Envick selected to lead UNK College of Business and Technology

Brooke Envick selected to lead UNK College of Business and Technology

Following a national search, the University of Nebraska at Kearney has selected Brooke Envick as the next dean of the College of Business and Technology.

Former Kearney Chamber building demolished

Former Kearney Chamber building demolished

With the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce secured in its new digs on the south side of town, the old building came crumbling down on Monday.

Crowds celebrate grand reopening of MONA in Central Nebraska

Crowds celebrate grand reopening of MONA in Central Nebraska

 Art enthusiasts will no longer have to wait to see the state's official art collection following the recent re-opening of a Central Nebraska museum.

Hastings College hires former MLB broadcaster as new baseball Head Coach

Hastings College hires former MLB broadcaster as new baseball Head Coach

The Hastings College Baseball team is turning to a former MLB broadcaster and collegiate coach to lead its program.

Car crashes into building on 2nd Avenue

Car crashes into building on 2nd Avenue

A car crashing into a building on 2nd Avenue in Kearney Sunday afternoon sends one to the hospital.

Ord hosts Huskers for first time as Nebraska sweeps SDSU in spring match

Ord hosts Huskers for first time as Nebraska sweeps SDSU in spring match

The Husker volleyball team brought its championship pedigree to small-town Nebraska Saturday, showcasing the connection between the program and its statewide fan base.

Kearney man convicted of stalking police chief sentenced to jail and unconventional probation

Kearney man convicted of stalking police chief sentenced to jail and unconventional probation

A Kearney man accused of threatening a police lieutenant and stalking the city’s police chief will be going back to jail.

Kearney shuts out rival Hastings 9-0 on Senior Day

Kearney shuts out rival Hastings 9-0 on Senior Day

The Kearney Bearcats used excellent starting pitcher and a quick start on offense to record their fourth straight win over their Tri-City rival on Friday. 

Hastings College to dedicate newly renovated Jack Osborne Track Complex, host GPAC Championships

Hastings College to dedicate newly renovated Jack Osborne Track Complex, host GPAC Championships

The Jack Osborne Track Complex is fully renovated and is ready to once again host outdoor track and field events. 

2025 Give Hastings Day raises over $900,000 for Adams County non-profits

2025 Give Hastings Day raises over $900,000 for Adams County non-profits

113 Adams County non-profits are receiving much needed funding from over 5,000 generous donors during Give Hastings Day. 

'Go Big Give' unites Grand Island for annual day of giving

'Go Big Give' unites Grand Island for annual day of giving

Over 100 local non-profits from several Central Nebraska cities are coming together to help strengthen their communities.

Kearney Chief of Police named state patrol superintendent

Kearney Chief of Police named state patrol superintendent

The city of Kearney is searching for a new Chief of Police, because Bryan Waugh was named the next superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol.

Honoring the forgotten: Grand Island remembers its Vietnam heroes

Honoring the forgotten: Grand Island remembers its Vietnam heroes

The streets of a Central Nebraska city were filled with celebration and remembrance on Wednesday as the community came together to celebrate its Vietnam veterans.

Gov. Pillen extends burn ban to May 10 for most of Nebraska

Gov. Pillen extends burn ban to May 10 for most of Nebraska

Gov. Jim Pillen is keeping the central and western part of the state in a burn ban, largely due to consistent dry conditions. 

Students witness Nebraska Supreme Court in action during historic school visit

Students witness Nebraska Supreme Court in action during historic school visit

For the first time ever a Central Nebraska School has been transformed into a courtroom as part of a statewide civics education initiative.

Two escape from Kearney house fire by jumping from roof

Two escape from Kearney house fire by jumping from roof

Two people are safe after jumping from a roof to avoid a house fire.

Hastings City Council approves ordinance to add 'In God We Trust' signs to several public spaces

Hastings City Council approves ordinance to add 'In God We Trust' signs to several public spaces

The city of Hastings may start displaying the country's national motto in public places following a vote from the city council.

Man in custody after domestic assault hospitalizes woman

Man in custody after domestic assault hospitalizes woman

A woman is recovering from serious injuries that she suffered during a weekend domestic assault at a Central Nebraska RV Park.

Central Nebraska organizations promoting awareness for Child Abuse Prevention month

Central Nebraska organizations promoting awareness for Child Abuse Prevention month

April is Child Abuse Prevention month, and two Central Nebraska organizations want the public to know about the free resources they offer for families or people in need of guidance.

Cavenee shoots way to champion status

Cavenee shoots way to champion status

An 11-year-old from Nebraska becomes the 12th in state history to win at the Elks Hoop Shoot National Finals.

Nebraska Sen. Pete Ricketts faces occasional jeers as he defends Trump's cuts

Nebraska Sen. Pete Ricketts faces occasional jeers as he defends Trump's cuts

Nebraska Sen. Pete Ricketts on Thursday repeatedly returned to his call for spending cuts amid grumbles from a central Nebraska audience during a public meeting that illustrated the tension between some voters in the country and Republicans.

Campgrounds and visitor centers at federal lakes are closing amid Trump's budget cuts

Campgrounds and visitor centers at federal lakes are closing amid Trump's budget cuts

Campgrounds, boat ramps and other facilities in at least 30 locations at federal lakes and reservoirs in six states will be closed or have their hours curtailed as of mid-May.

Rep. Flood announces more meteorologists and balloon launches coming to Nebraska

Rep. Flood announces more meteorologists and balloon launches coming to Nebraska

After months of staffing shortages and a reduction in critical weather data collection, Nebraska’s National Weather Service is getting much-needed reinforcements.

UNMC Project Peace conference aims to better prepare physicians to treat behavioral health problems

UNMC Project Peace conference aims to better prepare physicians to treat behavioral health problems

Healthcare providers from across the state are in Kearney for workshops aimed at equipping them to better treat behavioral health problems.

'Astro Clay' shares story of faith and science after unlikely astronaut career

'Astro Clay' shares story of faith and science after unlikely astronaut career

Clayton Anderson is the first and still only astronaut from Nebraska. But he almost wasn’t, more than a dozen times.

UPDATE: Missing Hastings teenager found dead

UPDATE: Missing Hastings teenager found dead

The Hastings Police Department says a teenager that was was missing since Wednesday evening is deceased. 

Rep. Adrian Smith speaks at UNK student event, draws scorn from impassioned locals

Rep. Adrian Smith speaks at UNK student event, draws scorn from impassioned locals

U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith is the latest member of Nebraska’s congressional delegation to face a cantankerous crowd in his home state.

Ricketts opens town hall tour in Kearney, community presses him on Trump, spending cuts and more

Ricketts opens town hall tour in Kearney, community presses him on Trump, spending cuts and more

Senator Pete Ricketts has completed his first in a series of public town hall meetings, with the first one taking place in Kearney.

Hastings Police looking for teen missing since Wednesday night

Hastings Police looking for teen missing since Wednesday night

The Hastings Police Department is asking the public to be on the lookout a missing Hastings teenager. 

NU welcomes Dr. Neal Schnoor as priority candidate for UNK chancellor

NU welcomes Dr. Neal Schnoor as priority candidate for UNK chancellor

The priority candidate to be the next chancellor at UNK made his first public appearance in Nebraska on Wednesday.

NCN to broadcast Sen. Ricketts town hall event on Thursday

NCN to broadcast Sen. Ricketts town hall event on Thursday

News Channel Nebraska will broadcast the town hall event hosted by Sen. Pete Ricketts on Thursday in Kearney.

YMCA to host healthy living event for children

YMCA to host healthy living event for children

A Central Nebraska chapter of a national non-profit organization is reinforcing its message of healthy living with summer quickly approaching.

One killed in fatal motorcycle crash

One killed in fatal motorcycle crash

A young man is dead following a fatal crash in Central Nebraska. 

Essink waives arraignment, case headed to jury trial after 'not guilty' plea

Essink waives arraignment, case headed to jury trial after 'not guilty' plea

The case against a Hastings daycare provider accused of negligent child abuse is headed to a jury trial in September.

Police investigating inmate's death at Central Nebraska jail

Police investigating inmate's death at Central Nebraska jail

Authorities are investigating the death of a 38-year-old inmate at the Buffalo County Jail after he was found unresponsive in his cell Tuesday afternoon.

Stolley Park Railroad improvements full steam ahead with special event

Stolley Park Railroad improvements full steam ahead with special event

Stolley Park is a staple in the Grand Island community and has been an official state park for almost a century.

Kearney unveils new water resource recovery facility on Earth Day

Kearney unveils new water resource recovery facility on Earth Day

A Central Nebraska city is holding tours for its brand-new state of the art facility that is set to keep the local ecosystem healthy.

Nebraska native, former faculty member Neal Schnoor named UNK chancellor priority candidate

Nebraska native, former faculty member Neal Schnoor named UNK chancellor priority candidate

An experienced administrator with ties to Nebraska and Kearney is poised to become the next chancellor of the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Held taking over play calling after losing offensive coordinator

Held taking over play calling after losing offensive coordinator

A central Nebraska university is making a change to its football team's coaching staff following a recent departure.

Mariachi day celebrates hispanic music and dance in Central Nebraska

Mariachi day celebrates hispanic music and dance in Central Nebraska

A University of Nebraska campus is celebrating a culture full of color, rhythm and tradition.

Hastings named 2025 Nebraska 'Showcase Community' by Dept. of Economic Development

Hastings named 2025 Nebraska 'Showcase Community' by Dept. of Economic Development

Hastings is this year’s Nebraska Showcase Community for the second time since 2017, since this annual award was created in the year 2000.

Community support propels York girl to Elks nationals

Community support propels York girl to Elks nationals

From educators to Elks, friends and family,  it’s all hands on deck in the Duke community helping a 9-year-old hone in on her shooting.

Sharp shooter from Elm Creek takes family to new experience

Sharp shooter from Elm Creek takes family to new experience

An 11-year-old from Elm Creek qualified for the Elks Hoop Shoot National Tournament, and now he's taking his family on a whole new experience.

Early giving open for 2025 Give Hastings Day

Early giving open for 2025 Give Hastings Day

The opportunity to give monetary donations to 113 Adams County non-profits and organizations is now underway.

PETA has beef with Hastings, to bring 'Hell on Wheels' pig truck in downtown protest

PETA has beef with Hastings, to bring 'Hell on Wheels' pig truck in downtown protest

A global animal rights organization has beef with Central Nebraska, or at least with local restaurants that serve pork.

Hastings officials release cause of Wednesday trailer park fire

Hastings officials release cause of Wednesday trailer park fire

Hastings authorities say Wednesday's trailer park fire was accidental in nature, and the trailer is a total loss.

UNK serving up three new sand volleyball courts

UNK serving up three new sand volleyball courts

A new recreational space is coming to the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Woman killed in crash near Sutherland, driver will be arrested after release from hospital

Woman killed in crash near Sutherland, driver will be arrested after release from hospital

A Sutherland man will be arrested once he is released from the hospital for a deadly crash on Monday.

Hershey native qualifies for FBLA-Collegiate National Conference

Hershey native qualifies for FBLA-Collegiate National Conference

Chadron State College student Mekenna Fisher of Hershey, Nebraska, earned second place in both the Impromptu Speaking and Job Interview contests at the FBLA-Collegiate State Leadership Conference on March 28-29 in Kearney, Nebraska.

New era begins for Nebraska art as MONA is set to reopen after transformation

New era begins for Nebraska art as MONA is set to reopen after transformation

Nebraska's most highly anticipated museum renovation is almost complete, as MONA is ready to unveil its newly expanded facility.

Two-alarm fire destroys Hastings mobile home

Two-alarm fire destroys Hastings mobile home

A mobile home in a Hastings trailer park is destroyed after it caught fire Wednesday afternoon.

Ten Hastings High School seniors sign college letters of intent

Ten Hastings High School seniors sign college letters of intent

Hastings High held its spring signing ceremony Wednesday afternoon that saw those ten athletes putting pen to paper, making their commitments official. 

Exploding battery causes Central Nebraska house fire

Exploding battery causes Central Nebraska house fire

A lithium-ion battery causes a house fire Tuesday after being left on its charger for approximately four months.

One injured in multi-car accident outside of Kearney Catholic High School

One injured in multi-car accident outside of Kearney Catholic High School

One person is seriously injured after a crash occurred outside of a Central Nebraska School Tuesday.

Crews respond to fire in South Kearney

Crews respond to fire in South Kearney

Central Nebraska fire crews responded to a ditch fire Monday evening near the Platte river

Four Hastings Firefighters honored with 'lifesaving' awards for saving two people in house fire

Four Hastings Firefighters honored with 'lifesaving' awards for saving two people in house fire

Chance Bronson, Jonas Marshall, Colby Jensen, and Tom Treffer are receiving 'Lifesaving Awards' for their efforts in saving the lives of two people.

Holdrege man struck by SUV on Highway 30

Holdrege man struck by SUV on Highway 30

A young man was struck by an SUV on Highway 30 and life-flighted to Good Sam Hospital in Kearney.

Five juveniles arrested near Gothenburg after reported missing from juvenile facility

Five juveniles arrested near Gothenburg after reported missing from juvenile facility

Five juveniles who were reported missing from a juvenile facility in Wyoming were arrested early Sunday morning after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase through central Nebraska, according to the Nebraska State Patrol.

Kearney boasts candidacy to have Good Life District

Kearney boasts candidacy to have Good Life District

The city of Kearney is vying to become the fifth Good Life District in Nebraska and they're using the Sportsplex as a center piece of it.