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River Point District sign and festoon lighting could be coming to downtown Norfolk
River Point District sign and festoon lighting could be coming to downtown Norfolk

The Norfolk City Council is moving forward with gathering bids and proposals for two projects meant to enhance the downtown area.

Stanton County Sheriff Mike Unger not seeking reelection

Stanton County Sheriff Mike Unger not seeking reelection

A longtime county sheriff in northeast Nebraska will not be seeking reelection.

Fairbury reports seven inches of snow since Saturday in first major storm of the season

Fairbury reports seven inches of snow since Saturday in first major storm of the season

Southeast Nebraska and Northeast Kansas were hit fairly hard by the first snowfall of the season over the last couple of days.

Sidney Public Schools earns 'Excellent' rating

Sidney Public Schools earns 'Excellent' rating

Sidney Public Schools announced Monday it is the recipient of an Excellent rating from the Nebraska Department of Education's 2024-2025 AQuESTT accountability system, the highest rating.

Eight new businesses open along Gordon’s Main Street in one year

Eight new businesses open along Gordon’s Main Street in one year

In small towns, even one new business can make a noticeable difference. In Gordon, eight of them have opened on Main Street in the past year — a change city leaders say is helping breathe new life into the community.

Cheyenne County seeks more efficient Highway Department communication process

Cheyenne County seeks more efficient Highway Department communication process

Cheyenne County is looking for a way to efficiently transmit documents from remote locations to department offices. The commissioners discussed the purchase of tablet computers and an internet service.

South Dakota legislators plan bills to help Piedmont residents in fight over limestone mine

South Dakota legislators plan bills to help Piedmont residents in fight over limestone mine

Three lawmakers who represent Piedmont, South Dakota, are hoping to change weak state mining laws that allowed a proposed limestone mine to be sited in and around the city without local input.

Kimball’s Annual Holiday Craft-Aganza coming up

Kimball’s Annual Holiday Craft-Aganza coming up

The community is invited to shop local small businesses and have a meet-and-greet with Santa this weekend for the Holiday Craft-Aganza. 

Merger announced for American National Bank

Merger announced for American National Bank

Merger with Green Bay-based bank

Burns man killed after pickup strikes train in eastern Laramie County

Burns man killed after pickup strikes train in eastern Laramie County

Laramie County authorities say a Burns man died after his pickup struck a stationary train Friday evening. Investigation underway.

Brush Police arrest man on multiple child sexual assault charges

Brush Police arrest man on multiple child sexual assault charges

A Brush man was arrested last week on two warrants accusing him of sexually assaulting juvenile boys following a months-long investigation by the Brush Police Department and the 13th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

Agencies, groups reach out to Tyson workers as Lexington beef plant closure nears

Agencies, groups reach out to Tyson workers as Lexington beef plant closure nears

Nebraska state agencies are partnering with Lexington nonprofits and other groups to help connect Tyson Foods workers and their families with support as 3,200 people lose their jobs with the closure of the town’s longtime beef plant.

Winter storm watch issued as snow and high winds approach

Winter storm watch issued as snow and high winds approach

Winter Storm Watch with expected snow and northwest winds up to 45 mph, causing hazardous driving. The area anticipates 4-6 inches of snow from Friday afternoon to Saturday evening, with possible whiteout conditions

After 25 years, Ol' Red serves up final Thanksgiving meal for Fairbury community

After 25 years, Ol' Red serves up final Thanksgiving meal for Fairbury community

The annual Ol' Red Thanksgiving meal has been helping feed people in Fairbury and beyond for the last 25 years.
Now, they're hoping someone else steps up to help keep it going for another quarter century.

Sidney woman 'Breaks the Bank' and wins $987

Sidney woman 'Breaks the Bank' and wins $987

Sidney’s own Cassie Haupt cracked the nine-number code and won $987 in The Big Boy’s Break the Bank finale.

Kimball’s Parade of Lights coming this weekend

Kimball’s Parade of Lights coming this weekend

The Kimball community is invited to watch the annual Parade of Lights this Saturday, Nov. 29 at 5 p.m. 

Leigh Native chooses a life of service inspired by his family

Leigh Native chooses a life of service inspired by his family

One Northeast Nebraska native is forging his own path in the US Navy.

Defendant appears in Kimball County Court following seizure of large amount of marijuana, cash

Defendant appears in Kimball County Court following seizure of large amount of marijuana, cash

A man accused of possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute appeared in Kimball County Court Tuesday morning.

New providers, robotic surgeries and expansion plans: JCH&L gears up for a year of growth in 2026

New providers, robotic surgeries and expansion plans: JCH&L gears up for a year of growth in 2026

Hiring two new healthcare providers, investing in robot surgery technologies, and breaking ground on a physical expansion: Fairbury’s hospital has a lot in store for 2026. 

Federal funding cuts could impact Valentine Public Library services

Federal funding cuts could impact Valentine Public Library services

Libraries across the country are bracing for reductions after a loss of federal funding, and the Valentine Public Library is among those feeling the effects.

USDA picks Lincoln as regional headquarters for Natural Resources Conservation Services

USDA picks Lincoln as regional headquarters for Natural Resources Conservation Services

Lincoln will now be the hub for the central region of the Office of the Assistant Chiefs with the USDA.

Nebraska woman arrested after stealing car, hitting pedestrians, lighting car on fire, police say

Nebraska woman arrested after stealing car, hitting pedestrians, lighting car on fire, police say

A Lexington woman was arrested Tuesday after committing a spree of crimes including stealing a car, hitting pedestrians, fleeing the scene and then lighting the car on fire, police say.

WNCC Theatre Arts Musical receives National KCACTF Nomination

WNCC Theatre Arts Musical receives National KCACTF Nomination

Western Nebraska Community College’s Theatre Arts program has once again earned national recognition.

Tyson's beef plant closure in Nebraska will impact a reliant town and ranchers nationwide

Tyson's beef plant closure in Nebraska will impact a reliant town and ranchers nationwide

Tyson Foods’ decision to close a beef plant in Lexington, Nebraska, could devastate the small city and undermine the profits of ranchers nationwide.

Columbus woman’s killer sentenced to prison

Columbus woman’s killer sentenced to prison

Adams County District Court has sentenced Anthony Mattison for the murder of Jasmine Garnett in 2022.

Stall resigns as Gibbon Mayor with recall election looming

Stall resigns as Gibbon Mayor with recall election looming

Leon Stall is resigning as the mayor of Gibbon following a recall effort. 

Stanton Student wins NDOT Name-A-Snowplow, learns about winter driving safety

Stanton Student wins NDOT Name-A-Snowplow, learns about winter driving safety

The Nebraska Department of Transportation is adding fun into winter driving education. NDOT is in its fifth year of the Name-A-Snowplow competition.

Technical issues and harsh weather don't dampen spirits at Norfolk Hometown Holidays Festival

Technical issues and harsh weather don't dampen spirits at Norfolk Hometown Holidays Festival

Wind gusts up to 48 miles per hour were taking the reins during downtown Norfolk’s Hometown Holidays festival. Spirits were still made bright in the winter weather, where temperatures felt like 11 degrees with the wind chill.

Authorities rule Chance Englebert's death accidental

Authorities rule Chance Englebert's death accidental

Authorities confirm remains found at Scotts Bluff National Monument are those of Chance Englebert, missing since 2019. His death has been ruled accidental.

Sentence upheld in deadly beating over alcohol in Rushville

Sentence upheld in deadly beating over alcohol in Rushville

The Nebraska Court of Appeals has upheld the prison sentence of a Lincoln man convicted of manslaughter in Rushville.

Rosebud man sentenced to ten months for failing to register as a sex offender

Rosebud man sentenced to ten months for failing to register as a sex offender

A 35-year-old Rosebud man has been sentenced to 10 months in federal prison for failing to register as a sex offender.

Troopers Encourage Safe Travel for Thanksgiving Weekend

Troopers Encourage Safe Travel for Thanksgiving Weekend

Stuffed turkeys and packed roads. Thanksgiving brings the start of the holiday season and some of the busiest travel days of the year.

Bishop Neumann withstands wind, defeats GICC 37-15 to win C2 football title

Bishop Neumann withstands wind, defeats GICC 37-15 to win C2 football title

One year after losing in the state title game, Bishop Newman can say they are the best in class. The Cavaliers defeated Grand Island Central Catholic 37-15 to win the 2025 NSAA C2 football state championship.

Lexington community meets to coordinate resources after Tyson plant closure

Lexington community meets to coordinate resources after Tyson plant closure

The Lexington community Tuesday afternoon to coordinate job, financial, and family support resources for workers affected by the upcoming Tyson plant closure.

Elks continue Sidney Thanksgiving tradition

Elks continue Sidney Thanksgiving tradition

The Sidney Elks Lodge was a true simulation of Thanksgiving with turkey, ham and all the fixings and football (Sidney Raiders) on the televisions while friends and families shared a table.

Sidney police arrest man on drug charges after Tuesday morning search warrant

Sidney police arrest man on drug charges after Tuesday morning search warrant

Sidney police executed their third warrant in five days Tuesday morning, arresting a man on drug charges near 11th and King.

Valentine decks the downtown with holiday storefront competition

Valentine decks the downtown with holiday storefront competition

The Valentine Chamber of Commerce has launched a new storefront decorating contest aimed at encouraging residents to shop local — and perhaps attracting visitors from outside the area.

Annual Compassionate Friends candlelight service December 14

Annual Compassionate Friends candlelight service December 14

The Compassionate Friends Candle Light Service will be held 7 p.m. December 14 at The Well Church in Sidney

City of Kimball addresses concerns from local contractor about city regulations, codes

City of Kimball addresses concerns from local contractor about city regulations, codes

The City of Kimball officials are working together to establish a system that will ensure all contractors are following the city’s regulations and codes set in place. 

Wahoo wards off Sidney 20-6 to win second straight C1 football championship

Wahoo wards off Sidney 20-6 to win second straight C1 football championship

Anchored by five takeaways, Wahoo defeated Sidney 20-6 to capture the NSAA C1 football state championship for the second consecutive season.

Norfolk's iHub nears completion, promising a hub for innovation and local talent

Norfolk's iHub nears completion, promising a hub for innovation and local talent

The iHub in Norfolk is nearing completion after three years of planning and renovation, including overcoming a setback with the collapse of the east wall

MONA to receive multiple awards after renovations

MONA to receive multiple awards after renovations

The Museum of Nebraska Art is being recognized by the American Institute of Architects after completed expansion, renovation and restoration.

UPDATE: House destroyed, no injuries reported in late Wednesday night Fairbury fire; fundraiser established to aid victim

UPDATE: House destroyed, no injuries reported in late Wednesday night Fairbury fire; fundraiser established to aid victim

A fire that took close to five hours to fully extinguish Wednesday night in Fairbury destroyed a home - but fortunately, no one was injured. 
Now, many locals have created plans to help the victim move forward.

Valentine True Value store prepares to reopen under new ownership

Valentine True Value store prepares to reopen under new ownership

Even with paper still covering the windows, people have been slipping into Huskerland Hardware and Appliance in Valentine ahead of opening day.

Lexington community looks ahead after Tyson plant closure announcement

Lexington community looks ahead after Tyson plant closure announcement

The upcoming closure of the Tyson Foods meat-processing plant marks a major change for Lexington, but community leaders say it won’t define the city.

Columbus school earns national blue ribbon award

Columbus school earns national blue ribbon award

St. Isidore School in Columbus, Nebraska, has received the National Blue Ribbon Award for its academic excellence in the 2024-2025 school year

Bridgeport man scheduled for sentencing on sexual assault charges

Bridgeport man scheduled for sentencing on sexual assault charges

Jesse Russell of Bridgeport is scheduled to appear in Morrill County District Court for sentencing for Child Abuse and

Driver in police pursuit charged after crash near Auburn

Driver in police pursuit charged after crash near Auburn

Arraignment on habitual criminal charge set Nov. 26

State of Nebraska to inspect Kimball’s active dam to determine future use

State of Nebraska to inspect Kimball’s active dam to determine future use

The State of Nebraska will be visiting Kimball next month to conduct surveys of the active dam.

City of Valentine testing water to determine how long chlorination will continue

City of Valentine testing water to determine how long chlorination will continue

The City of Valentine plans to take additional water samples this week to determine whether it can end temporary chlorination of the community’s water system.

Three Sidney residents charged after Sunday morning drug raid

Three Sidney residents charged after Sunday morning drug raid

Three Sidney residents were arrested after police served a drug warrant Sunday morning on N. 14th Ave.

Strommen highlights interim study on early childhood data sharing

Strommen highlights interim study on early childhood data sharing

State Sen. Paul Strommen says work continues between sessions as lawmakers study key issues.

Two people from Boone County killed in crash near Ceresco

Two people from Boone County killed in crash near Ceresco

Two people are dead after a crash Sunday in eastern Nebraska.

Mission man sentenced for brandishing knife at federal officer

Mission man sentenced for brandishing knife at federal officer

A Mission man has been sentenced to eight months in federal prison for assaulting a federal officer during a disturbance call earlier this year.

Fox Theater announces new management team

Fox Theater announces new management team

The Fox Theater in Sidney recently announced a new management team. The theater will continue under the management of Kim Phillips. New to the theater is a gaming option.

Barn fire quickly extinguished east of Sterling

Barn fire quickly extinguished east of Sterling

Sterling firefighters quickly knocked down a barn fire Thursday morning on CR 48. No people or livestock were inside, and the fire was contained to the building’s interior. No injuries reported.

Diller daycare helps provide Nebraska DHHS with solutions to challenges rural childcare centers face

Diller daycare helps provide Nebraska DHHS with solutions to challenges rural childcare centers face

To try and develop some solutions to challenges small childcare centers are facing, this week the Nebraska DHHS joined forces with a small daycare in Diller.  

Fairbury very likely to move to 8-man football ahead of 2026 season

Fairbury very likely to move to 8-man football ahead of 2026 season

Low participation numbers forced Fairbury to forgo playing junior varsity football this fall, and those low numbers will likely be what prompts the Jeffs to move from 11-man to 8-man football starting next year.

Arraignment of Lodgepole woman continued to December 8

Arraignment of Lodgepole woman continued to December 8

The arraignment of Catherine Bondegard of Lodgepole has been continued to December 8 in Cheyenne County Court. She is facing charges of Assault of an Officer/Health Care Professional and Escape.

Tyson plant shutdown leaves Lexington residents searching for answers

Tyson plant shutdown leaves Lexington residents searching for answers

Tyson Foods will close its Lexington, Nebraska beef plant in January 2026, and the community is grappling with the impact.

Hanover ends Axtell's state title streak, books first trip to state championship game since 2020

Hanover ends Axtell's state title streak, books first trip to state championship game since 2020

Hanover outlasted Axtell 34-24 in the sub-state round of the Kansas 8-man football postseason, ending the Eagles' streak of four straight state championships and sending the Wildcats to the title game for the first time since 2020. 

Fire quickly contained after landscaping tree ignites in Sidney

Fire quickly contained after landscaping tree ignites in Sidney

A quick-thinking Sidney homeowner and neighbor used fire extinguishers to stop a yard tree fire on Virginia Lane Saturday before crews arrived. Sidney Fire Chief Matt Butts says the incident shows why working extinguishers matter.

Kimball police arrest man in child sexual abuse material investigation

Kimball police arrest man in child sexual abuse material investigation

Kimball police have arrested a 45-year-old man following an investigation involving child sexual abuse material. Charges were filed under Nebraska law, and the case remains under investigation.

Ogallala grad appears on ‘Wheel of Fortune’

Ogallala grad appears on ‘Wheel of Fortune’

North Platte’s Dr. Melissa Mosel appeared on Friday evening’s episode of ‘Wheel of Fortune.’

Norfolk Elks and Northeast community action lends a hand to local veterans

Norfolk Elks and Northeast community action lends a hand to local veterans

The VFW hall provided a hot meal and access to vendors offering various services, throughout Norfolk