Local News 

Alliance native finds purpose, passion in music education
Alliance native finds purpose, passion in music education

Music has always been more than notes on a page to Olivia Valadez. Music has been a lifelong connection to family, a source of personal strength, and now, a path to a career for Valadez who is helping others find their own voice.

Valentine Police make arrests in stolen gun, assault cases

Valentine Police make arrests in stolen gun, assault cases

Valentine Police have arrested a 43-year-old Nebraska man in connection to a burglary and stolen firearms case reported earlier this month.

Brotherly bareback: Two Minden brothers both qualify for nationals in bareback riding

Brotherly bareback: Two Minden brothers both qualify for nationals in bareback riding

When Koltdyn Heath climbs into the chute, he knows one thing for sure—there’s no room for fear.

Coddiwomplers explore Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

Coddiwomplers explore Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

A group of Chadron State College students recently returned from an immersive adventure through Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, organized by the Coddiwomplers travel club.

Hotels full, restaurants busy: HS rodeo finals brings surge to Valentine economy

Hotels full, restaurants busy: HS rodeo finals brings surge to Valentine economy

As hundreds of rodeo fans pour into the Sandhills this week for the Nebraska High School Rodeo Finals, the town of Valentine is seeing more than thrilling competition—it's seeing an economic boost.

A nationwide protest will come to 12 Nebraska communities on Saturday

A nationwide protest will come to 12 Nebraska communities on Saturday

Saturday is an event filled day for the United States with protests, birthdays, anniversaries, and more.

How one cowgirl honors her mom’s legacy at the Nebraska HS Rodeo Finals

How one cowgirl honors her mom’s legacy at the Nebraska HS Rodeo Finals

The bond between a cowgirl and her horse is often hard to put into words. For Reagan Stracke of Stuart, Nebraska, that bond is deeply personal — and rooted in loss, love, and legacy.

Valentine After School Club to shut down for 2025-26 school year

Valentine After School Club to shut down for 2025-26 school year

Parents in the Valentine area will have one less place to take their kids after school in the 2025-26 school year.

Rodeo royalty: Queen competition kicks off Nebraska High School Rodeo Finals

Rodeo royalty: Queen competition kicks off Nebraska High School Rodeo Finals

Cowboy hats, Cinch jeans and confidence took center stage Wednesday as the Nebraska High School Rodeo Finals kicked off with a different kind of competition—one that crowns rodeo royalty.

Grocery store round-up program helps award eight additional scholarships in Cherry County

Grocery store round-up program helps award eight additional scholarships in Cherry County

A simple act of generosity at the checkout line is making a big difference for students in Cherry County.

Rapid City man sentenced for killing man on Pine Ridge Reservation

Rapid City man sentenced for killing man on Pine Ridge Reservation

A 32-year-old Rapid City man has been sentenced to just over ten years in federal prison after killing a man on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

Watch Cherry County Commission meetings from home as commissioners vote to video meetings

Watch Cherry County Commission meetings from home as commissioners vote to video meetings

You’ll soon be able to watch Cherry County Board of Commissioners meetings from the comfort of your home.

From Mexican cartel to South Dakota: Rapid City man sentenced for leading meth conspiracy

From Mexican cartel to South Dakota: Rapid City man sentenced for leading meth conspiracy

A Rapid City man was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for leading a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking operation connected to a Mexican drug cartel

News Channel Nebraska to televise the Nebraska high school rodeo state finals

News Channel Nebraska to televise the Nebraska high school rodeo state finals

VALENTINE, Neb. — News Channel Nebraska will showcase the state's top cowboys and cowgirls on the biggest stage.

NCN is televising the Nebraska High School Rodeo Association (NeHSRA) state finals live from Valentine on Saturday, June 14.

Valentine Police investigating burglary involving stolen firearms

Valentine Police investigating burglary involving stolen firearms

Authorities in Valentine are asking for the public’s help in solving a recent burglary that involved stolen firearms.

Hollywood meets the heartland: Gordon professional bull rider lands stunt role in new movie

Hollywood meets the heartland: Gordon professional bull rider lands stunt role in new movie

A real-life stuntman returned to his roots at the Gordon Theater for a special screening of the film he helped bring to life.

Commissioners to consider 2026 Nebraska mountain lion season

Commissioners to consider 2026 Nebraska mountain lion season

Staff will recommend a mountain lion season in the Pine Ridge, Niobrara and Wildcat Hills units, with adjusted harvest limits compared to the 2025 season.

2025 Sertoma 8-man football All-Star Classic rosters announced

2025 Sertoma 8-man football All-Star Classic rosters announced

The rosters for the 48th annual Sertoma 8-man football All-Star Classic have been revealed. 

Valentine auction house building sells to growing construction company

Valentine auction house building sells to growing construction company

Many auctions in the Valentine area will soon be held at different locations. Connot Brothers Auction is selling its building at 329 E 1st St to a growing construction business in Valentine.

State patrol warns of counterfeit pills after recent overdoses in southwest Nebraska

State patrol warns of counterfeit pills after recent overdoses in southwest Nebraska

In the last three days, there have been two overdose cases in the area.

No pool? No problem. Springview launches new splash pad

No pool? No problem. Springview launches new splash pad

Located right in the middle of town, the splash pad is more than just a way to cool off. It’s a symbol of what a determined small town can achieve when it pulls together.

State auditor notes rise in local government illegal activity

State auditor notes rise in local government illegal activity

Nebraska’s Auditor says he’s seeing a rise in improper spending in local governments all over the state.

PETA shows up, locals show out: Record day for Valentine BBQ restaurant

PETA shows up, locals show out: Record day for Valentine BBQ restaurant

PETA’s “Hell on Wheels” truck is making its way through Nebraska this week, aiming to get people to reconsider what’s on their plate—especially when it comes to pork.

As Nebraska reports first measles case in eight years, state contends with increasing religious vaccine exemptions

As Nebraska reports first measles case in eight years, state contends with increasing religious vaccine exemptions

On May 27, Nebraska confirmed its first measles case since 2017.

Nebraska counties speak out after being accused of non-compliance with the Department of Homeland Security

Nebraska counties speak out after being accused of non-compliance with the Department of Homeland Security

Six Nebraska counties in the Sandhills are standing up for their people as they are accused of being non-compliant.

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.

PETA ‘Hell on Wheels’ truck coming to Valentine

PETA ‘Hell on Wheels’ truck coming to Valentine

PETA plans to park its mock pig transport truck outside of Bulldogger’s BBQ and other Valentine eateries that serve pork around noon on Sunday, June 1.

SD Attorney General Jackley announces DCI leading investigation into multiple inmate assaults at State Penitentiary

SD Attorney General Jackley announces DCI leading investigation into multiple inmate assaults at State Penitentiary

“Evidence suggests that the assaults are gang related, and they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. There are no injuries to prison staff," said Attorney General Jackley.

Measles case prompts updated vaccination guidelines in Sheridan and Dawes Counties

Measles case prompts updated vaccination guidelines in Sheridan and Dawes Counties

Because of the recent measles case in Sheridan County, the Department of Health and Human Services is updating vaccination recommendations for both Sheridan and Dawes counties.

Valentine realtor featured on national TV show joins Nebraska Realty

Valentine realtor featured on national TV show joins Nebraska Realty

A real estate agent in Valentine who will soon make her national TV debut has joined Nebraska Realty, the state’s largest independently owned real estate company.

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