Local News 

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.

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.

Porcupine man sentenced to 12 years for shooting death of pregnant girlfriend

Porcupine man sentenced to 12 years for shooting death of pregnant girlfriend

A 20-year-old Porcupine, South Dakota man has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for the shooting death of his pregnant girlfriend.

Lightning sparks fire at McKelvie National Forest

Lightning sparks fire at McKelvie National Forest

The Civil Air Patrol is monitoring for hot spots after lightning sparked a fire at Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest earlier this week.

Massive tornado destroys Ashby home, flattens buildings, kills livestock

Massive tornado destroys Ashby home, flattens buildings, kills livestock

An exceptionally wide tornado tore through Nebraska’s Sandhills Sunday night, leaving behind a trail of destruction.

Severe storms bring tornadoes, train derailment to Nebraska panhandle

Severe storms bring tornadoes, train derailment to Nebraska panhandle

Multiple tornadoes, a train derailment and large hail were reported Sunday across the Nebraska Panhandle.

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.

Plum Creek fire closer to fully contained

Plum Creek fire closer to fully contained

Fire officials estimated they had the wildfire at about 70% containment

Gordon teen sentenced for murdering newborn son

Gordon teen sentenced for murdering newborn son

An 18-year-old from Gordon has been sentenced to decades in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in the death of her newborn son.

Digital mapping flight offers more precise estimate of Johnstown fire size

Digital mapping flight offers more precise estimate of Johnstown fire size

A flight equipped with digital mapping technology has provided a more accurate estimate of the wildfire burning near Johnstown, according to Erv Portis with the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency.

NE Game and Parks releases statement, says one of several agencies involved in helping prescribed burn on private land

NE Game and Parks releases statement, says one of several agencies involved in helping prescribed burn on private land

The Nebraska Game and Parks says it wasn’t the sole agency involved in a prescribed burn near Johnstown that broke containment on Monday.

Blackhawks, planes, dozens of departments unite against large canyon fire near Johnstown

Blackhawks, planes, dozens of departments unite against large canyon fire near Johnstown

State and federal crews have joined local responders in battling a fast-moving wildfire that has scorched more than 24,000 acres in north-central Nebraska near the small village of Johnstown.

Plane, several fire departments battle Johnstown area fire

Plane, several fire departments battle Johnstown area fire

Firefighters continue to battle a canyon fire northwest of Johnstown that began as a prescribed burn.

Legendary Nebraska broadcaster Jim Lambley dies, funeral set for Wednesday

Legendary Nebraska broadcaster Jim Lambley dies, funeral set for Wednesday

The funeral service for Jim Lambley, 74, of Gordon will be held Wednesday, April 23 at 10:00 a.m. at the Gordon City Auditorium.

Prescribed burn breaks containment near Johnstown, burns 12,000-14,000 acres

Prescribed burn breaks containment near Johnstown, burns 12,000-14,000 acres

Firefighters continue to battle a wildfire northwest of Johnstown that began as a prescribed burn on private land carried out with help from several agencies, including Nebraska Game and Parks Commission staff, volunteer fire departments, and others.

Assault in Valentine prompts emergency response

Assault in Valentine prompts emergency response

An ambulance was called for an assault Monday night in Valentine, according to Valentine Police Chief Jamon Slama.

Lightning sparks grass fire near Norden

Lightning sparks grass fire near Norden

A lightning strike sparked a grass fire Monday afternoon northwest of Norden, burning an estimated 110 acres, according to Springview Fire Chief Scott Hallock.

Niobrara National Scenic River receives recent national attention for Quiet Trail designation

Niobrara National Scenic River receives recent national attention for Quiet Trail designation

The Niobrara National Scenic River is once again making waves—this time for its rare and peaceful distinction.

U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts to hold town hall in Valentine this week

U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts to hold town hall in Valentine this week

U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) is hosting three public town hall meetings this week, including a stop in Valentine.

Bill requiring burial or cremation of elective abortion remains among topics in Sen. Storer’s weekly update

Bill requiring burial or cremation of elective abortion remains among topics in Sen. Storer’s weekly update

LB632, a bill requiring the burial or cremation of remains from elective abortions, was advanced after two days of debate.

Colorado woman sentenced to 11 years for trafficking meth on the Rosebud Reservation

Colorado woman sentenced to 11 years for trafficking meth on the Rosebud Reservation

Between 2015 and 2020, Patricia Rae Pacheco—also known as Patty Pacheco—worked with several others to traffic meth from Colorado to South Dakota.

Kyle man sentenced to less than three years in prison for causing a death on the Pine Ridge Reservation

Kyle man sentenced to less than three years in prison for causing a death on the Pine Ridge Reservation

A 29-year-old man from Kyle has been sentenced to two years and nine months in federal prison following a deadly shooting on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

Sharp shooter from Elm Creek takes family to new experience

Sharp shooter from Elm Creek takes family to new experience

An 11-year-old from Elm Creek qualified for the Elks Hoop Shoot National Tournament, and now he's taking his family on a whole new experience.

Person cited after driving around Valentine golf course

Person cited after driving around Valentine golf course

A driver has been cited after police say a vehicle was seen driving around Frederick Peak Golf Course two days in a row.

New bridge near Valentine tentatively opening next week

New bridge near Valentine tentatively opening next week

After months of construction, a new Highway 12 bridge over the Minnechaduza Creek is tentatively set to open next week.

National Park Service to remain in Valentine office, staffing unchanged

National Park Service to remain in Valentine office, staffing unchanged

Despite a previous listing on the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) website suggesting a lease cancellation, the National Park Service (NPS) will remain in its Valentine office through at least its lease expiration of Sept. 2026.

Hershey native qualifies for FBLA-Collegiate National Conference

Hershey native qualifies for FBLA-Collegiate National Conference

Chadron State College student Mekenna Fisher of Hershey, Nebraska, earned second place in both the Impromptu Speaking and Job Interview contests at the FBLA-Collegiate State Leadership Conference on March 28-29 in Kearney, Nebraska.

Sixteen arrested for alleged involvement in Pine Ridge Reservation drug trafficking

Sixteen arrested for alleged involvement in Pine Ridge Reservation drug trafficking

A multiagency law enforcement operation has resulted in 16 federal arrests in Rapid City, South Dakota and within the Pine Ridge Reservation.

‘Our kids are very vulnerable’: Sounding the alarm on human trafficking in Nebraska

‘Our kids are very vulnerable’: Sounding the alarm on human trafficking in Nebraska

In Nebraska, the crime has touched communities of all sizes—from cities like Omaha to towns as small as Mullen.

Death of Rosebud Sioux Tribe Vice President’s daughter prompts administrative leave

Death of Rosebud Sioux Tribe Vice President’s daughter prompts administrative leave

The Rosebud Sioux Tribe announced administrative leave for all tribal employees on Tuesday following the death of Tribe Vice President Lisa White Pipe’s daughter, Tehjalyn White Pipe.

Cherry County Ag Society votes on shower station for HS Rodeo Finals, audit, board resignation

Cherry County Ag Society votes on shower station for HS Rodeo Finals, audit, board resignation

During an hours-long meeting Monday night, the Cherry County Ag Society made several decisions, including preparations for the upcoming Nebraska High School Rodeo Finals in June.

Cub Creek near Springview could see improvements

Cub Creek near Springview could see improvements

The Middle Niobrara Natural Resources District board has voted to send a letter of intent supporting potential upgrades to the Cub Creek recreation area west of Springview.

Middle Niobrara NRD seeking bids for proposed multi-million dollar remodel

Middle Niobrara NRD seeking bids for proposed multi-million dollar remodel

The Middle Niobrara Natural Resources District board narrowly voted 4-3 to move forward with soliciting bids for a proposed remodel of its Valentine office.

Ainsworth NRCS field office without permanent federal staff

Ainsworth NRCS field office without permanent federal staff

The Ainsworth field office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is currently operating without any permanent federal employees, following federal-level cuts and policies.

Pine Ridge man found guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon

Pine Ridge man found guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon

A 31-year-old Pine Ridge man has been found guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon following a two-day jury trial in federal court in Rapid City.

Five juveniles arrested near Gothenburg after reported missing from juvenile facility

Five juveniles arrested near Gothenburg after reported missing from juvenile facility

Five juveniles who were reported missing from a juvenile facility in Wyoming were arrested early Sunday morning after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase through central Nebraska, according to the Nebraska State Patrol.

Taser used in Valentine trespassing case

Taser used in Valentine trespassing case

A 29-year-old Valentine man is facing charges after authorities say he attempted to break into an apartment, threatened a woman inside, and refused to comply with law enforcement commands.

Teen killed, another suffers life-threatening injuries in Gregory County crash

Teen killed, another suffers life-threatening injuries in Gregory County crash

A 15-year-old girl was killed and another suffered life-threatening injuries in a single-vehicle crash west of Gregory on Sunday morning.

Children of Abbott Ranch majority shareholder issue statement amid sale of historic property

Children of Abbott Ranch majority shareholder issue statement amid sale of historic property

The Metzger Ranch — also known as the Abbott Ranch — spans 55,136 acres in the heart of the Sandhills in Cherry County and is listed for $50 million

Gordon hires new city manager

Gordon hires new city manager

The City of Gordon has officially named Scott Fleming as its new city manager.

Valentine City Council commits $38,000 to Open Plains Transit over two years

Valentine City Council commits $38,000 to Open Plains Transit over two years

The Valentine City Council has approved $38,000 in funding over the next two years to the public transit service Open Plains Transit.

Fireworks now illegal in Valentine, aside from certain holidays or with a permit

Fireworks now illegal in Valentine, aside from certain holidays or with a permit

Valentine residents will no longer be allowed to light fireworks year-round without a permit, following a city council vote Thursday night.

Dancing into the record books: Valentine dance team captures school’s first state title

Dancing into the record books: Valentine dance team captures school’s first state title

A group of seven students in Valentine just danced their way into their school history books.

‘Big shoes to fill’: Valentine School Board accepts resignation of longtime employee

‘Big shoes to fill’: Valentine School Board accepts resignation of longtime employee

“Usually we don’t vote on non-certified staff resignations, but we want to honor everything she’s done,” said Superintendent Mike Halley, referring to longtime employee Kim Jeffers.

Cherry County Hospital filling leadership positions, presents budget

Cherry County Hospital filling leadership positions, presents budget

The hospital administration has also interviewed three general surgeon candidates with one starting part-time in May.