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Brianna Hoffman honors son Jack in UNK commencement speech
Brianna Hoffman honors son Jack in UNK commencement speech

Jack Hoffman captured the hearts of people across the nation during his battle with brain cancer, and on Friday he was posthumously honored with a degree at graduation day in celebration of his legacy.

Hastings Baseball relying on 'grit' and 'fight' in first state appearance since 2021

Hastings Baseball relying on 'grit' and 'fight' in first state appearance since 2021

The Hastings High Baseball team is relying on their well-rounded team to make a splash at the Class B State Tournament as the underdog on paper.

Kearney school board and city council approve the addition of a fourth school resource officer

Kearney school board and city council approve the addition of a fourth school resource officer

A Central Nebraska school district is set to receive some additional support after the city approved a resolution which would add another resource officer to the district.

UNK to recognize Jack Hoffman with honorary degree, mother Brianna to speak at commencement

UNK to recognize Jack Hoffman with honorary degree, mother Brianna to speak at commencement

Jack will be recognized with an honorary degree during the commencement ceremony.

Kearney students drum up smiles at local retirement homes

Kearney students drum up smiles at local retirement homes

Elementary school students in Central Nebraska are using the power of music to connect with older generations.

University Minute: Highlighting UNK Chancellor Priority Candidate, Dr. Neal Schnoor

University Minute: Highlighting UNK Chancellor Priority Candidate, Dr. Neal Schnoor

LINCOLN, Neb. — In this week’s University Minute, University of Nebraska System President Dr. Jeff Gold explains why Dr. Neal Schnoor was selected as the priority candidate for chancellor at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

UNK women's basketball hires new assistant coach

UNK women's basketball hires new assistant coach

Nebraska Kearney head women's basketball coach Drew Johnson has announced that K.C. Bassett is the Lopers new assistant coach.

Kearney airport conducting emergency drill Thursday

Kearney airport conducting emergency drill Thursday

Officials are informing residents that smoke and emergency vehicles around Kearney Regional Airport are part of a training exercise being conducted Thursday.

Hastings inks 25-year deal with NewCarbon to operate renewable natural gas converter in city landfill

Hastings inks 25-year deal with NewCarbon to operate renewable natural gas converter in city landfill

The city of Hastings has officially come to terms with a midwest-based carbon company to make renewable natural gas at its landfill for 25 years.

Longtime educator, former Sidney principal Mark Stute announces retirement

Longtime educator, former Sidney principal Mark Stute announces retirement

"Make it a great day… or not. The choice is yours": .After 34 years in education — including seven in Sidney — Meadowlark Elementary Principal Mark Stute is retiring.

Kearney honors law enforcement during annual police memorial event

Kearney honors law enforcement during annual police memorial event

A Central Nebraska city is recognizing National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day during a ceremony that honors officers who sacrifice their safety in order to keep communities safe.

Kearney High’s 'Seussical' wins top honors in state showcase

Kearney High’s 'Seussical' wins top honors in state showcase

A school in Central Nebraska is taking home the state's top theater honor for its recent musical performance. 

Family of Johnson Lake victims: ‘Mental illness killed them — not Jeremy’

Family of Johnson Lake victims: ‘Mental illness killed them — not Jeremy’

The family of Bailey, Hudson, Asher and Jeremy Koch is speaking out after the weekend tragedy in Johnson Lake, calling it a failure of the nation’s mental health system and urging urgent change.

‘Mental illness is taking my husband from me’: Nebraska mother’s words echo in tragedy of murder-suicide

‘Mental illness is taking my husband from me’: Nebraska mother’s words echo in tragedy of murder-suicide

A Dawson County family of four was found dead in a suspected murder-suicide. Bailey Koch had publicly shared her husband's mental health struggles. The Nebraska State Patrol is leading the investigation.

Former UNK athletes launch new sports performance facility in Central Nebraska

Former UNK athletes launch new sports performance facility in Central Nebraska

Two former UNK college athletes have teamed up to open a first of its kind facility in Central Nebraska.

Stutzman steps down as Kearney softball coach

Stutzman steps down as Kearney softball coach

Kearney Public Schools is searching for a new head softball coach following a recent departure.

'Miles for Mik' participants run 24 miles in 24 hours to raise cancer awareness, college scholarship funds

'Miles for Mik' participants run 24 miles in 24 hours to raise cancer awareness, college scholarship funds

Hundreds, if not thousands of people are walking or running into the night this weekend to remember the legacy of a late Hastings College graduate.

Kearney High's 50th student-built house marks a milestone for construction program

Kearney High's 50th student-built house marks a milestone for construction program

A High School in Central Nebraska is unveiling a milestone project that highlights a unique school program that's been around for half a century.

One transported to hospital following Thursday crash in Kearney

One transported to hospital following Thursday crash in Kearney

One central Nebraska woman is transported by EMS following a three-car accident Thursday afternoon that left her trapped in her car with minor injuries

Chancellor candidate Schnoor engages UNK community during visit

Chancellor candidate Schnoor engages UNK community during visit

Students, faculty, staff and community members alike are all getting the opportunity to meet the priority chancellor candidate for a University in Central Nebraska.

Kearney elementary students roll into school for national bike day

Kearney elementary students roll into school for national bike day

A Central Nebraska elementary school is rolling into summer with a special celebration.

Hilgers, 15 state sheriffs send letter to state lawmakers opposing LB677

Hilgers, 15 state sheriffs send letter to state lawmakers opposing LB677

Nebraska's Attorney General is leading an effort with state law enforcement to oppose a bill aiming to roll out medical marijuana regulation in Nebraska.

MONA and longtime Visit Kearney director Roger Jasnoch honored with Celebrate Tourism awards

MONA and longtime Visit Kearney director Roger Jasnoch honored with Celebrate Tourism awards

A longtime community leader in Kearney and newly-renovated museum picked up major tourism honors on Monday.

Sen. Fischer pushes for parts of USDA to relocate to Nebraska

Sen. Fischer pushes for parts of USDA to relocate to Nebraska

There are discussions happening in Washington D.C. about the potential relocation for parts of the United States Department of Agriculture, including parts of the Agricultural Research Service.

Head coach Victor Rojas wants to ‘Shock the World’ in new role with Hastings baseball

Head coach Victor Rojas wants to ‘Shock the World’ in new role with Hastings baseball

A new head coach in Central Nebraska has high expectations this coming season for his new team.

Haarberg ends spring practice with new position, perspective

Haarberg ends spring practice with new position, perspective

For just about any college football player, the end goal is to make it to the next level and that includes Kearney's own Heinrich Haarberg.

Fisher Fountain to turn on for season during Mother's Day weekend

Fisher Fountain to turn on for season during Mother's Day weekend

One of the more popular attractions in Hastings will be put into operation for the season this upcoming weekend. 

Brooke Envick selected to lead UNK College of Business and Technology

Brooke Envick selected to lead UNK College of Business and Technology

Following a national search, the University of Nebraska at Kearney has selected Brooke Envick as the next dean of the College of Business and Technology.

Former Kearney Chamber building demolished

Former Kearney Chamber building demolished

With the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce secured in its new digs on the south side of town, the old building came crumbling down on Monday.

Crowds celebrate grand reopening of MONA in Central Nebraska

Crowds celebrate grand reopening of MONA in Central Nebraska

 Art enthusiasts will no longer have to wait to see the state's official art collection following the recent re-opening of a Central Nebraska museum.

Hastings College hires former MLB broadcaster as new baseball Head Coach

Hastings College hires former MLB broadcaster as new baseball Head Coach

The Hastings College Baseball team is turning to a former MLB broadcaster and collegiate coach to lead its program.

Car crashes into building on 2nd Avenue

Car crashes into building on 2nd Avenue

A car crashing into a building on 2nd Avenue in Kearney Sunday afternoon sends one to the hospital.

Ord hosts Huskers for first time as Nebraska sweeps SDSU in spring match

Ord hosts Huskers for first time as Nebraska sweeps SDSU in spring match

The Husker volleyball team brought its championship pedigree to small-town Nebraska Saturday, showcasing the connection between the program and its statewide fan base.

Kearney man convicted of stalking police chief sentenced to jail and unconventional probation

Kearney man convicted of stalking police chief sentenced to jail and unconventional probation

A Kearney man accused of threatening a police lieutenant and stalking the city’s police chief will be going back to jail.

Kearney shuts out rival Hastings 9-0 on Senior Day

Kearney shuts out rival Hastings 9-0 on Senior Day

The Kearney Bearcats used excellent starting pitcher and a quick start on offense to record their fourth straight win over their Tri-City rival on Friday. 

Hastings College to dedicate newly renovated Jack Osborne Track Complex, host GPAC Championships

Hastings College to dedicate newly renovated Jack Osborne Track Complex, host GPAC Championships

The Jack Osborne Track Complex is fully renovated and is ready to once again host outdoor track and field events. 

2025 Give Hastings Day raises over $900,000 for Adams County non-profits

2025 Give Hastings Day raises over $900,000 for Adams County non-profits

113 Adams County non-profits are receiving much needed funding from over 5,000 generous donors during Give Hastings Day. 

'Go Big Give' unites Grand Island for annual day of giving

'Go Big Give' unites Grand Island for annual day of giving

Over 100 local non-profits from several Central Nebraska cities are coming together to help strengthen their communities.

Kearney Chief of Police named state patrol superintendent

Kearney Chief of Police named state patrol superintendent

The city of Kearney is searching for a new Chief of Police, because Bryan Waugh was named the next superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol.

Honoring the forgotten: Grand Island remembers its Vietnam heroes

Honoring the forgotten: Grand Island remembers its Vietnam heroes

The streets of a Central Nebraska city were filled with celebration and remembrance on Wednesday as the community came together to celebrate its Vietnam veterans.

Gov. Pillen extends burn ban to May 10 for most of Nebraska

Gov. Pillen extends burn ban to May 10 for most of Nebraska

Gov. Jim Pillen is keeping the central and western part of the state in a burn ban, largely due to consistent dry conditions. 

Students witness Nebraska Supreme Court in action during historic school visit

Students witness Nebraska Supreme Court in action during historic school visit

For the first time ever a Central Nebraska School has been transformed into a courtroom as part of a statewide civics education initiative.

Two escape from Kearney house fire by jumping from roof

Two escape from Kearney house fire by jumping from roof

Two people are safe after jumping from a roof to avoid a house fire.

Hastings City Council approves ordinance to add 'In God We Trust' signs to several public spaces

Hastings City Council approves ordinance to add 'In God We Trust' signs to several public spaces

The city of Hastings may start displaying the country's national motto in public places following a vote from the city council.

Man in custody after domestic assault hospitalizes woman

Man in custody after domestic assault hospitalizes woman

A woman is recovering from serious injuries that she suffered during a weekend domestic assault at a Central Nebraska RV Park.

Central Nebraska organizations promoting awareness for Child Abuse Prevention month

Central Nebraska organizations promoting awareness for Child Abuse Prevention month

April is Child Abuse Prevention month, and two Central Nebraska organizations want the public to know about the free resources they offer for families or people in need of guidance.

Cavenee shoots way to champion status

Cavenee shoots way to champion status

An 11-year-old from Nebraska becomes the 12th in state history to win at the Elks Hoop Shoot National Finals.

Nebraska Sen. Pete Ricketts faces occasional jeers as he defends Trump's cuts

Nebraska Sen. Pete Ricketts faces occasional jeers as he defends Trump's cuts

Nebraska Sen. Pete Ricketts on Thursday repeatedly returned to his call for spending cuts amid grumbles from a central Nebraska audience during a public meeting that illustrated the tension between some voters in the country and Republicans.

Campgrounds and visitor centers at federal lakes are closing amid Trump's budget cuts

Campgrounds and visitor centers at federal lakes are closing amid Trump's budget cuts

Campgrounds, boat ramps and other facilities in at least 30 locations at federal lakes and reservoirs in six states will be closed or have their hours curtailed as of mid-May.

Rep. Flood announces more meteorologists and balloon launches coming to Nebraska

Rep. Flood announces more meteorologists and balloon launches coming to Nebraska

After months of staffing shortages and a reduction in critical weather data collection, Nebraska’s National Weather Service is getting much-needed reinforcements.

UNMC Project Peace conference aims to better prepare physicians to treat behavioral health problems

UNMC Project Peace conference aims to better prepare physicians to treat behavioral health problems

Healthcare providers from across the state are in Kearney for workshops aimed at equipping them to better treat behavioral health problems.

'Astro Clay' shares story of faith and science after unlikely astronaut career

'Astro Clay' shares story of faith and science after unlikely astronaut career

Clayton Anderson is the first and still only astronaut from Nebraska. But he almost wasn’t, more than a dozen times.

UPDATE: Missing Hastings teenager found dead

UPDATE: Missing Hastings teenager found dead

The Hastings Police Department says a teenager that was was missing since Wednesday evening is deceased. 

Rep. Adrian Smith speaks at UNK student event, draws scorn from impassioned locals

Rep. Adrian Smith speaks at UNK student event, draws scorn from impassioned locals

U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith is the latest member of Nebraska’s congressional delegation to face a cantankerous crowd in his home state.

Ricketts opens town hall tour in Kearney, community presses him on Trump, spending cuts and more

Ricketts opens town hall tour in Kearney, community presses him on Trump, spending cuts and more

Senator Pete Ricketts has completed his first in a series of public town hall meetings, with the first one taking place in Kearney.

Hastings Police looking for teen missing since Wednesday night

Hastings Police looking for teen missing since Wednesday night

The Hastings Police Department is asking the public to be on the lookout a missing Hastings teenager. 

NU welcomes Dr. Neal Schnoor as priority candidate for UNK chancellor

NU welcomes Dr. Neal Schnoor as priority candidate for UNK chancellor

The priority candidate to be the next chancellor at UNK made his first public appearance in Nebraska on Wednesday.

NCN to broadcast Sen. Ricketts town hall event on Thursday

NCN to broadcast Sen. Ricketts town hall event on Thursday

News Channel Nebraska will broadcast the town hall event hosted by Sen. Pete Ricketts on Thursday in Kearney.

YMCA to host healthy living event for children

YMCA to host healthy living event for children

A Central Nebraska chapter of a national non-profit organization is reinforcing its message of healthy living with summer quickly approaching.

One killed in fatal motorcycle crash

One killed in fatal motorcycle crash

A young man is dead following a fatal crash in Central Nebraska. 

Essink waives arraignment, case headed to jury trial after 'not guilty' plea

Essink waives arraignment, case headed to jury trial after 'not guilty' plea

The case against a Hastings daycare provider accused of negligent child abuse is headed to a jury trial in September.

Police investigating inmate's death at Central Nebraska jail

Police investigating inmate's death at Central Nebraska jail

Authorities are investigating the death of a 38-year-old inmate at the Buffalo County Jail after he was found unresponsive in his cell Tuesday afternoon.

Stolley Park Railroad improvements full steam ahead with special event

Stolley Park Railroad improvements full steam ahead with special event

Stolley Park is a staple in the Grand Island community and has been an official state park for almost a century.

Kearney unveils new water resource recovery facility on Earth Day

Kearney unveils new water resource recovery facility on Earth Day

A Central Nebraska city is holding tours for its brand-new state of the art facility that is set to keep the local ecosystem healthy.

Nebraska native, former faculty member Neal Schnoor named UNK chancellor priority candidate

Nebraska native, former faculty member Neal Schnoor named UNK chancellor priority candidate

An experienced administrator with ties to Nebraska and Kearney is poised to become the next chancellor of the University of Nebraska at Kearney.