Local News 

Fundraising campaign launched to build Cherry County Convention Center
Fundraising campaign launched to build Cherry County Convention Center

A new effort is underway to bring a convention center to Cherry County, with Cherry County Tourism launching an approximately $4 million fundraising campaign to make it happen.

Traffic stop leads to two drug arrests in Alliance

Traffic stop leads to two drug arrests in Alliance

A traffic stop led to the discovery of 36 grams of meth and two arrests Monday afternoon, according to Alliance Police.

Valentine Police seek information on apartment burglary

Valentine Police seek information on apartment burglary

The Valentine Police Department is encouraging anyone with information related to an apartment burglary on March 20 to contact the department.

Local health department raises concerns over potential funding cuts

Local health department raises concerns over potential funding cuts

“These cuts will directly impact essential public health services we provide throughout the district which may weaken our ability to respond to public health needs,” NCDHD stated in a Facebook post.

Dads Lake fire south of Valentine burns approximately 23,000 acres

Dads Lake fire south of Valentine burns approximately 23,000 acres

A fire that ignited Friday near Dads Lake, south of Valentine, has burned an estimated 23,000 acres, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Two juveniles arrested after Pine Ridge shootings

Two juveniles arrested after Pine Ridge shootings

Two juveniles have been arrested following reports of gunfire in the lower trailer courts in Pine Ridge on Saturday, March 29.

Deadly pedestrian-vehicle crash in Oglala

Deadly pedestrian-vehicle crash in Oglala

Authorities are investigating a deadly pedestrian-vehicle crash that happened Saturday night in Oglala.

Conner Halverson returns to home state with strong showing at PBR Lincoln

Conner Halverson returns to home state with strong showing at PBR Lincoln

Conner Halverson, a native of Gordon, returned to his home state for the second time in his career

Cause of fire at Valentine National Wildlife Refuge under investigation

Cause of fire at Valentine National Wildlife Refuge under investigation

The fire, reported shortly after noon near Dads Lake south of Valentine, drew a large emergency response.

Authorities expand multi-state search for fugitive Harley Salway III

Authorities expand multi-state search for fugitive Harley Salway III

Law enforcement agencies expanded the search for Harley Salway III beyond western Nebraska as they continue efforts to locate the fugitive, the Box Butte County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday.

Gordon city council votes to begin contract negotiations with new city manager

Gordon city council votes to begin contract negotiations with new city manager

A familiar face in Gordon may soon step into the role of city manager. On Thursday night, the city council voted to begin contract negotiations with Scott Fleming.

Hay Springs juvenile death appears to be accidental shooting, according to SD AG Office

Hay Springs juvenile death appears to be accidental shooting, according to SD AG Office

The death of a Hay Springs juvenile appears to be the result of an accidental shooting, according to the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office.

Senator Storer introduces amendment to controversial brand bill

Senator Storer introduces amendment to controversial brand bill

As Nebraska lawmakers prepare to debate a contentious bill that would exempt feedlots from brand inspections, Senator Tanya Storer has introduced an amendment.

Oglala woman sentenced to nearly six years for stabbing death of partner

Oglala woman sentenced to nearly six years for stabbing death of partner

A 26-year-old Oglala woman has been sentenced to five years and ten months in federal prison for the voluntary manslaughter of her partner.

Cherry County hog confinement case heard in court, written briefs up next

Cherry County hog confinement case heard in court, written briefs up next

A district judge will decide the fate of a proposed hog confinement in the Nebraska Sandhills in the coming months.

Firefighters battling fire north of Rushville

Firefighters battling fire north of Rushville

Rushville and Gordon firefighters are battling a grass and timber fire around 12 miles north of Rushville.

73 years later: New book revisits triple homicide that shook Nebraska’s Sandhills

73 years later: New book revisits triple homicide that shook Nebraska’s Sandhills

Seventy-three years ago this week, a brutal triple homicide shattered the peace of the Nebraska Sandhills.

Nebraskans urged to update measles vaccine as cases surge nationwide

Nebraskans urged to update measles vaccine as cases surge nationwide

Local health professionals are urging Nebraskans to check and update their vaccination status with measles cases on the rise nationally.

Cherry County commissioners don’t approve Ag Society funding request

Cherry County commissioners don’t approve Ag Society funding request

The Cherry County Board of Commissioners didn’t approve a $20,000 funding request from the Cherry County Ag Society, citing concerns over transparency.

Chadron State fined by conference over racially insensitive comments

Chadron State fined by conference over racially insensitive comments

It stems from a softball game against New Mexico Highlands last month, where attendees said on social media that Chadron State fans chanted racially-insensitive comments toward New Mexico Highlands players.

Sustainable Beef plant opens in North Platte, aiming to boost local economy and revolutionize beef industry

Sustainable Beef plant opens in North Platte, aiming to boost local economy and revolutionize beef industry

A new cattle processing facility in North Platte is set to create a sustainable local supply chain that will bring in an estimated one billion dollars annually once it is fully-operational.  

Missing Alliance woman found safe, police say

Missing Alliance woman found safe, police say

A woman reported missing in Alliance late last week has been found safe, according to the Alliance Police Department.

Valentine’s movie theater awarded $100,000 grant

Valentine’s movie theater awarded $100,000 grant

With funding in place, the nonprofit was able to purchase the old Jewel Theater and begin demolition.

Ebert named VPEM at Chadron State College

Ebert named VPEM at Chadron State College

Dr. Derry Ebert, a veteran administrator with more than 30 years of experience in higher education, has been named Chadron State College’s Vice President for Enrollment Management.

Local students compete in annual History Day

Local students compete in annual History Day

Chadron State College successfully hosted the annual Western District History Day March 14.

Valentine saddling up to host state’s high school rodeo finals

Valentine saddling up to host state’s high school rodeo finals

After more than two decades, the Nebraska High School Rodeo Finals are making a return to Valentine.

Small fire quickly contained at Valentine Berean Bible Church

Small fire quickly contained at Valentine Berean Bible Church

Firefighters quickly extinguished a fire at Valentine Berean Bible Church on Thursday morning.

Ainsworth-area linemen help restore power in eastern Nebraska

Ainsworth-area linemen help restore power in eastern Nebraska

Linemen from KBR Rural Public Power District in Ainsworth are on the ground in eastern Nebraska, helping restore power after a recent blizzard left thousands in the dark.

Kyle man sentenced for role in large-scale meth distribution

Kyle man sentenced for role in large-scale meth distribution

A 51-year-old Kyle man has been sentenced to six years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine on the Pine Ridge Reservation and in Rapid City.

Sandhills selected for proposed federal power line, public comment period extended

Sandhills selected for proposed federal power line, public comment period extended

The proposed route includes areas such as Valentine, Ainsworth, the Pine Ridge Reservation, and the Rosebud Indian Reservation.

E-scooter popularity skyrockets - So do ER visits

E-scooter popularity skyrockets - So do ER visits

As electric scooters become more popular across the U.S., injuries are rising at an alarming rate.

Trial planned in Cherry County hog confinement case

Trial planned in Cherry County hog confinement case

A proposed hog confinement is at the center of an upcoming bench trial in Valentine.

CSC’s Chayton Bynes is All-American triple jumper

CSC’s Chayton Bynes is All-American triple jumper

Chadron State College sophomore Chayton Bynes became an All-American by placing fifth in the triple jump at the NCAA Division II National Indoor Track and Field Championships in Indianapolis Saturday afternoon.

Rapid City firefighters help remove mountain lion from tree

Rapid City firefighters help remove mountain lion from tree

Rapid City firefighters helped Game Fish and Parks remove a young mountain lion from a tree, according to a Facebook post by Rapid City, SD Professional Firefighters.

Daylight saving time bills, property rights and social media regulations highlight Senator Tanya Storer’s weekly update

Daylight saving time bills, property rights and social media regulations highlight Senator Tanya Storer’s weekly update

In the Judiciary Committee, a bill to lower the minimum age for charging juveniles as adults for serious felonies from 14 to 12 generated a lot of interest.

Merritt Reservoir’s Powder Horn Boat Ramp closed due to winter damage

Merritt Reservoir’s Powder Horn Boat Ramp closed due to winter damage

The Powder Horn Area boat ramp at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area is closed until further notice after sustaining damage over the winter, according to Nebraska Game and Parks.

Crookston woman charged with manslaughter after foster child’s death

Crookston woman charged with manslaughter after foster child’s death

A Crookston woman is facing multiple felony charges following the death of her 10-month-old foster child.

Valentine woman sentenced in meth conspiracy and gun case

Valentine woman sentenced in meth conspiracy and gun case

A 44-year-old Valentine woman has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for her role in a methamphetamine conspiracy.

Fire weather watch issued Sunday across Nebraska Panhandle and Sandhills

Fire weather watch issued Sunday across Nebraska Panhandle and Sandhills

A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for Sunday afternoon and evening across the Nebraska Panhandle, Sandhills and portions of western and north-central Nebraska.

Nebraska Department of Economic Development announces Rural Workforce Housing Fund recipients

Nebraska Department of Economic Development announces Rural Workforce Housing Fund recipients

12 Nebraska economic organizations are recipients of a total of $12,540,000 in funds from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.

Low property taxes, strong sales tax revenues highlighted in Valentine audit

Low property taxes, strong sales tax revenues highlighted in Valentine audit

The City of Valentine’s high sales tax revenues and low property taxes were highlighted during the City’s audit report.

Smith Falls State Park reopens after ice jam

Smith Falls State Park reopens after ice jam

Smith Falls State Park is once again open to visitors after an ice jam forced its closure in February.

DOGE impacts on Nebraska Department of Education, other agencies

DOGE impacts on Nebraska Department of Education, other agencies

News Channel Nebraska reached out to the Nebraska Department of Education to see if it has been affected by cuts from the Department of Government Efficiency.

Valentine School Board approves staff hire, two resignations

Valentine School Board approves staff hire, two resignations

Valentine Community Schools will soon have a new art teacher.

Gordon American Legion burglarized; police investigating

Gordon American Legion burglarized; police investigating

The Gordon Police Department is investigating a burglary at the American Legion early Tuesday morning.

Cherry County commissioners vote to appoint noxious weed superintendent

Cherry County commissioners vote to appoint noxious weed superintendent

The Cherry County Board of Commissioners has voted to offer the position of noxious weed superintendent to Patrick Hooper, a Merriman resident.

Gordon woman sentenced to 90 days in jail, restitution for stealing from housing authority and baseball program

Gordon woman sentenced to 90 days in jail, restitution for stealing from housing authority and baseball program

A Gordon woman who stole from both the Rushville Housing Authority and the Sheridan County American Legion baseball program has been sentenced to 90 days in jail and three years of probation.

One injured in vehicle-pedestrian crash near Valentine

One injured in vehicle-pedestrian crash near Valentine

One person was seriously injured after a vehicle-pedestrian crash west of Valentine Saturday evening.

Judge highlights Mexican cartel ties in sentencing of Pine Ridge woman for meth distribution

Judge highlights Mexican cartel ties in sentencing of Pine Ridge woman for meth distribution

A 29-year-old Pine Ridge woman has been sentenced to 12 years and seven months in federal prison for distributing significant amounts of methamphetamine in Pine Ridge and Rapid City, South Dakota.

Cherry County couple honored with statewide EMS award

Cherry County couple honored with statewide EMS award

A Cherry County husband and wife have been awarded EMS of the Year from the Nebraska Emergency Medical Services Association.

Gordon man sentenced to 25-30 years for distributing and possessing child porn

Gordon man sentenced to 25-30 years for distributing and possessing child porn

A 60-year-old Gordon man who possessed and distributed child pornography has been sentenced to a minimum of 25 years in prison with a maximum of 30 years.

Mexican national sentenced to over 22 years for large-scale meth distribution in South Dakota

Mexican national sentenced to over 22 years for large-scale meth distribution in South Dakota

A 42-year-old Mexican national has been sentenced to more than 22 years in federal prison for his role in a large-scale methamphetamine distribution operation in South Dakota.

Chadron State College announces students accepted into RHOP

Chadron State College announces students accepted into RHOP

Chadron State College has announced students accepted into the Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP) pathway for Fall 2025.

Tracking Nebraska’s elk: Scientists study growing population

Tracking Nebraska’s elk: Scientists study growing population

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has partnered with University of Nebraska–Lincoln scientist John Benson to conduct the first statewide elk study.

Patterson named President of Murray State University

Patterson named President of Murray State University

Dr. Ron K. Patterson has announced his intent to resign as Chadron State College’s President to become the next President of Murray State University. Murray State University’s Board of Regents made the announcement during a public meeting Monday.

Traffic stop in Mission leads to guns and drug seizure

Traffic stop in Mission leads to guns and drug seizure

Two men and one woman have been arrested after Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services says they found drugs, cash and guns in their vehicle.

St. Francis men sentenced for burglarizing, burning home

St. Francis men sentenced for burglarizing, burning home

Two men from St. Francis, South Dakota, have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in the burglary and arson of a home on the Rosebud Indian Reservation.

Man arrested for assaulting peace officer at Cherry County Hospital parking lot

Man arrested for assaulting peace officer at Cherry County Hospital parking lot

A 36-year-old Nebraska man has been arrested for assaulting a peace officer and resisting arrest.

Denver homicide suspect captured near Gothenburg; passenger found dead

Denver homicide suspect captured near Gothenburg; passenger found dead

A Denver homicide suspect who was considered armed and dangerous was located near Gothenburg on Sunday, while the passenger of the vehicle was found dead, according to the Nebraska State Patrol.

Red flag warning issued for Nebraska Panhandle due to high fire danger

Red flag warning issued for Nebraska Panhandle due to high fire danger

Fire danger is set to return Monday across Nebraska, with Red Flag Warnings issued for large portions of the state.

South Dakota law raises questions about future of massive Midwest pipeline

South Dakota law raises questions about future of massive Midwest pipeline

A new law in South Dakota prohibiting the use of eminent domain to acquire land for carbon capture pipelines challenges the viability of a proposed project snaking through five Midwest states.

AASCU President to deliver CSC’s spring commencement address

AASCU President to deliver CSC’s spring commencement address

Dr. Charles L. Welch, CEO and President of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), will speak at Chadron State College's Spring Commencement Saturday, May 10.

Colorado woman sentenced for conspiring to distribute large amounts of meth on South Dakota reservations, Pierre and Rapid City

Colorado woman sentenced for conspiring to distribute large amounts of meth on South Dakota reservations, Pierre and Rapid City

A Colorado woman has been sentenced for conspiring to distribute large amounts of methamphetamine in western and central South Dakota, including the Pine Ridge, Cheyenne River, and Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservations, as well as in Rapid City and Pierre.

Winter storm warnings expanded as snow intensifies across Nebraska Panhandle

Winter storm warnings expanded as snow intensifies across Nebraska Panhandle

A winter storm sweeping across the Nebraska Panhandle and southeastern Wyoming is expected to continue through Friday, with some areas forecasted to receive near a foot of snow.

New CDL simulator helps address Nebraska’s truck driver shortage

New CDL simulator helps address Nebraska’s truck driver shortage

With the trucking industry employing one in 12 Nebraskans, it ranks as the third-largest industry in the state.