State 

Kimball Library Puzzle Contest deemed huge success
Kimball Library Puzzle Contest deemed huge success

Three teams were crowned winners at the Friends of the Library Puzzle Contest Sunday afternoon.

Possible gas leak prompts evacuation at Chadron Motor Company

Possible gas leak prompts evacuation at Chadron Motor Company

Emergency crews evacuated Chadron Motor Company Tuesday morning after a possible natural gas leak was reported, but Black Hills Energy determined the building was safe and business resumed within about 30 minutes.

Bridgeport fire department seeks new volunteers, outlines incentives

Bridgeport fire department seeks new volunteers, outlines incentives

The Bridgeport Volunteer Fire Department is inviting residents to an informational meeting Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. to learn about joining the department, including new incentives aimed at growing and supporting its volunteer ranks.

Body found in irrigation canal in Fort Morgan

Body found in irrigation canal in Fort Morgan

Fort Morgan police are investigating after a body was found in an irrigation canal near South West Street and the Brenda Joy Skate Park, with the identity of the deceased not yet determined.

Gov. Pillen appoints Makovicka to NU Board of Regents seat

Gov. Pillen appoints Makovicka to NU Board of Regents seat

Gov. Jim Pillen has appointed Joel Makovicka of Omaha to fill the District 4 vacancy on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.

Third day of abortion bill debate delays other Nebraska legislation

Third day of abortion bill debate delays other Nebraska legislation

Debate over a single bill has slowed proceedings at the Capitol.

Kimball Longhorn Cheer Team places Runner-Up at Lexington Meet

Kimball Longhorn Cheer Team places Runner-Up at Lexington Meet

The Kimball cheerleaders took home the Runner-up trophy in the Game Day Division at the Lexington High School Cheer Competition Saturday.

Sidney And Greater Area Fund seeking summer intern

Sidney And Greater Area Fund seeking summer intern

The Sidney And Greater Area Fund is seeking a paid summer intern. Students will be compensated for their work, but housing will not be provided. Hometown Internships are available only in communities with an NCF affiliated fund.

County to 'reclaim' DHHS office space in courthouse

County to 'reclaim' DHHS office space in courthouse

In response to a letter from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, the Cheyenne County have decided to take back the office space occupied by DHHS, leaving the agency about two years to find a new location.

Bill to require study of Black missing women and children

Bill to require study of Black missing women and children

Legislative Bill 751 would authorize a study to improve the reporting and investigation of these cases.

Norfolk City Council approves contracts for Downtown Gateway Sign and festoon lighting

Norfolk City Council approves contracts for Downtown Gateway Sign and festoon lighting

Construction can move forward on a pair of projects intended to enhance Norfolk’s downtown.

Federal Crop Agency announces Sidney location

Federal Crop Agency announces Sidney location

The Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce Monday celebrated Federal Crop Agency's Sidney office with a ribbon cutting. Agents announced 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday there will be a risk symposium at the Cheyenne County Fairgrounds.

Nebraska companies, including Grain Weevil and Sentinel Ag, win top engineering awards in a show of momentum for the agtech ecosystem

Nebraska companies, including Grain Weevil and Sentinel Ag, win top engineering awards in a show of momentum for the agtech ecosystem

Six of the 33 companies that won 2026 AE50 awards are from Nebraska, signaling how far the state’s agtech ecosystem has come in under a decade.

Norfolk dance studio steps up to support national childhood cancer initiative

Norfolk dance studio steps up to support national childhood cancer initiative

A Norfolk dance studio is supporting the national "I Dance For A Cure" initiative, which raises funds for childhood cancer research, inspired by personal connections and the underfunding of research in this area

Authorities respond to possible threat at Alliance Middle School

Authorities respond to possible threat at Alliance Middle School

Alliance Police and Box Butte County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a report today of a student possibly in possession of a firearm. After a brief "secure status," officials determined the call to be a false report.

Wheat Belt Public Power District's Mark Cape retires after 40 years of service

Wheat Belt Public Power District's Mark Cape retires after 40 years of service

Wheat Belt Public Power District is recognizing the retirement of Mark Cape, who concludes a 40-year career after serving as a groundman, journeyman lineman, maintenance operator and staking technician.

Nebraska Medicine files to dismiss its lawsuit against owners

Nebraska Medicine files to dismiss its lawsuit against owners

Nebraska Medicine asked the Douglas County District Court to dismiss its lawsuit for now.

Chancey Williams to headline Cheyenne County Fair & Rodeo

Chancey Williams to headline Cheyenne County Fair & Rodeo

The Cheyenne County Fair & Rodeo has unveiled its 2026 grandstand schedule, featuring a PRCA rodeo, monster trucks, Chancey Williams in concert and the return of the Rumble on the Rails demolition derby July 18–25 in Sidney.

Community gathers at news of school closing

Community gathers at news of school closing

The Saturday night soup supper and auction at Lake Minatare Elementary School gathered the community who knows the school personally for the memories and to support students through their secondary education.

ATM burglarized in Axtell

ATM burglarized in Axtell

Authorities are investigating after a pickup truck was used to rip an ATM from its foundation early Sunday morning in Kearney County.

Electrical fire displaces family in Scottsbluff home

Electrical fire displaces family in Scottsbluff home

A Saturday afternoon electrical fire caused about $50,000 in damage to a Scottsbluff home, displacing two adults and an infant.

Sidney places second at Perkins County Speech Invite in Grant

Sidney places second at Perkins County Speech Invite in Grant

Sidney High School finished second out of 27 teams at the Perkins County Speech Invite on Saturday, led by event wins from Raven Dinorog, Dagen Lee and Josette McConnell.

What a swing House district in Colorado shows about Republicans' immigration fallout in the midterms

What a swing House district in Colorado shows about Republicans' immigration fallout in the midterms

President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown in Minnesota is rattling voters in a highly competitive swing district in northern Colorado.

Sidney Volunteer Fire Department recognizes service, dedication at 2026 awards banquet

Sidney Volunteer Fire Department recognizes service, dedication at 2026 awards banquet

The Sidney Volunteer Fire Department honored service milestones, reviewed 2025 activity and presented its first Meritorious Service Award during the department’s annual awards banquet Saturday night at the Sidney Elks Lodge.

Northeast Nebraska man dies in South Dakota single-vehicle crash

Northeast Nebraska man dies in South Dakota single-vehicle crash

A Nebraska man has died following a crash in southern South Dakota.

Norfolk LAN party brings connection to the competition

Norfolk LAN party brings connection to the competition

Going on six years now the Norfolk LAN party is once again bringing gamers together, to show it’s not all about competition but about connection.

Kids Oasis program to transition to Goodall YMCA partnership

Kids Oasis program to transition to Goodall YMCA partnership

Ogallala Public Schools announced the Goodall YMCA will take over the Kids Oasis program beginning in August 2026, with after-school and summer programming moving to Prairie View Elementary and the Armory becoming a new early childhood education center.

Sedgwick County Health Center CEO to step down in March

Sedgwick County Health Center CEO to step down in March

Sedgwick County Health Center CEO Aidan Hettler announced he will step down effective March 13 following a planned leadership transition, with the board preparing next steps for interim leadership and future recruitment.

Nebraska State Patrol reports 1,000% increase in online child exploitation tips since 2019

Nebraska State Patrol reports 1,000% increase in online child exploitation tips since 2019

The Nebraska State Patrol said they are receiving more tips about online child exploitation than they ever have.

Small town bakery makes a big impact in community

Small town bakery makes a big impact in community

Walking down the streets of Wayne you might have noticed this small bakery, but when you step inside it’s way more than that.

'This is a simulation' Utah man charged after United Flight makes emergency landing in Omaha

'This is a simulation' Utah man charged after United Flight makes emergency landing in Omaha

A United Airlines flight took an unexpected turn after a passenger claimed everyone was "under a simulation."

Kimball Health Services designed for confidentiality, efficiency

Kimball Health Services designed for confidentiality, efficiency

Kimball Health Center's design is focused on efficiency of services and privacy for the patient, architect Jim Brisnehan said.

Norfolk Police Department Navigates Challenges Amidst Multimillion-Dollar Renovations

Norfolk Police Department Navigates Challenges Amidst Multimillion-Dollar Renovations

The Norfolk Police Department is managing operational challenges due to ongoing multimillion-dollar renovations, necessitating a temporary relocation for some departments to ensure uninterrupted service

Julesburg FBLA advances multiple entries to state

Julesburg FBLA advances multiple entries to state

Julesburg High School FBLA advanced 11 entries to the state level at the District IV Leadership Conference in Sterling, and senior Riley Jarrett earned a $250 District 4 FBLA Scholarship as one of three recipients districtwide.

Cheatham appointed to board of adjustment

Cheatham appointed to board of adjustment

The Sidney City Council added Denis Cheatham to the Board of Adjustment. Council also approved a parking exemption, sale of a front wheel loader and signature changes to financial accounts.

Train drags teen's pickup, minor injuries reported

Train drags teen's pickup, minor injuries reported

A 19-year-old driver was treated for minor injuries after his pickup was struck by a train and dragged along railroad tracks in northeast Nebraska.

Legislature completes carryover bills, shifts focus to priority legislation

Legislature completes carryover bills, shifts focus to priority legislation

The Nebraska Legislature has completed action on all carryover bills and is shifting its focus to priority legislation, with several bills from Sen. Paul Strommen scheduled for committee hearings in early February.

Creek Valley senior delivers custom sign to Deuel County Sheriff’s Office

Creek Valley senior delivers custom sign to Deuel County Sheriff’s Office

A Creek Valley High School senior delivered a custom-made sign to the Deuel County Sheriff’s Office this week as part of a school-based skilled trades program focused on hands-on learning and community involvement.

Kimball teacher, students testify at Nebraska State Capitol

Kimball teacher, students testify at Nebraska State Capitol

Social Studies Teacher Mrs. Jeri Ferguson and two of her students visited the State Capitol Tuesday to testify to the Nebraska Legislature.

Former State Sen. Brett Lindstrom out of Nebraska’s 2nd District GOP race

Former State Sen. Brett Lindstrom out of Nebraska’s 2nd District GOP race

Omaha City Councilman Brinker Harding is now the likely GOP nominee to defend the seat Bacon holds.

Wayne Community Schools clear after calls of a possible shooter

Wayne Community Schools clear after calls of a possible shooter

Wayne Community Schools were placed on lockdown after several alarming calls reporting a possible shooter.

Authorities seeking missing Nebraska woman

Authorities seeking missing Nebraska woman

Authorities are seeking a Stromsburg, Neb. who was last seen January 15. The car she was driving was last seen engulfed in flames in Lancaster County.

Small business in Kimball to be featured in regional magazine ‘Nspire Today!'

Small business in Kimball to be featured in regional magazine ‘Nspire Today!'

A local small business, The Hippie Homestead, will be featured in an upcoming article in Nspire Today! Magazine.

New prosecutor gives new hope for answers in teen worker’s mysterious death at Pillen Family Farms

New prosecutor gives new hope for answers in teen worker’s mysterious death at Pillen Family Farms

In a reversal, the new Boone County attorney agreed to allow independent lab tests that could help explain what killed Zach Panther at a Nebraska hog farm.

Fremont Police locate driver involved in collision with student at protest, county attorney reviewing evidence

Fremont Police locate driver involved in collision with student at protest, county attorney reviewing evidence

Police have located the driver of the vehicle that hit an anti-ICE student protester outside of Fremont High School.

Deputies arrest Denver man after vehicle pursuit through Chase County

Deputies arrest Denver man after vehicle pursuit through Chase County

A Denver man was arrested Thursday after a high-speed pursuit through rural Chase County and Imperial ended with a stolen vehicle stopped near Highway 61, according to the Chase County Sheriff’s Office.

Excellence in Early Childhood Education Conference set for Feb. 20-21 at Chadron State

Excellence in Early Childhood Education Conference set for Feb. 20-21 at Chadron State

Chadron State College will host its annual Excellence in Early Childhood Education Conference Feb. 20 and 21.

WCCA Board announces District 5 vacancy

WCCA Board announces District 5 vacancy

The Western Community College Area Board of Governors has declared a vacancy in District 5 due to the resignation of Dr. William M. Packard, effective January 21, 2026.

As pro rodeo considers moving HQ to Wyoming, conservative lawmakers question incentives

As pro rodeo considers moving HQ to Wyoming, conservative lawmakers question incentives

The biggest organizing body in rodeo, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, has all but decided to move its headquarters from Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Politicians react after SUV struck a student during an anti-ICE protest in Fremont

Politicians react after SUV struck a student during an anti-ICE protest in Fremont

Nebraska elected officials are responding after a high school student was struck by an SUV during an anti-ICE protest at Fremont High School.

Norfolk gears Up for massive gaming tournament, drawing gamers from across Nebraska and beyond

Norfolk gears Up for massive gaming tournament, drawing gamers from across Nebraska and beyond

Norfolk is hosting its sixth annual LAN party, drawing gamers nationwide for tournaments, giveaways, and social interaction.

Collection effort underway for Banner County fire victims

Collection effort underway for Banner County fire victims

A loft apartment caught fire Wednesday afternoon, nearing igniting a ranch house near Harrisburg. Donations are being accepted for the fire victims.

Cheyenne County Fair & Rodeo plans lineup reveal Monday

Cheyenne County Fair & Rodeo plans lineup reveal Monday

The Cheyenne County Fair & Rodeo returns to Sidney July 18–25, 2026, with the official lineup set to be announced Monday.

Protester struck by SUV displaying Trump flag at Fremont High School

Protester struck by SUV displaying Trump flag at Fremont High School

A girl who was part of a protest against ICE taking place at a Nebraska school is injured after being hit by a vehicle displaying a Trump flag.

Nebraska jobless claims surge after Tyson plant closure

Nebraska jobless claims surge after Tyson plant closure

Nebraska was one of only seven states to see an increase in jobless claims during that period.

A new pilot, a shared mission: Extension and cancer prevention

A new pilot, a shared mission: Extension and cancer prevention

Since January of 2023, Ashley Ahrens has been the Health and Wellbeing Educator with Dawes, Sioux, Sheridan, and Box Butte County Extension. Her work focuses on supporting the health and well-being of people living in rural communities.

Hours-long hearing held on bathroom bill

Hours-long hearing held on bathroom bill

Who should be allowed to use communal bathrooms and locker rooms?

Norfolk woman sues guardian and service provider for allowing man with disabilities to remain soiled

Norfolk woman sues guardian and service provider for allowing man with disabilities to remain soiled

A Norfolk woman is suing Mosaic, claiming that an elderly client she cared for was allowed “numerous times” to come home from the provider’s day program covered in feces and smelling of urine.

Kimball Health Services welcomes new Board of Trustees member

Kimball Health Services welcomes new Board of Trustees member

Taryn Reader was sworn in as the newest member of the Kimball Health Services Board of Trustees Monday.

How new SNAP rules are being handled in local stores

How new SNAP rules are being handled in local stores

If you walked into a grocery store here in Nebraska and try to buy a quick drink using your EBT card, you might not be able to anymore.

Sen. Ricketts Addresses ICE Investigation, Government Shutdown, and Second Amendment

Sen. Ricketts Addresses ICE Investigation, Government Shutdown, and Second Amendment

U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts addressed a wide range of national issues Wednesday during a press conference, touching on the federal investigation into a Minnesota ICE custody death, a potential government shutdown, and Second Amendment rights.

Resident uninjured, pet overcome with smoke inhalation in Scottsbluff house fire

Resident uninjured, pet overcome with smoke inhalation in Scottsbluff house fire

Firefighters were called to a structure fire in Scottsbluff Tuesday evening. The resident was not home at the time. a dog was overcome with smoke inhalation.

Nebraska senator introduces bill to let 16-year-olds vote

Nebraska senator introduces bill to let 16-year-olds vote

A Nebraska state senator has introduced a bill aimed at engaging teens in the political process by lowering the voting age to 16.

School threat believed to be 'spoofing'

School threat believed to be 'spoofing'

Law enforcement, school officials investigate reported school threat in Burns, Wyo. No evidence of a threat was found.

Two County officials confirm departure from positions as 2026 election filing is underway

Two County officials confirm departure from positions as 2026 election filing is underway

Two long-time Kimball County officials have announced they will not be filing for re-election this year – County Clerk Cathy Sibal and District Court Clerk Deb Diemoz.