State 

High winds, fire danger a concern for the Nebraska Panhandle region
High winds, fire danger a concern for the Nebraska Panhandle region

High winds and extreme fire danger are expected across the Panhandle and tri-state region Thursday and Friday. Gusts up to 70 mph are possible.

Sidney police to open applications for spring citizens academy

Sidney police to open applications for spring citizens academy

Ever wondered what goes on behind the badge? The Sidney Police Department is opening applications Feb. 2 for its Spring 2026 Citizens Academy, offering hands-on training, simulations and ride-alongs.

Pine Bluffs police cadets recognized for service at Frontier Days parade

Pine Bluffs police cadets recognized for service at Frontier Days parade

Pine Bluffs police cadets were recognized by the Cheyenne Police Department for their help during the Cheyenne Frontier Days parade, assisting with traffic control, safety patrols and parade setup.

Morrill County deputy arrests Minatare man after pursuit in Bridgeport

Morrill County deputy arrests Minatare man after pursuit in Bridgeport

A Morrill County deputy arrested a Minatare man after a reported late-night pursuit in Bridgeport that included speeding, a failure to stop, and damage to mailboxes and a gate.

Nebraska U.S. Senator comments on U.S.-Greenland affairs

Nebraska U.S. Senator comments on U.S.-Greenland affairs

United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Greenland were significant topics throughout the conference.

Gov. Pillen appoints past state senator to replace Dan McKeon

Gov. Pillen appoints past state senator to replace Dan McKeon

A former senator is back in the legislature as previous senator resigns following inappropriate conduct allegations.

Fire quickly contained at Chadron laundromat

Fire quickly contained at Chadron laundromat

A small fire at a Chadron laundromat was quickly contained today thanks to the fast response of the Chadron Volunteer Fire Department.

City Council chooses Phillips as Deputy City Clerk/Office Manager

City Council chooses Phillips as Deputy City Clerk/Office Manager

The Sidney City Council Tuesday approved promoting Kim Phillips to Deputy City Clerk. At Clerk Lori Borchert's March 2 retirement, the council will then decide to promote her to Clerk/Treasurer.

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Opens Grewcock Veterinary Hospital

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Opens Grewcock Veterinary Hospital

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium has officially opened the Bill and Berniece Grewcock Veterinary Hospital. Located on the northeast side of the zoo, the new 32,000-square-foot hospital replaces a 30-year-old facility and will benefit the zoo's more t

High wind watch issued for the tri-state region

High wind watch issued for the tri-state region

A High Wind Watch is in effect Thursday night through Friday for the Panhandle and surrounding region. Gusts up to 70 mph are possible, with dangerous travel and elevated fire danger. Secure loose items and avoid outdoor burning.

Wayne County citizens vote to remove county commissioner after summer rebate scandal

Wayne County citizens vote to remove county commissioner after summer rebate scandal

A recall vote has removed the Wayne County Commissioner who misused county rebates last summer.

Sidney School Board receives clean audit for 2024-25 fiscal year

Sidney School Board receives clean audit for 2024-25 fiscal year

The Sidney School District Board of Education received a clean audit opinion for the 2024-25 fiscal year during its meeting Monday, according to Rauner and Associates.

One last round: Beloved Bartender’s retirement draws in hundreds

One last round: Beloved Bartender’s retirement draws in hundreds

Euni Diediker has been running Euni’s Palace for more than 40 years.

State officials recognize Human Trafficking Awareness Month

State officials recognize Human Trafficking Awareness Month

State officials and law enforcement met at the Nebraska State Capitol Tuesday to recognize January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Attorney General Hilgers also released the 2025 Nebraska Human Trafficking Task Force (NHTTF) Report.

From first response to fire and smoke, Tyler Miller builds First Response Meat Company

From first response to fire and smoke, Tyler Miller builds First Response Meat Company

Sidney's Tyler Miller found a new path after years in EMS, building First Response Meat Company through patience, family, and a love for cooking.

Columbus PD honors officers for heroism, dedication at first-ever recognition ceremony

Columbus PD honors officers for heroism, dedication at first-ever recognition ceremony

The Columbus Police Department held its first Recognition Ceremony to honor officers for heroism, dedication, and service to the community, including a life-saving water rescue

Firefighters quickly contain two grass fires along Highway 30 near Potter

Firefighters quickly contain two grass fires along Highway 30 near Potter

Potter Volunteer Fire Department crews quickly contained two grass fires along Highway 30 east of Potter Monday afternoon, limiting each blaze to about one acre.

BD expansion could mean 100+ jobs in Columbus

BD expansion could mean 100+ jobs in Columbus

A Columbus-based pharmaceutical manufacturer is announcing a major expansion. 

UNK and CCC Partner for Streamlined Path for Education Students

UNK and CCC Partner for Streamlined Path for Education Students

The path for the next generation of educators is now more streamlined in central Nebraska.

Sidney Schools students of the month

Sidney Schools students of the month

The Sidney School District Board of Education recognized the December Students of the Month Monday. The January school board meeting was held at Sidney High School to recognize the SHS football team.

Chadron's Dr. Julie Downing Honored with Friend of NSASSP Award

Chadron's Dr. Julie Downing Honored with Friend of NSASSP Award

Julie Downing of Chadron has been named the 2025 Friend of NSASSP Award recipient for her leadership and support of Nebraska educators.

Two-vehicle injury crash closes Highway 26 in Scottsbluff

Two-vehicle injury crash closes Highway 26 in Scottsbluff

One person was injured in a two-vehicle crash Monday afternoon at Highway 26 and East 27th Street in Scottsbluff.

Norfolk public schools narrows superintendent search, announces candidate interviews

Norfolk public schools narrows superintendent search, announces candidate interviews

After a search since August 2025, Norfolk Public Schools will interview three superintendent candidates—Dr. Andrew Havelka, Darren Tobey, and Erik Wilson—with the announcement expected January 21

Hastings breaks ground on $35 million road infrastructure project

Hastings breaks ground on $35 million road infrastructure project

Ground is officially broken on a $35 million infrastructure project in Hastings.

Cheyenne man sentenced to prison in child sexual exploitation case

Cheyenne man sentenced to prison in child sexual exploitation case

A Cheyenne man has been sentenced to 8 to 10 years in prison after being convicted of sexually exploiting and abusing a minor.

SAGA Fund to celebrate completion of $1 million challenge grant in Sidney

SAGA Fund to celebrate completion of $1 million challenge grant in Sidney

SAGA Fund will celebrate its $1 million challenge grant milestone Thursday at Boss City Brewing.

Former Mitchell Mayor  arraigned in Scotts Bluff County Court

Former Mitchell Mayor  arraigned in Scotts Bluff County Court

Former Mitchell Mayor Paul Murrell was arraigned in Scotts Bluff County Court Friday on four misdemeanors and a felony charges.

Chamber recognizes Cheyenne County achievements

Chamber recognizes Cheyenne County achievements

The Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards banquet Saturday, recognizing business achievements and community leaders.

Two people die in Highway 98 crash near Pierce

Two people die in Highway 98 crash near Pierce

Fire officials used the Jaws of Life to rescue occupants trapped in a deadly two-vehicle crash just east of Pierce.

RLOP helps Chadron State College graduate achieve her goals

RLOP helps Chadron State College graduate achieve her goals

A program started at Chadron State College in 2017 to help address the shortage of trained legal professionals in rural Nebraska was a primary factor in helping Alliance native Samantha (Carillo) Stephenson fulfill her goal of becoming a county attorney.

Alliance Public Library puts on Blind Date with a Book Contest

Alliance Public Library puts on Blind Date with a Book Contest

If you’re looking for a fun excuse to read something new, and a chance at a romantic night out, the Alliance Public Library has you covered.

Imperial man arrested after DUI stop, struggle with deputies

Imperial man arrested after DUI stop, struggle with deputies

An Imperial man faces multiple charges after a DUI traffic stop late Friday night escalated into a struggle with deputies.

Scottsbluff native Seth Dvorak begins Nebraska State Patrol training after Marine Corps service

Scottsbluff native Seth Dvorak begins Nebraska State Patrol training after Marine Corps service

Banner County graduate and former U.S. Marine Seth Dvorak has begun training to become a Nebraska State Trooper.

Cheyenne man arrested on attempted murder charges after motel shooting

Cheyenne man arrested on attempted murder charges after motel shooting

Police arrested a Cheyenne man on attempted murder charges following a shooting at a Cheyenne motel.

Friday evening blaze along Highway 30 near North Platte forces traffic to be diverted

Friday evening blaze along Highway 30 near North Platte forces traffic to be diverted

A fire broke out Friday evening at the former Log Cabin convenience store just west of North Platte along U.S. Highway 30, drawing all three North Platte fire stations to the scene, authorities said.

Two arrested after traffic stop leads to drug, firearm seizure in Sterling

Two arrested after traffic stop leads to drug, firearm seizure in Sterling

Two people were arrested after police seized methamphetamine and a handgun during a traffic stop in Sterling.

Concrete mixer truck fire causes damage at Scottsbluff ready-mix yard

Concrete mixer truck fire causes damage at Scottsbluff ready-mix yard

Fire crews quickly extinguished a concrete mixer truck fire at a Scottsbluff ready-mix yard.

Vaccine clinic after confirmed cases of measles in Platte County

Vaccine clinic after confirmed cases of measles in Platte County

Platte County residents had the opportunity to receive vaccines after four confirmed cases of measles in the county.

State Treasurer seeks boost for Nebraska’s first-time homebuyers

State Treasurer seeks boost for Nebraska’s first-time homebuyers

Nebraska State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg has unveiled legislation designed to help more Nebraskans achieve the dream of home ownership. Legislative Bill 938 would create Nebraska First-Time Homebuyer Savings Accounts.

Alliance man arrested on sexual assault, strangulation charges involving juvenile

Alliance man arrested on sexual assault, strangulation charges involving juvenile

Alliance police arrested a registered sex offender on charges of first-degree sexual assault and strangulation.

Lodgepole Clerk/Treasurer resigns

Lodgepole Clerk/Treasurer resigns

A recall effort for the Lodgepole Village board was announced Tuesday. The board also recognized the resignation of town secretary/treasurer Julie Hays.

Sidney & Greater Area Fund awards grant to Cheyenne County 4-H program

Sidney & Greater Area Fund awards grant to Cheyenne County 4-H program

The Sidney & Greater Area Fund (SAGA Fund) has awarded a $4,000 grant for the Cheyenne County 4-H Council to purchase new rabbit and chicken cages. The cages will be used in the small animal program.

Compass Scholar Program has successful first year

Compass Scholar Program has successful first year

As the Kimball chapter of High School Compass Scholar Program has completed its first year, the creator and students reflect on the success of the program. 

Attorney General Mike Hilgers campaigns for second term, highlighting priorities

Attorney General Mike Hilgers campaigns for second term, highlighting priorities

Hilgers campaigns for a second term, emphasizing his commitment to defending the state's interests and highlighting ongoing lawsuits and team-building efforts to address emerging issues

NU regents delay vote on NU-Clarkson Nebraska Medicine deal; lawmakers ask to ‘tap the brakes’

NU regents delay vote on NU-Clarkson Nebraska Medicine deal; lawmakers ask to ‘tap the brakes’

The University of Nebraska Board of Regents will not meet Friday to decide whether to proceed with an $800 million deal with Clarkson Regional Health Services for a controlling stake in the future of Nebraska Medicine.

Kimball Health Services announces November Employee of the Month

Kimball Health Services announces November Employee of the Month

Mabelle Chue was awarded the Kimball Health Services Employee of the Month for November.

Street Division makes use of days when there is no snow

Street Division makes use of days when there is no snow

Northeast Nebraska is used to their streets being covered in snow, so what happens when there is none?

Traffic stop in Sterling leads to drug-related charges

Traffic stop in Sterling leads to drug-related charges

A traffic stop for expired plates in Sterling led to the discovery of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, according to police.

Nebraska senator faces historic expulsion vote over sexual misconduct allegations

Nebraska senator faces historic expulsion vote over sexual misconduct allegations

Nebraska lawmakers are considering a motion to expel Sen. Dan McKeon over allegations of inappropriate behavior.

Peetz School unveils finished product to community

Peetz School unveils finished product to community

Peetz Plateau School District welcomed the public to the new and improved K-12 Peetz School Monday. Former students described it as having remnants of the past with a vision for the future.

Perkins County deputies arrest Venango man near Lamar

Perkins County deputies arrest Venango man near Lamar

A Venango man was arrested Wednesday near Lamar on felony and misdemeanor warrants, according to the Perkins County Sheriff’s Office.

Cheyenne County Marketing Hometown America projects move into action phase

Cheyenne County Marketing Hometown America projects move into action phase

Cheyenne County's Marketing Hometown America volunteers are organizing into teams with the goal of turning community concepts into on-the-ground projects.

Panhandle Childcare Expansion Project awarded $65,000 6 Regions, One Nebraska Challenge Grant

Panhandle Childcare Expansion Project awarded $65,000 6 Regions, One Nebraska Challenge Grant

The Panhandle Childcare Expansion Project is the recipient of $65,000 through the 6 Regions, One Nebraska Challenge Grant. The Challenge Grant supports efforts to expand licensed childcare.

Kimball man accused of possession of child abuse material arraigned in District Court

Kimball man accused of possession of child abuse material arraigned in District Court

A Kimball man accused of being in possession of child abuse material was arraigned in Kimball District Court Tuesday.

Nebraska man sentenced in Kimball District Court for issuing bad checks

Nebraska man sentenced in Kimball District Court for issuing bad checks

A Nebraska man found guilty of issuing bad checks was sentenced in Kimball District Court Tuesday afternoon.

Ta-Ha-Zouka park looks to expand their sports facility

Ta-Ha-Zouka park looks to expand their sports facility

the city of Norfolk has entered into a purchase agreement and acquired two parcels owned by Delbert and Joyce Scheffler in which will be made into ball fields

Norfolk appoints a new city attorney

Norfolk appoints a new city attorney

Interim attorney Melissa Figueroa has been appointed as Norfolks Incoming city attorney

Hope blooms, a Norfolk non-profit will honor infant loss with memorial garden

Hope blooms, a Norfolk non-profit will honor infant loss with memorial garden

A Nebraska organization founded by grieving mothers is building a memorial park in Norfolk to honor infants lost to SIDS and provide a space for all families to grieve

Scottsbluff school district  announces Lake  Minatare  Elementary closure

Scottsbluff school district  announces Lake  Minatare  Elementary closure

The Scottsbluff Public Schools board of education Monday voted to close the Lake Minatare Elementary School, one of five elementary schools in the Scottsbluff Public School District.

One transported to hospital after morning crash near Stanton

One transported to hospital after morning crash near Stanton

One person is recovering from injuries suffered in a Tuesday morning crash.

Kimball Farmer’s Day Committee organizes name contest for 100th celebration

Kimball Farmer’s Day Committee organizes name contest for 100th celebration

One lucky community member has the chance to personally name the 100th Farmer’s Day celebration in Kimball.

Nebraska Panhandle man accused of sexually assaulting child appears in Lincoln County District Court

Nebraska Panhandle man accused of sexually assaulting child appears in Lincoln County District Court

A Nebraska Panhandle man accused of sexually assaulting a minor appeared in Lincoln County District Court Monday.

Norfolk man sentenced for 160-mile police chase

Norfolk man sentenced for 160-mile police chase

A Norfolk man will spend years in jail after being sentenced for leading law enforcement on a multi-county chase.

Quit IT Solutions offering IT, computer services in Sidney region

Quit IT Solutions offering IT, computer services in Sidney region

Charles and Sarah Ludlow have opened a computer and IT business in Sidney. Quit IT Solutions' focus includes preventing problems with a computer or network.

SRMC announces first birth of 2026

SRMC announces first birth of 2026

Isabella Wooley is the mother of Sidney Regional Medical Center's New Year's Day birth.