Local News 

Russian-born artist leads still life workshop in Valentine
Russian-born artist leads still life workshop in Valentine

Professional artist and instructor Yelena Khanevskaya, who grew up in Russia and now lives in Scottsbluff, led a hands-on still life workshop last weekend hosted by the Sand Painters Art Club in Valentine.

‘We’re doing it for her’: Valentine golf team heads to State, playing in honor of teammate

‘We’re doing it for her’: Valentine golf team heads to State, playing in honor of teammate

The Valentine Lady Badgers are competing at the state golf tournament, but this year’s trip means far more than a shot at a title

What’s next for Valentine’s airport? Construction aims to attract more aircraft

What’s next for Valentine’s airport? Construction aims to attract more aircraft

Construction is wrapping up on a new apron at Miller Field, the paved area where aircraft are parked, loaded, unloaded, refueled, and maintained.

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.

Misunderstood and mislabeled: Uncovering myths of pioneer women’s "madness" on the Plains

Misunderstood and mislabeled: Uncovering myths of pioneer women’s "madness" on the Plains

Humanities Nebraska scholar Nancy Johnson recently brought her presentation, “Myths of Women’s Madness on the Plains,” to Valentine, sharing her research into how mental illness was viewed and treated during pioneer days.

Next step for possible wellness center in Valentine

Next step for possible wellness center in Valentine

A public hearing date has been set for an application seeking state funding for a proposed wellness center in Valentine.

Zoning permit fees may soon be increasing in Cherry County

Zoning permit fees may soon be increasing in Cherry County

Zoning fees could be increasing in Cherry County. On Tuesday, county commissioners discussed increasing the fees, which haven’t been adjusted in years.

Chadron State Scholastic Contest set for Oct. 15

Chadron State Scholastic Contest set for Oct. 15

Nearly 900 students from 32 high schools around the region will gather at Chadron State College on Wednesday, Oct. 15, for the annual Scholastic Contest, a tradition that recognizes the academic talents of high school students from around the area.

Planning for Cherry County’s future: Commissioners discuss comprehensive plan

Planning for Cherry County’s future: Commissioners discuss comprehensive plan

A key document that will help guide Cherry County’s future development, land use, and growth is nearing completion. On Tuesday morning, county commissioners spent several hours reviewing the proposed new Cherry County Comprehensive Plan.

A moose in Nebraska? Expert breaks down why it’s here, where it’s gone, and how often it happens

A moose in Nebraska? Expert breaks down why it’s here, where it’s gone, and how often it happens

“He’s covering a lot of ground over the course of less than two weeks,” said Luke Meduna, big game program manager with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Chadron State family day this weekend

Chadron State family day this weekend

Chadron State College’s annual Family Day Weekend returns on Friday, Oct. 10 and concludes Sunday, Oct. 12.

Man accused of pulling gun at Valentine bar faces multiple charges

Man accused of pulling gun at Valentine bar faces multiple charges

A 36-year-old homeless man is facing multiple felony charges after law enforcement say he threatened another man with a gun at a Valentine bar.

Senator Storer reflects on lessons learned from her late father

Senator Storer reflects on lessons learned from her late father

Senator Tanya Storer's dad passed away recently at the age of 86.

Medical Nutrition added to RHOP

Medical Nutrition added to RHOP

In early September, Medical Nutrition was added as the 12th option in Chadron State College’s Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP) partnership with the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC).

‘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.

Gordon man sentenced to prison on felony drug charge

Gordon man sentenced to prison on felony drug charge

A 51-year-old Gordon man has been sentenced to two to three years in prison for possessing drugs with the intent to distribute them.

Water shut-off planned for parts of Valentine Friday

Water shut-off planned for parts of Valentine Friday

Some Valentine residents will be without water for part of the day Friday as city crews work to repair a valve at Second and Wood streets.

Utecht family presented with Concordia Nebraska’s Family Heritage Award

Utecht family presented with Concordia Nebraska’s Family Heritage Award

Concordia University, Nebraska’s Family Heritage Award is given to a family that has had at least three generations attend Concordia Nebraska and that supports the university through contributions of time, talent and treasure.

Utah woman with history of assaulting law enforcement faces new charges after Ainsworth traffic stop

Utah woman with history of assaulting law enforcement faces new charges after Ainsworth traffic stop

A Utah woman with a history of assaulting law enforcement is facing new charges in Brown County after a bizarre traffic stop in Ainsworth.

Rosebud, Oglala Sioux Tribe presidents condemn Wounded Knee decision

Rosebud, Oglala Sioux Tribe presidents condemn Wounded Knee decision

Leaders of two South Dakota tribes are condemning the federal government’s decision to allow Medals of Honor awarded to soldiers who carried out the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre to remain in place.

Board to Consider Naming Kupper Chadron State President

Board to Consider Naming Kupper Chadron State President

The Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State Colleges announced Wednesday that it will consider removing the “interim” designation from Dr. Jodi Kupper’s title and formally appoint her as president of Chadron State College at a special meeting on Oct. 13.

Alligator, anyone? Food truck brings Cajun flavor to rural Nebraska

Alligator, anyone? Food truck brings Cajun flavor to rural Nebraska

Alligator on the menu? That’s not something you see every day in Nebraska, but one food truck is bringing a taste of the South to small towns across the state.

Water shut-off planned Wednesday for parts of Wood, Second streets in Valentine

Water shut-off planned Wednesday for parts of Wood, Second streets in Valentine

Some residents in Valentine will experience a temporary water disruption Wednesday afternoon while city crews make repairs.

Cherry County Hospital marks 50 years with celebration, giveaways

Cherry County Hospital marks 50 years with celebration, giveaways

Cherry County Hospital is marking 50 years at its Green Street location in Valentine with a celebration on Wednesday, Oct. 15.

Coffee with a conservation officer coming to Valentine

Coffee with a conservation officer coming to Valentine

Coffee with a Conservation Officer is set for Saturday, Oct. 4, from 8 to 10 a.m. at Tooth and Whisker Outdoors in Valentine.

Cherry County taps NIRMA to represent county in wind farm lawsuit

Cherry County taps NIRMA to represent county in wind farm lawsuit

Cherry County has hired the Nebraska Intergovernmental Risk Management Association (NIRMA) to help represent it in a lawsuit over a proposed wind farm near Kilgore

Brown, Rock counties awarded nearly $25 million for wildfire prevention

Brown, Rock counties awarded nearly $25 million for wildfire prevention

Brown and Rock counties in north-central Nebraska will receive nearly $25 million in federal grants aimed at preventing wildfires.

Chadron State College crowns homecoming royalty

Chadron State College crowns homecoming royalty

King, nominated by The Nest, was Cort Rummel of Gurley.

Chadron State College specialty license plate interest list is now open

Chadron State College specialty license plate interest list is now open

Chadron State College’s specialty license plate design featuring the iconic C-Hill location is in development.

Orange County, California man charged after high-speed chase in Sheridan County

Orange County, California man charged after high-speed chase in Sheridan County

A 19-year-old man from Orange, California is facing multiple charges after authorities say he led law enforcement on a high-speed chase through Sheridan County.

Big changes, news businesses coming to downtown Valentine

Big changes, news businesses coming to downtown Valentine

Downtown Valentine is buzzing with change as several vacant buildings find new life and new owners.

Fort Robinson makes way for new pool

Fort Robinson makes way for new pool

Contractors at Fort Robinson State Park near Crawford have started demolition of the swimming pool complex to make way for a new aquatic facility.

Search underway for new Niobrara National Scenic River superintendent

Search underway for new Niobrara National Scenic River superintendent

The National Park Service is searching for a new superintendent to lead the Niobrara National Scenic River in Valentine

Hundreds of Nebraska students compete in FFA State Range Judging near Springview

Hundreds of Nebraska students compete in FFA State Range Judging near Springview

Springview tripled its population Wednesday as around 500 students, plus staff and organizers, gathered for the FFA State Range Judging contest.

Rural Mainstreet Economy Falls into Negative Territory, Almost 75% of Bankers Report Negative Tariff Impacts

Rural Mainstreet Economy Falls into Negative Territory, Almost 75% of Bankers Report Negative Tariff Impacts

For the seventh time in 2025, the overall regional economic index sank below growth neutral.

Final phase begins on Valentine’s West 4th Street project, completion set for fall

Final phase begins on Valentine’s West 4th Street project, completion set for fall

A major road construction project along West 4th Street in Valentine is now in its final phase.

Kyle, South Dakota man sentenced to nearly 6 years for drug distribution conspiracy in Pine Ridge and Rapid City

Kyle, South Dakota man sentenced to nearly 6 years for drug distribution conspiracy in Pine Ridge and Rapid City

A 49-year-old Kyle man has been sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy in Pine Ridge and Rapid City.

Alliance man arrested on child sexual assault charges

Alliance man arrested on child sexual assault charges

An Alliance man has been arrested on multiple counts of child sexual assault after a joint investigation by Alliance Police and DHHS.

Pine Ridge woman sentenced to 19 years for leading role in meth distribution conspiracy

Pine Ridge woman sentenced to 19 years for leading role in meth distribution conspiracy

A 32-year-old Pine Ridge woman has been sentenced to 19 years in federal prison for her leading role in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy in Pine Ridge and Rapid City.

Panhandle horse tests positive for West Nile virus

Panhandle horse tests positive for West Nile virus

A horse in the Panhandle has tested positive for West Nile virus. Officials urge vaccination for horses and prevention steps for residents as mosquito activity continues.

From microfilm to modern: Valentine library brings 100 years of local newspapers online

From microfilm to modern: Valentine library brings 100 years of local newspapers online

For years, the only way to read old newspaper articles in Cherry County was by scrolling through rolls of microfilm. But that technology is fragile, and local librarians worried history was literally breaking apart.

‘Goosebumps and tears’ as Gordon dedicates veterans memorial

‘Goosebumps and tears’ as Gordon dedicates veterans memorial

A memorial along Highway 20 in Gordon is now honoring hundreds of Nebraska veterans.

American Farmers Network acquires Open Range Beef in Gordon

American Farmers Network acquires Open Range Beef in Gordon

The largest supplier of grass-fed and organic beef has acquired a beef processor in Gordon, Nebraska.

Legislative study hearing on state takeover of scenic Niobrara River canceled

Legislative study hearing on state takeover of scenic Niobrara River canceled

A Friday interim study hearing on whether the State of Nebraska should takeover management of the scenic Niobrara River from the National Park Service has been canceled.

North Platte woman charged in Cherry County for assaults on law enforcement, others

North Platte woman charged in Cherry County for assaults on law enforcement, others

A 38-year-old North Platte woman is facing multiple charges after allegedly assaulting people near Penbrook Landing on the Niobrara River, then attacking officers during the booking process at the Cherry County Jail.

St. Francis man sentenced to seven years for resisting and impeding federal officers and possessing meth bound for distribution

St. Francis man sentenced to seven years for resisting and impeding federal officers and possessing meth bound for distribution

A 30-year-old St. Francis man has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to assaulting, resisting and impeding federal officers and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Alliance murder suspect to appear in Sheridan County Court

Alliance murder suspect to appear in Sheridan County Court

A 26-year-old Alliance woman accused of killing a man and dumping his remains in rural Box Butte County is set to appear in Sheridan County Court on Thursday.

Valentine’s often overlooked Black history: The Buffalo Soldiers

Valentine’s often overlooked Black history: The Buffalo Soldiers

When many people picture the history of rural Nebraska, they imagine Native Americans and white settlers carving out a life on the Plains. But Black Americans also played a vital role—especially the Buffalo Soldiers, who helped protect early communities.

Mullen science teacher named Nebraska Teacher of the Year

Mullen science teacher named Nebraska Teacher of the Year

Sarah Hardin, a high school science teacher at Mullen Public Schools, was named the 2026 Nebraska Teacher of the Year during a surprise award presentation Monday.

State Patrol certain they've identified homicide victim as missing Alliance man

State Patrol certain they've identified homicide victim as missing Alliance man

The Nebraska State Patrol has identified the victim in the Box Butte County homicide as 32-year-old Ebram Sifuentes of Alliance.

Photography exhibit chronicles early 1900s in western Nebraska

Photography exhibit chronicles early 1900s in western Nebraska

Historic black-and-white photographs by Mabel Graham McIntosh Souther are on display at the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center through the fall 2025 semester.

Want your teen to open up? Expert shares surprising advice in Valentine

Want your teen to open up? Expert shares surprising advice in Valentine

As the youth mental health crisis continues nationwide, research shows the parent-teen relationship is one of the strongest protective factors.

Alliance police arrest three juveniles in burglary case

Alliance police arrest three juveniles in burglary case

Alliance police arrested three juveniles after a burglary in progress was reported Sunday on Yellowstone Avenue. One was taken to a juvenile detention center, while two were released to guardians.

CSC students’ prints included in publication

CSC students’ prints included in publication

Prints by nine Chadron State College students, designed during a Spring 2025 course with Art Professor Laura Bentz, were published in August in Volume 4 of the Honeycomb Project.

Names released of Ainsworth, Long Pine men killed in UTV crash

Names released of Ainsworth, Long Pine men killed in UTV crash

Curtis Shawn Malone, 60, of Long Pine, and Shawn Lee Malone, 41, of Ainsworth, were killed in the crash on Sept. 1.

Valentine City Council lowers property tax request and levy

Valentine City Council lowers property tax request and levy

The Valentine City Council voted Thursday night to lower the city’s property tax request from $430,000 to $399,000, reducing the levy to 15 cents.

What's in your water? Pivots may lose life span if heavy metals corrode, clog them

What's in your water? Pivots may lose life span if heavy metals corrode, clog them

Take a closer look at pivots and irrigation pipe the next time driving through farmland. The difference in colors of the equipment within a few miles of one another may be surprising.

Too many stray cats in Valentine? Here’s what new group hopes to do

Too many stray cats in Valentine? Here’s what new group hopes to do

With the number of feral cats in Valentine continuing to grow, a group of local residents has launched the Valentine Cat Rescue.

How to better connect with your teen: National expert coming to Valentine

How to better connect with your teen: National expert coming to Valentine

As the youth mental health crisis continues nationwide, research shows a troubling gap between what teens feel and what parents believe.

What's in your water? Heavy metals were found on scale in areas of central Nebraska

What's in your water? Heavy metals were found on scale in areas of central Nebraska

Discolored water can be a sign of contaminants, and until it's tested, there's no way of knowing for sure how it may affect the health of you, your family, pets, or livestock.

$20,000 raffle to kick off Cherry County Convention Center fundraising

$20,000 raffle to kick off Cherry County Convention Center fundraising

The Cherry County Tourism Board is launching its first fundraiser for a long-planned convention center in Valentine, offering a raffle with a top prize of $20,000.

Chadron State College announces Homecoming schedule

Chadron State College announces Homecoming schedule

Chadron State College will celebrate Homecoming Sept. 20-27 with a variety of events centered around the theme Once Upon a Homecoming.

Pine Ridge woman sentenced to 2 years for role in meth conspiracy

Pine Ridge woman sentenced to 2 years for role in meth conspiracy

A Pine Ridge woman has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for her role in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

BSH Kilgore sues Cherry County over wind farm permit dispute

BSH Kilgore sues Cherry County over wind farm permit dispute

A proposed wind farm near Kilgore has landed back in court after its developer, BSH Kilgore, filed a lawsuit against Cherry County.

What's in your water? Quality can be a concern for some

What's in your water? Quality can be a concern for some

Water concerns in central Nebraska were brought to the attention of NCN, and we started exploring the quality across the state.