Local News 

Amid crisis, a growing skatepark aims to transform the Rosebud Reservation
Amid crisis, a growing skatepark aims to transform the Rosebud Reservation

Shank believes skateboarding can satisfy the same impulses that lead young people toward gangs or risky behavior—only with far fewer consequences.

Forest Service discussing fire restrictions in Cherry County

Forest Service discussing fire restrictions in Cherry County

The U.S. Forest Service is considering implementing Stage 1 fire restrictions on Nebraska’s National Forests and Grasslands, including in Cherry County.

Nebraska State Colleges Award Multi-Activity Scholarships

Nebraska State Colleges Award Multi-Activity Scholarships

Twelve high school students were awarded the Nebraska State Colleges Multi-Activity Scholarship during the NSAA State Soccer Championships, recognizing their involvement in school activities and athletics.

A forest of heroes: Nebraska trees planted to honor fallen service members

A forest of heroes: Nebraska trees planted to honor fallen service members

Wind and rain may have canceled this year’s Memorial Day ceremony in Valentine, but nothing could stop Kelly Hollopeter from remembering her son — or the sacrifice he made.

South Dakota Attorney General: Officer justified in using force during high-speed chase involving Norfolk man

South Dakota Attorney General: Officer justified in using force during high-speed chase involving Norfolk man

Cody Dittman of Norfolk is accused of leading authorities on a chase topping 100 miles per hour after officers attempted to stop him in connection to a firearms-related call in Pine Ridge.

Confirmed measles case reported in Sheridan County

Confirmed measles case reported in Sheridan County

A confirmed measles case in an age-appropriately vaccinated child residing in Sheridan County has been reported to the Panhandle Public Health District and Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

Congressman Adrian Smith responds to house passage of the ‘big beautiful bill’

Congressman Adrian Smith responds to house passage of the ‘big beautiful bill’

Congressman Adrian Smith, who voted in favor of the new tax “big beautiful bill,” responded on Thursday afternoon to its passage.

Two facing charges after alleged pool stick assault at Rushville bar

Two facing charges after alleged pool stick assault at Rushville bar

Two men are facing charges after a bar fight at the Rushville American Legion that allegedly involved a pool stick used as a weapon.

Parmelee man sentenced for shooting near Mission

Parmelee man sentenced for shooting near Mission

A 19-year-old Parmelee man has been sentenced to six years in federal prison for shooting and injuring another man near Mission.

Chadron State graduate continues family tradition

Chadron State graduate continues family tradition

Chadron State College was founded as a teacher-training school some 115 years ago.

Kyle man sentenced to 20 years for sexual abuse on the Pine Ridge Reservation

Kyle man sentenced to 20 years for sexual abuse on the Pine Ridge Reservation

A Kyle, South Dakota man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after prosecutors say he followed a 13-year-old girl while she was walking home, grabbed her, forced her to the ground, and then raped her.

SD Attorney General authorizes DCI to obtain authorization to help ICE enforce immigration laws

SD Attorney General authorizes DCI to obtain authorization to help ICE enforce immigration laws

“Fentanyl and other illegal drugs brought into this country by cartels and illegal immigrants continue to be a major problem in South Dakota,” said Jackley.

Nebraska GOP decides not to appeal verdict in defamatory GOP mailers case

Nebraska GOP decides not to appeal verdict in defamatory GOP mailers case

The Nebraska Republican Party has decided not to pursue any post-trial motions or appeals of a civil defamation case that awarded a former GOP legislative candidate $500,000 in damages.

Professional bull riders to appear at Gordon event

Professional bull riders to appear at Gordon event

Rodeo fans will have the chance to meet professional bull riders during a special event June 4 at the Gordon Community Theater.

Valentine family launching American-raised beef stick brand

Valentine family launching American-raised beef stick brand

A ranching family from the Valentine area is launching a beef stick brand built around American-raised, clean-ingredient meat snacks.

Campfire ban lifted at all Nebraska state parks, WMAs

Campfire ban lifted at all Nebraska state parks, WMAs

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has lifted its temporary ban on campfires at central and western state park and wildlife management areas

AASCU President urges Chadron State graduates to embrace opportunity, authenticity

AASCU President urges Chadron State graduates to embrace opportunity, authenticity

Dr. Charles L. Welch encouraged Chadron State College graduates to embrace their new opportunities and remain true to themselves during the spring commencement ceremony May 10.

Nebraska passes bill requiring age verification for social media

Nebraska passes bill requiring age verification for social media

Nebraska minors will soon need parental permission to create social media accounts under a bill approved by state lawmakers.

Valentine high-speed chase: Winner man facing charges

Valentine high-speed chase: Winner man facing charges

A Winner, South Dakota man is facing charges after allegedly leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase through Valentine, damaging a parked vehicle and resisting arrest.

Alliance Police, U.S. Marshals capture fugitive Harley Salway

Alliance Police, U.S. Marshals capture fugitive Harley Salway

Fugitive Harley Salway was arrested Sunday evening in Alliance after weeks on the run.

Mission man sentenced for axe attack

Mission man sentenced for axe attack

A 22-year-old Mission man has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison after attacking a person with an axe on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation.

St. Francis woman sentenced for assault with a dangerous weapon

St. Francis woman sentenced for assault with a dangerous weapon

A St. Francis woman has been sentenced to four years in federal prison for assaulting a juvenile with a sharp object.

Voters reject Hemingford school bond proposal in special election

Voters reject Hemingford school bond proposal in special election

Preliminary results show Hemingford voters have rejected a nearly $18 million school bond proposal.

Crawford man arrested on child pornography charges

Crawford man arrested on child pornography charges

A Crawford man has been arrested on multiple child pornography charges following a Nebraska State Patrol investigation.

Valentine relay team races into record books, middle school state meet next

Valentine relay team races into record books, middle school state meet next

A group of middle schoolers from Valentine is hoping to leave a mark at this weekend’s Nebraska Championship Meet in Gothenburg.

Three Nebraska teens arrested in Missouri after alleged pursuit in stolen vehicle

Three Nebraska teens arrested in Missouri after alleged pursuit in stolen vehicle

Three 16-year-olds from Nebraska were arrested in Missouri after the State Patrol says they led law enforcement on a pursuit in a stolen vehicle.

Valentine student named Nebraska champion in prestigious national scholarship competition

Valentine student named Nebraska champion in prestigious national scholarship competition

A homeschool junior from Valentine is representing Nebraska in one of the nation’s top scholarship competitions for high school students.

Tornadoes, hail, flooding and overturned semi reported across Sandhills, Central Nebraska

Tornadoes, hail, flooding and overturned semi reported across Sandhills, Central Nebraska

Authorities across the Sandhills and Central Nebraska are assessing damage after a powerful storm system swept through the region Wednesday night.

Valentine School Board approves new 1st grade teacher, administrative tuition reimbursement

Valentine School Board approves new 1st grade teacher, administrative tuition reimbursement

The Valentine School Board has approved the hiring of a new first grade teacher and a tuition reimbursement policy for administrators pursuing advanced degrees.

Nebraska horse sets Guinness World Record after being rescued from kill pen

Nebraska horse sets Guinness World Record after being rescued from kill pen

A once-unruly rescue horse has galloped his way into the record books thanks to a Western Nebraska horse trainer.

High-speed chase ends in flames: Man sentenced in Sheridan County

High-speed chase ends in flames: Man sentenced in Sheridan County

A 21-year-old man has been sentenced to about a year in prison after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase that ended with a burning vehicle and a high-risk arrest in Sheridan County.

Valentine Community Schools doesn't receive grant to fund after-school program

Valentine Community Schools doesn't receive grant to fund after-school program

The future of Valentine Community Schools’ after-school program is uncertain after the district did not receive the 21st Century Community Learning Center grant, which has funded the program in recent years.

Cherry County zoning administrator to investigate complaint against planned wind farm

Cherry County zoning administrator to investigate complaint against planned wind farm

Cherry County’s zoning administrator will investigate a zoning complaint against the developers of a proposed wind farm near Kilgore.

Niobrara River restrooms may close due to funding shortfall

Niobrara River restrooms may close due to funding shortfall

Public restrooms along the popular canoeing stretch of the Niobrara River could soon be locked up unless the Niobrara Council secures emergency funding.

Plea agreement expected in deadly bicycle crash near Valentine

Plea agreement expected in deadly bicycle crash near Valentine

An Arkansas man accused of hitting and killing a bicyclist with his vehicle near Valentine last summer plans to change his plea to guilty.

Panhandle cities break heat records

Panhandle cities break heat records

Scottsbluff, Chadron and Alliance all hit new daily highs Monday

Should Nebraska manage the Niobrara National Scenic River? Legislative resolution introduced to explore feasibility

Should Nebraska manage the Niobrara National Scenic River? Legislative resolution introduced to explore feasibility

A resolution introduced in the Nebraska legislature would explore the feasibility of the State of Nebraska assuming the administration of the Niobrara National Scenic River.

Wind farm opposition expected at upcoming Cherry County Commission meeting

Wind farm opposition expected at upcoming Cherry County Commission meeting

Opponents of a proposed wind farm near Kilgore plan to attend Tuesday’s Cherry County Board of Commissioners meeting, raising concerns over the project’s permit status and regulatory compliance.

Two in custody after man found dead in Pine Ridge Village

Two in custody after man found dead in Pine Ridge Village

A man and woman have been arrested after a man was found dead with stab wounds in Pine Ridge Village, according to the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety (OSTDPS).

Valentine bar’s upcoming event sparks concern among some residents

Valentine bar’s upcoming event sparks concern among some residents

The Skylite Bar plans to host Shades of HUNKS, a touring male revue show, on May 23.

Planning Valentine’s future: Redevelopment and new housing on the horizon

Planning Valentine’s future: Redevelopment and new housing on the horizon

A trailer park in Valentine will soon be redeveloped as part of a broader effort to meet the community’s growing housing needs.

Pioneer cemetery gets facelift from Valentine High Schoolers

Pioneer cemetery gets facelift from Valentine High Schoolers

A group of high school students in Valentine is bringing new life to an all-but-forgotten pioneer cemetery tucked on the west edge of town

Pine Ridge man sentenced to ten years for killing man in Wounded Knee

Pine Ridge man sentenced to ten years for killing man in Wounded Knee

A 29-year-old Pine Ridge man has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison for killing a man in Wounded Knee. Eugene Hunts Horse was convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter.

SD man among more than 200 arrested in nationwide FBI crackdown on child sex abuse

SD man among more than 200 arrested in nationwide FBI crackdown on child sex abuse

Brandon Rouillard, age 31, is accused of having sexual conversations with a local 14-year-old girl over Facebook.

Valentine real estate agent to join national lifestyle show

Valentine real estate agent to join national lifestyle show

A real estate agent from Valentine is about to make her national TV debut.

Authorities capture Nebraska fugitive after days-long manhunt

Authorities capture Nebraska fugitive after days-long manhunt

A manhunt in Nebraska and South Dakota is coming to an end.

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.

Pine Ridge man sentenced to 20 years for distributing meth

Pine Ridge man sentenced to 20 years for distributing meth

Phil Pond helped lead a conspiracy to distribute at least 500 grams of methamphetamine between 2022 and 2024.

Art gallery coming to downtown Valentine

Art gallery coming to downtown Valentine

Downtown Valentine will soon be home to a new art gallery. Artist Craig Beman and his wife Peggy have purchased the building at 411 North Main Street.

NWS: Two tornadoes touched down on Rosebud Reservation in April

NWS: Two tornadoes touched down on Rosebud Reservation in April

The National Weather Service (NWS) says survey and public reports found enough evidence of an additional tornado touchdown on the Rosebud Indian Reservation on April 28.

More than 300 to be honored at Chadron State College’s spring commencement

More than 300 to be honored at Chadron State College’s spring commencement

Chadron State College will honor 245 candidates for bachelor’s degrees and 65 candidates for master’s degrees Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Chicoine Center.

Eleven tornadoes confirmed in Nebraska Sandhills on one historic day

Eleven tornadoes confirmed in Nebraska Sandhills on one historic day

The National Weather Service has now confirmed that 11 tornadoes touched down in the Nebraska Sandhills on April 27.

Allen, SD woman sentenced for major meth distribution on the Pine Ridge Reservation, Rapid City

Allen, SD woman sentenced for major meth distribution on the Pine Ridge Reservation, Rapid City

A 50-year-old Allen, South Dakota woman has been sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for her role in a large-scale methamphetamine distribution ring operating on the Pine Ridge Reservation and in Rapid City.

Man sentenced for deadly beating over alcohol in Rushville

Man sentenced for deadly beating over alcohol in Rushville

A fight over a bottle of vodka at a Rushville motel turned deadly. Now, the man convicted in the case will spend decades behind bars.

Norfolk man wanted by authorities has long criminal history, currently facing charges

Norfolk man wanted by authorities has long criminal history, currently facing charges

Authorities are searching for a 35-year-old Norfolk man with a long criminal history after he allegedly led police on a high-speed chase late last week.

Police shoot at Norfolk man during chase in South Dakota, still on the run

Police shoot at Norfolk man during chase in South Dakota, still on the run

A Norfolk man is on the run from law enforcement after a Friday morning police chase.

Residents express gratitude for The Big Event

Residents express gratitude for The Big Event

More than 360 Chadron State College students and employees volunteered at 60 job sites April 26 during The Big Event (TBE), an annual day of service that includes painting fences, stairs, and buildings for Chadron residents and businesses.

Ashby tornado sets regional record for width

Ashby tornado sets regional record for width

The Sunday tornado near Ashby has set a record as the widest tornado ever surveyed in the North Platte National Weather Service (NWS) county warning area, according to preliminary information released by NWS.

Amid rodeo's rising popularity, one Nebraskan is riding toward the top of the sport

Amid rodeo's rising popularity, one Nebraskan is riding toward the top of the sport

As the lone Nebraskan to make it to the National Finals Rodeo in the last four years, Garrett Shadbolt of Merriman is single-handedly representing the state’s rodeo heritage.

NWS: EF1 tornado tore through St. Francis, injuring six

NWS: EF1 tornado tore through St. Francis, injuring six

A tornado that tore through St. Francis early Monday morning has been classified as an EF1, according to preliminary damage information released by the National Weather Service.

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.

Lightning sparks grass fire near Mullen

Lightning sparks grass fire near Mullen

Firefighters from several different departments battled a grass fire along Highway 2 west of Mullen on Wednesday.

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. 

Old Mill likely returning to Valentine

Old Mill likely returning to Valentine

A new business could soon open in the former Old Mill building in Valentine.

Fast-casual restaurant opening in Valentine

Fast-casual restaurant opening in Valentine

Fast-casual is one of the fastest-growing restaurant concepts in the industry. According to research from Technomic, fast-casual sales in 2023 grew by more than 11 percent, followed by fast-food at eight percent and family dining at six percent.