State 

Sidney Public Schools highlight student services through partnership with city transportation
Sidney Public Schools highlight student services through partnership with city transportation

Sidney Public Transportation is playing a larger role in getting local students safely to and from school, supporting nearly 90 riders a day through its partnership with Sidney Public Schools.

Cherry County Hospital debating possible expansion

Cherry County Hospital debating possible expansion

Cherry County Hospital is exploring a potential expansion that could add space for rehab services, the specialty clinic, an in-house MRI and additional storage.

Southeast Nebraska students get firsthand look at local government at latest Jefferson County Government Day

Southeast Nebraska students get firsthand look at local government at latest Jefferson County Government Day

Nearly 100 juniors from four local schools  spent their Thursday mornings getting a firsthand look at all the departments and people that work to make Jefferson County government function.  

University of Nebraska-Kearney's “One Day for UNK” event breaks records, raises nearly $390,000

University of Nebraska-Kearney's “One Day for UNK” event breaks records, raises nearly $390,000

The University of Nebraska at Kearney’s fifth annual One Day for UNK fundraiser set new records with 2,170 gifts totaling nearly $390,000, supporting scholarships, student programs and more.

First United Methodist church continues meal support after government reopening

First United Methodist church continues meal support after government reopening

First United Methodist is still offering free weekly meals every Tuesday to provide sandwich sacks for those in need

Sheriff confirms one dead after gas well blowout near Sidney, investigation continues

Sheriff confirms one dead after gas well blowout near Sidney, investigation continues

Cheyenne County officials say County Road 111 has reopened as the investigation continues into Tuesday’s gas fire north of Sidney.

Fatal shooting under investigation in Cheyenne

Fatal shooting under investigation in Cheyenne

Cheyenne police are investigating a fatal shooting that left an 18-year-old man dead Wednesday night. A firearm sale involving a 16-year-old reportedly turned into a physical fight before shots were fired.

Alliance police arrest suspect after early-morning assault

Alliance police arrest suspect after early-morning assault

Alliance police arrested a 19-year-old man early Thursday after a reported assault on East 6th Street. One victim was injured, and officers say the suspect was found hiding under a mattress.

Despite some pushback, animal rescue approved to move to Northeast Nebraska

Despite some pushback, animal rescue approved to move to Northeast Nebraska

An animal rescue and rehabilitation center out of North Dakota is officially moving to Verdigre.

Norfolk's Telcoin becomes Nebraska’s first digital asset bank

Norfolk's Telcoin becomes Nebraska’s first digital asset bank

A northeast Nebraska company is taking a big step into the future of finance.

Cherry County Zoning Department remains closed as commissioners search for new administrator

Cherry County Zoning Department remains closed as commissioners search for new administrator

Those needing zoning permits for projects in Cherry County will have to wait a little longer.

Two killed in head-on crash on Highway 92 near McGrew, authorities say

Two killed in head-on crash on Highway 92 near McGrew, authorities say

Two people were killed Wednesday in a head-on crash on Highway 92 near McGrew. State Patrol says a Nissan crossed the center line and hit a semi. Investigation is ongoing.

Benefit account set up for Olsen family at Points West Bank

Benefit account set up for Olsen family at Points West Bank

Point West Bank announced Wednesday an account has been established to assist Regina Olsen after the fire that occurred Tuesday morning.

Clarkson defies odds, turning a $50,000 Challenge into a $1 Million endowment fund

Clarkson defies odds, turning a $50,000 Challenge into a $1 Million endowment fund

A small Northeast Nebraska town has defied expectations to help their community, turning a $50,000 challenge grant into a million-dollar endowment in just ten months

Former DHHS supervisor and spouse arrested on theft, fraud charges

Former DHHS supervisor and spouse arrested on theft, fraud charges

A former supervisor with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is facing charges of fraud and theft related to misuse of Medicaid and SNAP benefits.

Kearney City Council approves return of daily flights to Chicago starting April 2026

Kearney City Council approves return of daily flights to Chicago starting April 2026

Direct Chicago flights will return to Kearney for the first time since 2022 under a new SkyWest agreement.

Military veterans remembered with tradition, community events

Military veterans remembered with tradition, community events

The flag flew high and proud Tuesday, Veterans Day. That evening veterans and the public were invited to the annual Bean Feed at the Sidney Elks Lodge, all to celebrate and recognize military veterans.

Nebraska state colleges launch system-wide initiative to re-enroll thousands of adults

Nebraska state colleges launch system-wide initiative to re-enroll thousands of adults

The Nebraska State College System—which serves more than 9,000 students across its three campuses annually—today announced the launch of an ambitious new system-wide initiative, Reengage Nebraska.

Geoff Fox, beloved NCN meteorologist and Emmy-winning broadcaster, dies at 75

Geoff Fox, beloved NCN meteorologist and Emmy-winning broadcaster, dies at 75

Geoff Fox, who served as News Channel Nebraska chief meteorologist for nearly 10 years, has passed away after a long battle with cancer. He was 75.

Madison County Fair Board to hold annual election

Madison County Fair Board to hold annual election

The Madison County Fairgrounds are a booming and hot place in July, but in the much colder month of November is when the decisions happen that make that possible.

Economic leaders gather in Valentine to explore creative community growth

Economic leaders gather in Valentine to explore creative community growth

Economic development leaders from across the Sandhills and Panhandle gathered in Valentine to share ideas and learn from each other’s successes.

MUSH: Karen Land - and Sophia the sled dog - bring tales from the Iditarod across America

MUSH: Karen Land - and Sophia the sled dog - bring tales from the Iditarod across America

20 years after she competed in some of the world's most famous snow-based races, Karen Land and her sled dog Sophia are traveling the country sharing their stories.

NCN to broadcast live show from Hastings Celebration of Lights

NCN to broadcast live show from Hastings Celebration of Lights

News Channel Nebraska is putting one of the state’s premier holiday celebrations in the spotlight.

Annual Fairbury VFW and American Legion Veterans Day ceremony has celebrated local service members for half a century

Annual Fairbury VFW and American Legion Veterans Day ceremony has celebrated local service members for half a century

With Veterans Day falling on a Tuesday this year, the Fairbury VFW and American Legion subbed out Taco Tuesday for soup and sandwiches and an annual service member celebration that’s been held here for half a century.  

Solar storms bring colorful northern lights to unexpected places

Solar storms bring colorful northern lights to unexpected places

People across the state of Nebraska turned their gaze to the north on Tuesday night to take in a rare sight - the Aurora Borealis.

Family of St. Paul service members participate in 43rd Army Band

Family of St. Paul service members participate in 43rd Army Band

The U.S. military and music have had a long history together. That’s particularly evident in the 43rd Army Band.

Northern lights dazzle skies across western Nebraska Tuesday night

Northern lights dazzle skies across western Nebraska Tuesday night

The northern lights lit up the sky over Sidney, Chappell and the Nebraska Panhandle Tuesday night.

Dusty Schmidt departs Fairbury city council after four years; potential successor to be considered in December

Dusty Schmidt departs Fairbury city council after four years; potential successor to be considered in December

Last Tuesday night's city council meeting was the final one for Dusty Schmidt, whose family is moving out of Fairbury's third ward.
A potential successor will be considered next month.

Clarkson students lead touching veterans day ceremony

Clarkson students lead touching veterans day ceremony

Clarkson Public School students led a Veterans Day ceremony, honoring veterans and showcasing "Christmas for the Troops," a school-wide initiative to support active-duty military personnel with gifts and food during the holidays

Standing room only at Valentine Elementary’s Veterans Day program

Standing room only at Valentine Elementary’s Veterans Day program

When you think of school concerts, you might picture winter or spring performances. But in Valentine, they go big for Veterans Day.

Two Veterans reflect on their efforts putting together the Central Nebraska Veterans Memorial

Two Veterans reflect on their efforts putting together the Central Nebraska Veterans Memorial

Two central Nebraska veterans with more than 40 years of combined service are looking back on their project that honors all Nebraska veterans.

Hunters rescued from Lake McConaughy mud flats; fire crews later battle large blaze at Sandy Beach

Hunters rescued from Lake McConaughy mud flats; fire crews later battle large blaze at Sandy Beach

Two hunters and their dog were rescued from the mud flats at Lake McConaughy before firefighters battled a major blaze at Sandy Beach Paradise late into the night.

Direct grazing of standing milo with cows examined in webinar

Direct grazing of standing milo with cows examined in webinar

Nebraska Extension will host a webinar December 3 that will focus on strip-grazing standing milo as a winter feed option. Field Specialist Rusty Lee will share the results of his research and experience.

Farmer drives flaming combine out of field, may have save acres of farmland

Farmer drives flaming combine out of field, may have save acres of farmland

A northeast Nebraska farmer’s decision to drive his burning combine may have helped prevent more farm land from catching fire.

Operation Christmas Child National Collection Week is November 17-24

Operation Christmas Child National Collection Week is November 17-24

Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan's Purse, seeks to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children around the world. Volunteers are packing shoe boxes in preparation of National Collection Week – November 17-24.

Hastings establishes regulations for scooters and e-bikes

Hastings establishes regulations for scooters and e-bikes

People in Hastings will soon need to take extra care with where they ride their E-Bikes or scooters.

Warren Buffett warns 'Father Time' is catching up but he trusts Berkshire Hathaway successor

Warren Buffett warns 'Father Time' is catching up but he trusts Berkshire Hathaway successor

Billionaire Warren Buffett warned shareholders Monday that many companies will fare better than his Berkshire Hathaway in the decades ahead.

Firefighters respond to house fire near Central Elementary in Sidney

Firefighters respond to house fire near Central Elementary in Sidney

Firefighters were on scene of a house fire near Central Elementary in Sidney. Everyone inside made it out safely, and nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution. Developing story.

Tara Schnell wins $500 for Sidney Public Schools in Stretch Across Nebraska contest

Tara Schnell wins $500 for Sidney Public Schools in Stretch Across Nebraska contest

Tara Schnell won $500 for Sidney Public Schools through the Stretch Across Nebraska contest, sharing her family’s healthy walk on the Deadwood Trail with News Channel Nebraska, Medica and The Big Boy.

School board recognizes October 2025 students of the month

School board recognizes October 2025 students of the month

The Sidney Board of Education recognized the October Students of the Monday in the November 10 board meeting.

SMART program benefits future teachers, K-12 students

SMART program benefits future teachers, K-12 students

For Chadron State College education majors, the Nebraska SMART tutoring program is more than a job.

Two juveniles hospitalized after crash near Bayard, deputies say

Two juveniles hospitalized after crash near Bayard, deputies say

Two juveniles were hospitalized after a crash near Bayard early Sunday morning. Deputies say the vehicle left the road and hit an embankment before the occupants fled on foot.

Masaba pledges $25,000 to support expansion of Northeast welding program

Masaba pledges $25,000 to support expansion of Northeast welding program

A new partnership between education and industry is set to deliver a big boost to students in northeast Nebraska.

Grand Island man charged with attempted murder after stabbing ex-partner, police say

Grand Island man charged with attempted murder after stabbing ex-partner, police say

A Grand Island man is charged with attempted first-degree murder among other crimes following a stabbing of his ex-partner over the weekend.

Columbus launches world's largest bioethanol carbon capture facility

Columbus launches world's largest bioethanol carbon capture facility

ADM in Columbus has launched the world's largest bioethanol carbon capture facility in partnership with Tallgrass pipelines. They're capturing CO2 from the ethanol production process to transport

Pillen appoints Derek Vaughn to Nebraska Supreme Court

Pillen appoints Derek Vaughn to Nebraska Supreme Court

Gov. Jim Pillen on Monday appointed the Honorable Derek Vaughn as the new associate justice representing District 2.

Kimball Hospital Foundation’s Holiday Spirit campaign returns for 34th year

Kimball Hospital Foundation’s Holiday Spirit campaign returns for 34th year

Holiday Spirit campaign letters will go out early this week, kicking off the 34th Holiday Spirit fundraising campaign that the Kimball Hospital Foundation puts on to help pay for needed medical equipment.

Potter railroad crossing to be closed Thursday

Potter railroad crossing to be closed Thursday

The Union Pacific Railroad announced today the main railroad crossing in Potter will be closed much of Tuesday. An alternate would be the underpass west of Potter.

Nebraska Department of Education highlights communities improving attendance

Nebraska Department of Education highlights communities improving attendance

The Nebraska Department of Education released data that shows 66 of the state's 93 counties had declines in chronic absenteeism.

Random stop near Sidney inspires Historical Fiction writer

Random stop near Sidney inspires Historical Fiction writer

He was on a vacation, driving from Lincoln to Estes Park, Colo. when they stopped at the rest stop east of Sidney. Information he found there inspired him to write an historical fiction book series, and a second series is pending.

New outdoor weather warning siren installed in Merriman

New outdoor weather warning siren installed in Merriman

Residents in the Merriman area now have a new way to be alerted about severe weather.

Supreme Court rejects call to overturn its decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide

Supreme Court rejects call to overturn its decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide

The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a call to overturn its landmark decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.

Flood proposes postal stamp to pay veterans' medical debt

Flood proposes postal stamp to pay veterans' medical debt

Veterans Medical Debut Relief Stamp introduced

Native American Heritage Museum created by Valentine middle schoolers

Native American Heritage Museum created by Valentine middle schoolers

As part of National Native American Heritage Month, fifth graders at Valentine Middle School have transformed their class hallway into a museum celebrating Native American history and culture.

Hanover annihilates Burlingame, advances to sectional round of 2025 Kansas DII football playoffs

Hanover annihilates Burlingame, advances to sectional round of 2025 Kansas DII football playoffs

Hanover is one of the final eight teams standing in the 2025 Kansas DII football postseason field after defeating Burlingame in the Wildcats' second straight dominant performance.

Former North Platte Community College coach sues for discrimination

Former North Platte Community College coach sues for discrimination

A former North Platte Community College softball coach and faculty member is suing the college on discrimination and retaliation claims.

Biden urges on Nebraska Democrats as underdogs in his return to the political stage in Omaha

Biden urges on Nebraska Democrats as underdogs in his return to the political stage in Omaha

Joe Biden slowly but steadily walked onto the stage in Omaha on Friday. As he did, 800 people in the downtown Hilton ballroom rose to their feet cheering.

Art Day rewarding for Chadron State College students and attendees

Art Day rewarding for Chadron State College students and attendees

Nearly 100 students from the Panhandle and South Dakota attended Chadron State College’s Art Day Nov. 4.

Snow forecast for Northern Plains and potential record cold in the South

Snow forecast for Northern Plains and potential record cold in the South

Highs will likely stay in the 30s in parts of Nebraska, Iowa and northern Missouri by Sunday.

Former Bellevue police officer arrested on child sexual assault charges

Former Bellevue police officer arrested on child sexual assault charges

A now-former Bellevue police officer is in jail on charges of child sexual abuse.

Clarkson public schools embarks on $15 Million construction project

Clarkson public schools embarks on $15 Million construction project

Clarkson, Neb. - Following the approval of a $15 million dollar school bond, Clarkson Public Schools has officially broken ground on a comprehensive construction project aimed at modernizing its facilities and enhancing student safety. The initiative come

Woman dies after being hit by ATV while walking in rural Polk County

Woman dies after being hit by ATV while walking in rural Polk County

One person has died after authorities an ATV hit her while she was walking on the side of the road.

Fire damage at Falls City commercial shop

Fire damage at Falls City commercial shop

Sparks from grinder blamed for fire

Teen killed, two others airlifted after crash north of Burlington

Teen killed, two others airlifted after crash north of Burlington

A 17-year-old boy was killed and two others were airlifted after a crash north of Burlington on Wednesday. The Colorado State Patrol says the crash happened when a Jeep rear-ended a car stopped to turn on Highway 385.

Kearney considers new SkyWest agreement to bring back daily flights to Chicago

Kearney considers new SkyWest agreement to bring back daily flights to Chicago

Kearney City Council will consider a proposal from SkyWest Airlines to add a daily flight to Chicago.