Local 

Gibbons Grotto: small-town Halloween tradition turns haunts into hope for local girl battling rare brain condition
Gibbons Grotto: small-town Halloween tradition turns haunts into hope for local girl battling rare brain condition

An Ansley family has transformed their home into the "Gibbons Grotto," turning Halloween scares into donations that help a local girl battle a rare brain condition.

Semi and train collide in rural Adams County

Semi and train collide in rural Adams County

Sheriff’s officials say a farm tractor pulled the semi off the tracks.

Hastings College tops off new ‘1882’ student housing project

Hastings College tops off new ‘1882’ student housing project

Hastings College marked a milestone Tuesday with a topping-off ceremony for "The 1882," which is a new residence hall set to open next fall.

Man convicted of murdering Columbus woman, shooting at Hastings Police to be sentenced in November

Man convicted of murdering Columbus woman, shooting at Hastings Police to be sentenced in November

Anthony Mattison will be sentenced November 26th in Hastings for crimes in both Adams and Clay Counties.

Hall County Sheriff Rick Conrad announces retirement

Hall County Sheriff Rick Conrad announces retirement

Sheriff Rick Conrad announced his retirement Tuesday, and the county board voted to accept it.

Kearney updates rules for e-bikes, scooters and ATV's; Police gain clearer enforcement authority

Kearney updates rules for e-bikes, scooters and ATV's; Police gain clearer enforcement authority

Kearney city leaders passed new rules defining where and how e-bikes, scooters and ATVs can operate.

Bauer's walk-off single wins St. Cecilia first softball state championship in program history

Bauer's walk-off single wins St. Cecilia first softball state championship in program history

A pitcher's duel turned into a 7th inning slugfest, and after the dust settled, Hastings St. Cecilia claimed their first Class C softball state title after a walk-off single by Maddi Bauer.

Lakeview handles York in straight sets to claim 2025 Central Conference volleyball tournament championship

Lakeview handles York in straight sets to claim 2025 Central Conference volleyball tournament championship

Columbus Lakeview took care of York in straight sets (25-19, 25-15) to emerge as the champions of the 2025 Central Conference Volleyball Tournament.

Adams Central takes down Northwest in two tight sets to capture third place in Central Conference tournament

Adams Central takes down Northwest in two tight sets to capture third place in Central Conference tournament

Tournament top seed Adams Central took down second-seeded Northwest in two tight sets (25-22, 25-23) to win the third place match in the 2025 Central Conference Volleyball Tournament.

S.A.F.E. Center highlights prevention and support through local fundraisers

S.A.F.E. Center highlights prevention and support through local fundraisers

The S.A.F.E. Center in Kearney is spotlighting its services and raising money to rebuild its shelter for survivors.

Nebraska signed contract with ICE on Sept. 30 to turn state prison into migrant detention center

Nebraska signed contract with ICE on Sept. 30 to turn state prison into migrant detention center

The State of Nebraska officially signed a contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Sept. 30 to convert the state prison in McCook into an ICE detention facility, officials announced Friday.

KPS Data Breach: Hackers steal sensitive information including staff banking info, student medical records and more

KPS Data Breach: Hackers steal sensitive information including staff banking info, student medical records and more

Hackers have accessed banking, medical, and other personal information from the Kearney Public School District.

’Small but mighty’ cross country team from Kearney powers through adversity to earn gold

’Small but mighty’ cross country team from Kearney powers through adversity to earn gold

A middle school cross country team in Kearney is being praised for a state champion finish after a season of adversity.

Broken Bow first in Nebraska to use OneWeight ambulance scales for more accurate patient care

Broken Bow first in Nebraska to use OneWeight ambulance scales for more accurate patient care

Paramedics now use a new scale system with an accompanying app to get instant, precise patient weights and calculate medication doses.

Nebraska Appleseed files lawsuit to stop ICE facility opening in McCook

Nebraska Appleseed files lawsuit to stop ICE facility opening in McCook

Nebraska Appleseed announced Thursday morning that it has filed a lawsuit to prevent the repurposing of the Work Ethic Camp in McCook into an ICE detention facility.

Charges filed against man accused of shooting at Nebraska state troopers

Charges filed against man accused of shooting at Nebraska state troopers

Charges have officially been filed against a man authorities say exchanged gunfire with them during a warrant search on Wednesday.

History takes shape at Stuhr Museum as Sculptor Benjamin Victor works live on new 'Pawnee Mother' piece

History takes shape at Stuhr Museum as Sculptor Benjamin Victor works live on new 'Pawnee Mother' piece

Visitors are getting a front-row seat as renowned sculptor Benjamin Victor brings a new piece called "Pawnee Mother" to life, right in the heart of Stuhr museum.

New restaurant coming to Younes Landing, Good Life District

New restaurant coming to Younes Landing, Good Life District

Kearney City Council has approved tax increment financing for a new restaurant planned on the city’s south side.

K9 Officer Kuba sworn into Kearney Police Department

K9 Officer Kuba sworn into Kearney Police Department

K9 officer Kuba is the newest member of KPD after accepting an oath of office during Tuesday’s city council meeting.

Grand Island Man Arrested After Shooting at Troopers

Grand Island Man Arrested After Shooting at Troopers

A Grand Island Man is in jail after exchanging gunfire with authorities during a warrant search.

Bid awarded for $3.75 million renovation of Grand Island's Ryder Park

Bid awarded for $3.75 million renovation of Grand Island's Ryder Park

Ryder Park will begin a $7.5 million renovation on their softball and baseball fields after approval by the Grand Island City Council.

Sunrise Middle School unveils improved athletic field with new turf

Sunrise Middle School unveils improved athletic field with new turf

Students at Sunrise Middle School finally have a state-of-the-art sports field to call their own.

Kolache baking class keeps Czech tradition alive

Kolache baking class keeps Czech tradition alive

Grand Island's Trinity United Methodist Church invited community members to learn about the art and history of making Czech kolaches.

Nebraska Chamber selects UNK’s Bartling as new executive vice president

Nebraska Chamber selects UNK’s Bartling as new executive vice president

The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry is hiring a University of Nebraska official to be its first executive Vice President.

13-year-old girl dies in Kearney County crash

13-year-old girl dies in Kearney County crash

A 13-Year-Old Girl died Monday in Kearney County Crash.

"Faith and Blue" Event brings Kearney community and Police together

"Faith and Blue" Event brings Kearney community and Police together

Monday night's "Faith and Blue" event drew one of its largest crowds in recent years.

Cyberattack shuts down Kearney Public Schools network, classes to continue Monday

Cyberattack shuts down Kearney Public Schools network, classes to continue Monday

Kearney Public Schools is dealing with a cybersecurity attack that has shut down its district network — but officials say classes will continue as scheduled on Monday.

Pattern of alleged staff sexual abuse at state-run Kearney youth center emerges in court hearings

Pattern of alleged staff sexual abuse at state-run Kearney youth center emerges in court hearings

Two staff members at the juvenile treatment center in Kearney have resigned, another is on leave and a third faces a criminal charge due to allegations of inappropriate sexual contact.

New Early Head Start Center in Kearney set to open in 2026

New Early Head Start Center in Kearney set to open in 2026

The new project aims to expand affordable child care for families across Buffalo County.

Park Elementary named National Blue Ribbon School

Park Elementary named National Blue Ribbon School

Park Elementary in Kearney has been named a 2025 National Blue Ribbon School — one of the highest honors a school can receive from the U.S. Department of Education.

County Court Judge set to retire next year

County Court Judge set to retire next year

County Court Judge Arthur S. Wetzel is retiring from the bench after 14 years in service.

Chief Deputy Dan Schleusener announces run for Buffalo County Sheriff as Miller plans retirement

Chief Deputy Dan Schleusener announces run for Buffalo County Sheriff as Miller plans retirement

Chief Deputy Dan Schleusener has officially announced he’s running for Sheriff of Buffalo County.

Wanted man arrested after 120-mph chase, cornfield pursuit in Central Nebraska

Wanted man arrested after 120-mph chase, cornfield pursuit in Central Nebraska

A Pennsylvania man is in custody after a high-speed pursuit in Central Nebraska.

Hastings restaurant announces sudden closure

Hastings restaurant announces sudden closure

A well-known Hastings restaurant is in its final days of operations after announcing its abrupt closure on Thursday.

Banners tied to white nationalist group found over Grand Island bridge

Banners tied to white nationalist group found over Grand Island bridge

Activists and city officials are speaking out after hate-filled signs linked to a white nationalist group were found hanging from a Grand Island bridge near the heart of the Hispanic business district.

'Conversations on a Bench' sees Nebraska homeless shelter director spend 24 hours outside as part of national campaign

'Conversations on a Bench' sees Nebraska homeless shelter director spend 24 hours outside as part of national campaign

Crossroads Mission Avenue Executive Director Daniel Buller is sitting on a bench for 24 straight hours to help raise awareness and fight the stereotypes of homelessness in Nebraska.

Diocese of Lincoln limits priest’s duties after accusation of sexual assault

Diocese of Lincoln limits priest’s duties after accusation of sexual assault

The Diocese of Lincoln is limiting a Priest’s assignments after he was accused of sexual abusing a minor three decades ago.

Tinsman, senior leadership leading Hastings High Softball into postseason

Tinsman, senior leadership leading Hastings High Softball into postseason

The 2025 Tiger Softball team is ready to make a deep postseason run behind the top state pitcher in Class B plus a versatile and selfless lineup.

Animal causes thousand of residents to lose power

Animal causes thousand of residents to lose power

Almost 5,000 residents were without power Wednesday morning because of a wandering animal.

'You have the power to be the change:' youth leadership event at UNK

'You have the power to be the change:' youth leadership event at UNK

Youth leaders from across Central Nebraska are taking helpful tips and tricks home as part of the Power of Change Youth Summit.

Toddler abandoned in Adams County ditch; authorities investigating

Toddler abandoned in Adams County ditch; authorities investigating

The Adams County Sheriff's Department is investigating after a 15-month old child was found alive on the side of a road just southwest of Hastings city limits. 

Target opens first store in Grand Island, Nebraska’s first new location in nearly 20 years

Target opens first store in Grand Island, Nebraska’s first new location in nearly 20 years

The new Target store in Conestoga Marketplace is the first Target ever in Grand Island and the first new build in Nebraska in nearly 20 years.

North Platte man sentenced to prison for sexual assault of minor

North Platte man sentenced to prison for sexual assault of minor

A North Platte man was sentenced to prison in Lincoln County District Court Monday for the third-degree sexual assault of a minor.

Fans invited to name Grand Island’s Diamond Baseball League team

Fans invited to name Grand Island’s Diamond Baseball League team

Fans can submit their ideas for the franchise’s official name by participating in the “Name The Team” contest at www.giparks.com/nametheteam.

Troopers find nearly 100 pounds of Ketamine in I-80 traffic stop

Troopers find nearly 100 pounds of Ketamine in I-80 traffic stop

A North Carolina man is in custody after Nebraska State Patrol troopers found 98 pounds of Ketamine in the vehicle he was driving.

South Heartland District Health Dept. launches new Six-Year Community Health Improvement Plan

South Heartland District Health Dept. launches new Six-Year Community Health Improvement Plan

A south-central Nebraska health department announced the launch of a new community improvement plan Friday by the literal launching of rockets. 

‘You Can’t Frown at a Sunflower’: Koelling Family welcomes visitors to annual Simply Sunflower Field Day

‘You Can’t Frown at a Sunflower’: Koelling Family welcomes visitors to annual Simply Sunflower Field Day

The Koelling Family Farm is opening their sunflower fields to the public this Saturday for their annual Simply Sunflower Field Day, offering tours, photo opportunities and bottles of cold-pressed sunflower oil.

Hastings Sodbusters baseball to shift ownership, join new league

Hastings Sodbusters baseball to shift ownership, join new league

The Hastings Sodbusters summer baseball team is transitioning to new ownership and a new league for the 2026 season, but isn't going anywhere new.

Nebraska senators call for public briefing on proposed ICE facility in McCook

Nebraska senators call for public briefing on proposed ICE facility in McCook

Several Nebraska senators are requesting a public briefing to address the proposed conversion of the McCook Work Ethic Camp.

Kinkaider Brewing opens Monday in Kearney with new taproom at Younes Landing

Kinkaider Brewing opens Monday in Kearney with new taproom at Younes Landing

The Nebraska brewery is set to officially open Monday at Younes Landing, featuring a newly-designed space, signature beers and more.

Hastings College's Mural Day gathers 200+ high school artists for showcase competition

Hastings College's Mural Day gathers 200+ high school artists for showcase competition

Hastings College's annual Mural Day welcomed more than 200 students from 36 Nebraska high schools to showcase their drawing and painting skills while racing against a set time limit.

Albion woman wins Hometown Roots competition

Albion woman wins Hometown Roots competition

An Albion woman is being awarded $5,000 to donate to charity after winning a photo submission contest.

NRD leaders tackle funding shortfalls while honoring conservation work

NRD leaders tackle funding shortfalls while honoring conservation work

Over 400 natural resource leaders gathered in Kearney this week for the annual Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) Conference, held Sept. 29 - Oct. 1.

Hastings now eyeing City Hall building renovation completion in March 2026

Hastings now eyeing City Hall building renovation completion in March 2026

The Hastings City Hall building has now been undergoing renovations for an entire year, which are now expected to continue into the spring of 2026. 

Intoxicated driver crashes into power pole, leaves 1,100 Kearney customers without power

Intoxicated driver crashes into power pole, leaves 1,100 Kearney customers without power

Police say Monday night's power outage was cause by an intoxicated driver who struck a power pole.

KHAS Radio recognized on 85th anniversary

KHAS Radio recognized on 85th anniversary

Tuesday marks 85 years to the date of KHAS Radio's first day on the air in Hastings. 

Leaders gather in Kearney to tackle rural health challenges in Nebraska

Leaders gather in Kearney to tackle rural health challenges in Nebraska

Kearney hosted the Rural Engagement and Wellness Summit Monday, which saw health leaders collaborate on how to improve healthcare in Rural Nebraska.

Two Nebraska Liquor Commission members resign at governor’s request

Two Nebraska Liquor Commission members resign at governor’s request

The last two members of the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission who served with a former director who faces federal charges alleging public corruption are resigning at the governor’s request.

Hastings defense pitches second half shutout to top Beatrice

Hastings defense pitches second half shutout to top Beatrice

The Hastings Tigers made just enough plays on both sides of the ball to win a battle of the defenses against Beatrice on Friday night. 

Hastings hosting WWII aircraft flights and community cookout

Hastings hosting WWII aircraft flights and community cookout

Pilots with the Commemorative Air Force and Nebraska Antique Airplane Association are bringing a rare WWII plane to Hastings Saturday, offering flights and a community hamburger feed to support aircraft maintenance.

Food pantry shelves filled thanks to community generosity in Hastings

Food pantry shelves filled thanks to community generosity in Hastings

Even though Brandon J McDermott is enjoying his time back on solid earth, he says the station is already planning to bring the food drive back for a third year in 2026.

Greenlief National Guard training site unveils $18 million in new renovations, upgrades

Greenlief National Guard training site unveils $18 million in new renovations, upgrades

10 years of ongoing renovations are now officially complete at the Nebraska National Guard's primary training facility. 

Kearney man accused of assaulting, robbing girlfriend has more than 30 prior arrests

Kearney man accused of assaulting, robbing girlfriend has more than 30 prior arrests

A Kearney man is behind bars after police arrested him for allegedly assaulting and robbing his girlfriend.

Kearney hosts first annual Inspire Awards honoring local women leaders

Kearney hosts first annual Inspire Awards honoring local women leaders

Kearney hosted its first Inspire Awards, honoring women leaders across eight categories.

Gov. Pillen, local and state leaders recognize seven inaugural Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics in Nebraska

Gov. Pillen, local and state leaders recognize seven inaugural Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics in Nebraska

The state of Nebraska’s new Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic model is set to ensure anyone can access mental healthcare no matter their age, background or financial status.