State 

Dangerously cold wind chills expected across Panhandle, eastern Colorado
Dangerously cold wind chills expected across Panhandle, eastern Colorado

Bitter cold is on the way. Wind chills as low as 30 below zero are expected Friday morning across western Nebraska and eastern Colorado, with dangerously cold conditions continuing through the weekend.

City council rejects proposed personnel committee in split vote

City council rejects proposed personnel committee in split vote

City council voted on a proposed resolution Tuesday evening with a 3 - 2 vote, rejecting the creation of a city personnel committee.

Pillen has meeting with Tyson, pushing for answers on future of Lexington plant

Pillen has meeting with Tyson, pushing for answers on future of Lexington plant

Nebraska's governor is pushing Tyson to make decisions about the future of its facility as the corporation shuts down its operations.

No injuries reported after shots fired call in Scottsbluff

No injuries reported after shots fired call in Scottsbluff

A Minatare man was arrested after police responded to a shots fired call in Scottsbluff late Tuesday night. No injuries were reported.

New superintendent announced for Norfolk Public Schools

New superintendent announced for Norfolk Public Schools

Erik Wilson has been with Norfolk Public Schools for 25 years, he is currently the Associate Superintendent, and was voted to become the next superintendent. 

Norfolk Avenue Bridge to become more pedestrian-friendly

Norfolk Avenue Bridge to become more pedestrian-friendly

One highly trafficked bridge in Northeast Nebraska is becoming more accessible to pedestrians.

Kimball County first responders receive Life Saving Award

Kimball County first responders receive Life Saving Award

The Kimball County Sheriff’s Office presented Life Saving Awards to Kimball County first responders at the County Commissioners Meeting Tuesday morning.

Final portion of highway 275 project is under contract

Final portion of highway 275 project is under contract

The final phase of a major construction project has now entered its final phase.

Sidney police appoint Jose Ruiz as lieutenant, operations commander

Sidney police appoint Jose Ruiz as lieutenant, operations commander

Sidney Police have named Jose Ruiz as lieutenant and operations commander. Ruiz brings more than 20 years of law enforcement experience, including service as Kimball’s police chief, and is expected to be on full duty next month.

Ohio man charged in Grand Island murder case remains unfit for trial

Ohio man charged in Grand Island murder case remains unfit for trial

An Ohio man accused of killing a Missouri resident at a rest stop near Grand Island has again been ruled unfit to stand trial.

Lynne Walz enters race for governor

Lynne Walz enters race for governor

Former state senator Lynne Walz announced Wednesday morning that she is going to seek the Democratic nomination for governor in the May primary.

City Council approves interim Police Chief following Chief Ruiz’s resignation

City Council approves interim Police Chief following Chief Ruiz’s resignation

The Kimball City Council accepted the resignation of Police Chief Jose Ruiz Tuesday evening, and unanimously approved Sergeant Jose Barboza to be Interim Chief.

Roelle new Extension Instructor for Cheyenne, Deuel counties

Roelle new Extension Instructor for Cheyenne, Deuel counties

Nebraska Extension Cheyenne County recently announced Ashlyn Roelle as the new Extension Instructor for Cheyenne and Deuel counties.

Texas-based Buc-ee’s likely headed to Gretna

Texas-based Buc-ee’s likely headed to Gretna

Mayor foresees mega convenience store with 100 gas pumps as catalyst for city’s ‘good life district’

Ricketts touts tax cuts during Nebraska roundtable tour

Ricketts touts tax cuts during Nebraska roundtable tour

Senator Pete Ricketts is campaigning for reelection in Nebraska, touting tax cuts during a tour that includes discussions with community leaders and highlighting potential economic benefits for families

NPPD donates $15K to WNCC

NPPD donates $15K to WNCC

Western Nebraska Community College received a $15,000 donation from the Nebraska Public Power District.

Small exterior fire quickly extinguished at Sidney home

Small exterior fire quickly extinguished at Sidney home

Sidney firefighters responded to a reported structure fire Tuesday evening on Newton Street. Crews quickly located and extinguished a small exterior fire, limiting damage.

Troopers find 169 LBs of cocaine after suspect abandons vehicle

Troopers find 169 LBs of cocaine after suspect abandons vehicle

A California man was taken into custody by Nebraska State Patrol following a January 13 incident in Aurora, Neb.

Mitchell firefighters contain grass fire north of town

Mitchell firefighters contain grass fire north of town

Mitchell firefighters knocked down a grass fire north of town Monday afternoon after quick action by a road grader operator helped keep it from spreading.

Grand Island woman found incompetent for trial again in headstone fraud case

Grand Island woman found incompetent for trial again in headstone fraud case

A Grand Island woman charged with 46 counts of theft has been deemed incompetent for trial again.

Sidney residents gather downtown to share views on national issues

Sidney residents gather downtown to share views on national issues

A small group of residents gathered in downtown Sidney Tuesday afternoon to share concerns about national issues, while others in the community offered differing perspectives shaped by personal experience.

Bridgeport speech team wins Class C/D title at Scottsbluff meet

Bridgeport speech team wins Class C/D title at Scottsbluff meet

Bridgeport’s speech team took first overall and the Class C/D title at the Scottsbluff Speech Meet.

Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO to step down

Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO to step down

President and CEO of the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce announced he is stepping down after eight years. 

Kimball student places first in Poetry at Scottsbluff Bearcat Speech Meet

Kimball student places first in Poetry at Scottsbluff Bearcat Speech Meet

Kimball Speech started out the semester with success at the Scottsbluff Bearcat Speech Meet Saturday.

Former Hastings College wrestler charged of recording roommate in shower

Former Hastings College wrestler charged of recording roommate in shower

A former wrestler at Hastings College is being accused of recording his roommate while she was in the shower. 

Grand Island man arrested related to several burglary investigations

Grand Island man arrested related to several burglary investigations

A 39-year-old was arrested in connection with multiple burglary investigations in Grand Island.

Nebraska bill would require civics test for lawmakers

Nebraska bill would require civics test for lawmakers

A bill would require Nebraska lawmakers to complete a civics knowledge test within 90 days of taking their oath in office.

'The Depot' in Potter opens it doors to the Panhandle

'The Depot' in Potter opens it doors to the Panhandle

'The Depot' opened Monday in grand fanfare with vendors sharing their products, enjoying an overflow crowd as the historic grocery store is reopened.

Nebraska Medicine sues to block $800M Board of Regents deal with Clarkson

Nebraska Medicine sues to block $800M Board of Regents deal with Clarkson

Nebraska Medicine board of directors is suing the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.

Middle school students invited to apply for 2026 National Civics Bee

Middle school students invited to apply for 2026 National Civics Bee

Middle school students across the Nebraska Panhandle are invited to apply for the 2026 National Civics Bee, with a chance to advance to a national competition in Washington, D.C.

Kimball candidates file to run for Mayor, two council seats

Kimball candidates file to run for Mayor, two council seats

Candidates have begun filing for the three municipal offices scheduled to appear on the ballot for the City of Kimball’s 2026 election, including two City Council seats and the Office of Mayor.

Photos: Grand opening of Potter's new general store 'The Depot'

Photos: Grand opening of Potter's new general store 'The Depot'

Photos from the grand opening of "The Depot," a new general store and commercial kitchen space in Potter, on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. Congratulations Drew Enevoldsen and family. Full story coming on newschannelnebraska.com.

Bill would require Nebraska students to learn about communism

Bill would require Nebraska students to learn about communism

A Nebraska senator wants schools to teach students the dangers of communism. State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, proposed LB 1024 last week.

Rep. Flood says Nebraskans can expect larger tax refunds

Rep. Flood says Nebraskans can expect larger tax refunds

Tax season is about to begin as 1099s and W-2s arrive in mailboxes across Nebraska. 

U.S. Education Department pauses wage garnishment

U.S. Education Department pauses wage garnishment

The U.S. Department of Education announced it is pausing plans to garnish wages of student loan borrowers in default. The seizure of tax refunds and other federal benefits from borrowers with student loan debt are also being delayed.

Electrical fire destroys trailer home in Terrytown

Electrical fire destroys trailer home in Terrytown

An electrical fire destroyed a trailer home in Terrytown on Saturday afternoon.

Grass fire west of Highway 71 burns 76 acres in Banner County

Grass fire west of Highway 71 burns 76 acres in Banner County

Strong winds fueled a grass fire in Banner County on Sunday, burning 76 acres west of Highway 71. Firefighters from multiple departments contained the blaze, which was caused by a downed power line.

Sidney speech team wins Western Conference title at Scottsbluff

Sidney speech team wins Western Conference title at Scottsbluff

Sidney earns team title at Western Conference Speech Meet on Saturday in Scottsbluff.

State Patrol: Driver critically injured after officer-involved shooting following pursuit in Sioux County

State Patrol: Driver critically injured after officer-involved shooting following pursuit in Sioux County

NSP says a driver was critically injured after an officer-involved shooting at the end of a pursuit Friday night in rural Sioux County. No officers were hurt.

Grass fire near I-76 west of Fort Morgan contained

Grass fire near I-76 west of Fort Morgan contained

The grass fire near I-76 west of Fort Morgan has been contained.

Norfolk council approves license plate readers for police department

Norfolk council approves license plate readers for police department

Norfolk approves the police department's purchase of license plate readers to enhance public safety by efficiently identifying vehicles involved in crimes and emergencies

Red Flag Warning issued Saturday for Panhandle, northeast Colorado

Red Flag Warning issued Saturday for Panhandle, northeast Colorado

Red Flag Warnings are in effect Saturday for the Nebraska Panhandle and northeast Colorado.

Lindsay opens new event center finishing campus project

Lindsay opens new event center finishing campus project

Events are already filling up the schedule in Lindsay as they open up their brand new event center.

Peetz discusses four-day school week option

Peetz discusses four-day school week option

Peetz School Superintendent invited two rural superintends whose schools changed from a five-day to four-day weeks to discuss the process, and why.

Smith files for re-election in Nebraska’s 3rd District

Smith files for re-election in Nebraska’s 3rd District

Rep. Adrian Smith has filed for re-election in Nebraska’s 3rd Congressional District, citing work on tax relief, agriculture, trade and border security as he seeks another term in Congress.

Sidney volunteer firefighters log thousands of hours, seek community support

Sidney volunteer firefighters log thousands of hours, seek community support

Sidney volunteer firefighters logged more than 5,000 hours of service in 2025 and responded to 210 calls from January through October.

NSP modernizes command, promotes Scott to Lt. Colonel

NSP modernizes command, promotes Scott to Lt. Colonel

The Nebraska State Patrol is announces multiple command staff promotions and a change in the agency leadership structure.The NSP will be divided into two parts: Operations and Services.

Elks back Banisters Leadership program in Sidney

Elks back Banisters Leadership program in Sidney

A $6,000 grant from the Elks helped the Sidney location of Banisters Leadership Academy purchase recreational equipment.

Nebraska Legislature opens session with new bills, governor outlines priorities

Nebraska Legislature opens session with new bills, governor outlines priorities

Nebraska lawmakers opened the session with 171 new bills introduced as debate begins. Gov. Jim Pillen outlined priorities on taxes, jobs, education and public safety during his State of the State address.

Kearney named one of the top 100-arts vibrant cities in the U.S.

Kearney named one of the top 100-arts vibrant cities in the U.S.

Central Nebraska's arts scene is drawing attention nationwide, with Kearney being recognized as one of America’s most artistic communities. The recognition comes from the 2025 Arts Vibrancy Index, with Kearney being the only Nebraska

High winds continue to batter Sidney region

High winds continue to batter Sidney region

High wind warnings remain in effect as gusts topping 70 mph cause damage, power outages and travel disruptions across the Panhandle and surrounding areas. Schools and activities impacted.

Grand Island Fire Department completed hazmat training

Grand Island Fire Department completed hazmat training

In partnership with the Nebraska Civil Support Team and other response teams in the region, the Grand Island Fire Department completed specialized hazardous materials training.

Don Henery running for re-election

Don Henery running for re-election

A Northeast Nebraska Sheriff is running for re-election in the county he is suing.

High winds close Sidney, Kimball landfills

High winds close Sidney, Kimball landfills

The City of Sidney has closed the landfill and suspended trash pickup until Monday.

Man arrested in Kimball County on felony warrant

Man arrested in Kimball County on felony warrant

Kimball County deputies arrested a 52-year-old man Sunday on a felony warrant out of Iowa, along with charges of resisting arrest and obstruction.

High wind warnings remain in effect as powerful gusts batter tri-state region

High wind warnings remain in effect as powerful gusts batter tri-state region

High wind warnings remain in effect Friday across the Nebraska Panhandle, southeast Wyoming and northeast Colorado. Gusts near 70 mph have already caused a semi blowover on I-80 and dangerous travel conditions.

Juvenile taken into custody after vehicle break-ins reported in Alliance

Juvenile taken into custody after vehicle break-ins reported in Alliance

Alliance police report a juvenile has been taken into custody after multiple vehicle break-ins on West 11th Street and Sheridan Avenue.

Perkins County Schools names Ben Jones as next superintendent

Perkins County Schools names Ben Jones as next superintendent

Perkins County Schools has named Ben Jones as its next superintendent.

SAGA Fund celebrates community support, announces new challenge grant

SAGA Fund celebrates community support, announces new challenge grant

The SAGA Fund celebrated $1.25 million raised for its forever fund Thursday and announced a new $1 million challenge grant. Here’s what it means for Sidney and the region.

Gov. Pillen proposed large spending cuts to offset $471M budget shortfall

Gov. Pillen proposed large spending cuts to offset $471M budget shortfall

LINCOLN, Neb. - While insisting concerns of a budget crisis in Nebraska are overblown, Governor Jim Pillen is proposing a nine figure cut in spending. During his annual State of the State address Thursday morning, Governor Pillen proposed $495 million wor

Iris and Palm Company opens to serve plant enthusiast

Iris and Palm Company opens to serve plant enthusiast

A store has opened in Sidney serving people with a love of potted plants. Iris and Palm Company offers consultations and supplies for healthier plants.

Gov. Pillen proposed large spending cuts to offset $471M budget shortfall

Gov. Pillen proposed large spending cuts to offset $471M budget shortfall

During his annual State of the State address Thursday morning, Governor Pillen proposed $495 million worth of spending cuts over the next two years. 

Board of Regents approves $800 million transaction to become sole owner of Nebraska Medicine

Board of Regents approves $800 million transaction to become sole owner of Nebraska Medicine

The University of Nebraska is moving forward with purchasing Clarkson Regional Health’s share of Nebraska Medicine.

‘Ready, Set, Assemble’: Registration open for annual Puzzle Contest

‘Ready, Set, Assemble’: Registration open for annual Puzzle Contest

The 9th annual Friends of the Library Puzzle Contest at Kimball Public Library is coming up February 1, and registration closes January 29.

Former teacher convicted of sexual crimes in Frontier County

Former teacher convicted of sexual crimes in Frontier County

A former teacher in Central Nebraska was sentenced to 90 days at the frontier county jail, along with five years of probation. 30 year old Nicholas High of Bertrand, was found guilty of attempted manufacture visual depiction, sexual abuse by a school empl