High Wind Watch, Fire Weather Watch issued for region as winter weather looms

High Wind and Fire Weather Watches issued for the Nebraska Panhandle, southeast Wyoming and northeast Colorado.

February 16, 2026Updated: February 16, 2026

By News Channel Nebraska

Stanton County fire burns 82 acres

Stanton County fire burns 82 acres

Fire danger peaks Saturday in Nebraska; elevated risk continues through weekend

Fire danger peaks Saturday in Nebraska; elevated risk continues through weekend

Central Community College adds three new sports programs

Central Community College adds three new sports programs

'So much at stake': Huskers get set to battle Hawkeyes in Sweet 16

'So much at stake': Huskers get set to battle Hawkeyes in Sweet 16

Houston bars load up on Busch Light, ahead of Nebraska-Iowa Sweet 16 tilt

Houston bars load up on Busch Light, ahead of Nebraska-Iowa Sweet 16 tilt

Norfolk hospital and health system rebrands as Faith Health

Norfolk hospital and health system rebrands as Faith Health

State

Wildfire near Ashby destroys homes; neighbor’s late-night warning helps families escape

UNL student vanishes after driving from Lincoln to Florida

Wheat Belt Public Power District announces decision to withdraw from Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association

Ranchers urged to contact USDA before wildfire recovery work begins

Multi-agencies conduct active shooter drill at Sidney High School

City of Norfolk to open seasonal "after-hours" yard waste drop off in April

Sports

Eagles Sweep 5000 Meters at Central Nebraska Challenge

Johnston hits a 2-run homer as the Rockies rout the Blue Jays 14-5 for their 1st win of the season

Cougar notes: WNCC softball plays tough against No. 25 McCook despite falling

Sidney boys, Ogallala girls headline strong showings at Ganser Invite

WNCC baseball splits with Trinidad on Saturday, Wilson breaks school record

Eagles Wrap Up Series Against Cougars

Ag & Outdoor

Outdoor notes: Work to begin soon on Smith Lake WMA Aquatic Habitat Project

Outdoor notes: Game and Parks urges caution when recreating outdoors due to wildfires

Outdoor notes: Temporary closure of Clear Creek WMA for safety

‘Worst-case scenario’: Fertilizer, fuel cost spikes hitting Nebraska farmers hard

Outdoor notes: Haag shares 100 years of Nebraskaland

Supplementing dryland wheat and irrigated corn with proso millet in drought years