Local News 

President Biden signs bill naming U.S. Highway 20 nationwide the Medal of Honor Highway
President Biden signs bill naming U.S. Highway 20 nationwide the Medal of Honor Highway

President Biden signed the bipartisan National Medal of Honor Highway bill, giving the designation to the country’s longest continuous highway.

Peanut brittle battle: Stirring up traditions, memories & joy in Valentine

Peanut brittle battle: Stirring up traditions, memories & joy in Valentine

As we grow older, the holidays can take on a different meaning—especially for those who’ve had to leave the comfort of their homes and move into assisted living or nursing care.

Commencement speaker shares stories, encourages graduates to share theirs

Commencement speaker shares stories, encourages graduates to share theirs

Nearly 160 Chadron State College graduates were recognized Friday during Winter Commencement in the Chicoine Center.

Meet Valentine's new police chief

Meet Valentine's new police chief

News Channel Nebraska sat down with Valentine’s new police chief to talk about his vision for the department and the ongoing challenges of recruiting officers.

Potentially dangerous materials in Gordon collection truck prompt closure of Chadron Transfer Station

Potentially dangerous materials in Gordon collection truck prompt closure of Chadron Transfer Station

The Chadron Transfer Station is closed until further notice because of what SWANN is calling ‘alarming and potentially dangerous’ materials found in a Gordon collection truck.

Valentine police report 12/8/24 to 12/14/24

Valentine police report 12/8/24 to 12/14/24

During the week, the Valentine Police Department responded to 68 calls for service, including 18 traffic stops, four reported thefts, three animal complaints, two reports of suspicious persons or vehicles, and two complaints of trespassing.

More than 600 wreaths placed in Valentine area to honor veterans, service members

More than 600 wreaths placed in Valentine area to honor veterans, service members

On a chilly Saturday morning, volunteers in the Valentine area came together to place more than 600 wreaths on graves in honor of veterans and service members.

Code enforcement officer for Valentine?

Code enforcement officer for Valentine?

Valentine may soon have an officer focused on code enforcement, building permits, and animal control.

Jury returns verdict in Valentine assault case

Jury returns verdict in Valentine assault case

A jury has found 49-year-old Jason Rodgers of Valentine guilty of two felonies and two misdemeanors.

Caroling among the cattle: Valentine high schoolers serenade the sale barn

Caroling among the cattle: Valentine high schoolers serenade the sale barn

Christmas caroling—a tradition that filled many of our childhoods, but what about as adults? The latest Pew Research Center study finds only 16% of Americans keep the tradition alive, down 20% from the last report. 

Crawford teacher named 2024 Nebraska History Teacher of the Year

Crawford teacher named 2024 Nebraska History Teacher of the Year

Nathan Kackmeister, a teacher at Crawford Public Schools, has been named the 2024 Nebraska State History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

Valentine School Board votes to join new conference

Valentine School Board votes to join new conference

The board received an invitation to join the South Platte Valley Association (SPVA) Conference, which includes schools such as Chase County, Hershey and Sutherland.

Landowner voices concerns about ‘horrors’ from hog confinement in Cherry County

Landowner voices concerns about ‘horrors’ from hog confinement in Cherry County

During Tuesday’s Cherry County Board of Commissioners’ meeting, a landowner who lives near a new hog confinement west of Valentine voiced his concerns about the facility.

Valentine Middle School entryway could see a facelift

Valentine Middle School entryway could see a facelift

The front entrance of Valentine Middle School might be getting a makeover.

Simple box, big impact: Emergency food pantry opens in Valentine

Simple box, big impact: Emergency food pantry opens in Valentine

Think of five children you know. In Nebraska, one in five kids faces hunger. In fact, Nebraska’s food insecurity rate is more than 12%, which is higher than the national average.

Jury selection underway in Valentine assault and burglary case

Jury selection underway in Valentine assault and burglary case

Jury selection is underway in the trial of 49-year-old Jason Rodgers, a Valentine man accused of assaulting two people and stealing a firearm during an incident in October 2023.

Nebraska Supreme Court upholds life sentence for Kilgore man convicted in 2021 murder

Nebraska Supreme Court upholds life sentence for Kilgore man convicted in 2021 murder

The Nebraska Supreme Court has upheld the conviction and life sentence of a 29-year-old Kilgore man who murdered a Cherry County woman.

Cherry County Clerk of the District Court resigns, thanks citizens and commissioners

Cherry County Clerk of the District Court resigns, thanks citizens and commissioners

The Cherry County Clerk of the District Court announced her resignation on Tuesday, after serving in the court system for 12 years. Lorana Eggert’s last day in the position will be Jan. 17.

Kilgore Road: Cherry County looks at safety improvements without realigning road

Kilgore Road: Cherry County looks at safety improvements without realigning road

Cherry County commissioners are considering applying for a grant to enhance the safety of Kilgore Road while avoiding road realignment, which has raised concerns among local landowners.

Construction set to begin on community childcare facility in Valentine

Construction set to begin on community childcare facility in Valentine

A much-anticipated childcare facility is set to break ground soon in Valentine, providing much-needed support for local families.

Pine Ridge man sentenced to over six years for assaulting federal officers

Pine Ridge man sentenced to over six years for assaulting federal officers

A Pine Ridge man has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison for five counts of Assault on a Federal Officer.

Chadron State names Sidney High School graduate its student of the month

Chadron State names Sidney High School graduate its student of the month

Cayden Carrasco of Sidney, Nebraska, is Chadron State College’s Project Strive/TRiO Student of the Month for December.

At 90, Edith Bachelor’s voice still carries the melody of Valentine’s Community Choir

At 90, Edith Bachelor’s voice still carries the melody of Valentine’s Community Choir

The Valentine Community Choir brings together singers from all walks of life, blending voices from different churches, backgrounds, and generations.

Cherry County Clerk of the District Court set to resign

Cherry County Clerk of the District Court set to resign

The Cherry County Clerk of the District Court is the latest county official to step down.

New bar and small restaurant planned in downtown Valentine

New bar and small restaurant planned in downtown Valentine

Construction is underway at a planned bar and small restaurant in downtown Valentine.

National Park Service exploring possible purchase of Rocky Ford

National Park Service exploring possible purchase of Rocky Ford

Kayakers, tubers and canoers could soon have more public access to the Niobrara River.

Father-daughter artists honor Nebraska veterans with striking eagle statue

Father-daughter artists honor Nebraska veterans with striking eagle statue

A memorial in the Sandhills that honors veterans from across Nebraska is expanding.

Small fire destroys chicken coop near Valentine

Small fire destroys chicken coop near Valentine

Firefighters were called to a property along Pine Heights Drive shortly before noon on Wednesday.

Valentine newspaper finds buyer, set to continue operations

Valentine newspaper finds buyer, set to continue operations

The Valentine newspaper will continue printing, thanks to a new buyer, according to a story in the Valentine Midland News.

Hall selected as Chadron State College Winter Commencement speaker

Hall selected as Chadron State College Winter Commencement speaker

Chadron State College's Winter Commencement speaker Dec. 13 in the Chicoine Center at 2 p.m. will be Brandon Hall, Principal of Deer Creek Middle School in Jefferson County Public Schools, Colorado.

‘Best outcome possible’: Chadron motel evacuated amid report of armed individual

‘Best outcome possible’: Chadron motel evacuated amid report of armed individual

Business has returned to normal after an evacuation of a Chadron motel amid a report of an armed person.

Authorities search for three persons of interest in Pine Ridge shooting

Authorities search for three persons of interest in Pine Ridge shooting

Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety (OSTDPS) Police are searching for three persons of interest connected to a Pine Ridge shooting that occurred on Dec. 2.

New signage along western half of Interstate 80

New signage along western half of Interstate 80

The new Variable Advisory Speed signs are bright yellow and are changed when the upcoming stretch of roadway may need to be met with caution.

Lights, camera, spirit: Valentine High hosts first Media Day

Lights, camera, spirit: Valentine High hosts first Media Day

Media Days are a staple for professional and collegiate sports, but how about for Nebraska high schools?

House destroyed in Hay Springs fire, neighboring homes damaged

House destroyed in Hay Springs fire, neighboring homes damaged

A house is destroyed after a fire Sunday afternoon in Hay Springs.

Saving lives, inspiring others: Valentine teen honored for lifesaving skills

Saving lives, inspiring others: Valentine teen honored for lifesaving skills

A Valentine teen is being honored for his potentially lifesaving actions.

Valentine City crews making progress on electrical outage

Valentine City crews making progress on electrical outage

While the exact cause of the outage has not yet been identified, crews have made progress in restoring electricity.

Person dies in Winner, SD house fire on Thanksgiving

Person dies in Winner, SD house fire on Thanksgiving

A Thanksgiving Day house fire in Winner, South Dakota, has claimed the life of one person.

Nearly 150 years after escape and massacre, Northern Cheyenne Tribe charts a trail to heal and save history

Nearly 150 years after escape and massacre, Northern Cheyenne Tribe charts a trail to heal and save history

Nearly 150 years ago, U.S. soldiers killed dozens of fleeing Northern Cheyenne who had escaped from Fort Robinson in a desperate attempt to return to their homeland.

No Thanksgiving meal... until now: Pine Ridge nonprofit feeds dozens

No Thanksgiving meal... until now: Pine Ridge nonprofit feeds dozens

Dozens of Pine Ridge area families in need will be able to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal, thanks to an area nonprofit.

Sold! Valentine family bets big on in-person auctions in digital age

Sold! Valentine family bets big on in-person auctions in digital age

The online auction market is estimated to grow by more than $3 billion over the next four years, according to market research company Technavio.

Valentine grocery shoppers donate over $6,000 in less than two months for movie theater

Valentine grocery shoppers donate over $6,000 in less than two months for movie theater

Valentine is getting closer to opening a movie theater, thanks in part to grocery store shoppers.

Kilgore Road redesign? Commissioners consider proposal

Kilgore Road redesign? Commissioners consider proposal

Kilgore Road, located just north of Kilgore, Nebraska, has been identified as a high-risk area for crashes, particularly along its sharp curves, according to engineer Tonya Huber of KLJ Engineering.

Sculptures selected for Valentine’s 2025-26 Sculpture Walk

Sculptures selected for Valentine’s 2025-26 Sculpture Walk

Four new sculptures have been chosen for Valentine’s Main Street as part of the 2025-2026 Sculpture Walk.

Valentine names new police chief

Valentine names new police chief

Valentine’s new police chief will be a familiar face. Jamon Slama, a longtime member of the Valentine Police Department, has been appointed to the position, City Administrator Shane Siewert confirmed.

Former Oglala Sioux Tribe treasurer indicted for embezzling tribal funds

Former Oglala Sioux Tribe treasurer indicted for embezzling tribal funds

A federal grand jury has indicted a former Oglala Sioux Tribe treasurer for Larceny and Embezzlement and Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization.

The countdown begins: Shot clocks arrive in Nebraska High School basketball

The countdown begins: Shot clocks arrive in Nebraska High School basketball

High school basketball players and fans across Nebraska will have a new experience this season. For the first time, all six NSAA classes will be playing with 35 second shot clocks.

New vendor marketplace opening in downtown Martin

New vendor marketplace opening in downtown Martin

A unique new storefront will soon be opening in downtown Martin. The Local Exchange will provide a place for vendors to sell handmade, handcrafted and new products.

Small town, big plans: Gordon’s new city manager shares vision

Small town, big plans: Gordon’s new city manager shares vision

Over the past 12 years, Sheridan County in northwestern Nebraska has seen its population drop by more than 8%. A new Gordon city leader is determined to reverse this trend and attract new residents.

Rosebud man sentenced for sexual contact at abandoned car wash in Mission

Rosebud man sentenced for sexual contact at abandoned car wash in Mission

A Rosebud man has been sentenced to nine years in prison for sexually assaulting a woman at an abandoned car wash in Mission and failing to register as a sex offender.

Pine Ridge man sentenced for stabbing, seriously injuring brother

Pine Ridge man sentenced for stabbing, seriously injuring brother

A 31-year-old Pine Ridge man has been sentenced to less than two years in prison for stabbing and seriously injuring his brother.

FBI agent warns Nebraska seniors that elder fraud is increasing dramatically

FBI agent warns Nebraska seniors that elder fraud is increasing dramatically

Between 2021 and 2023, reports of fraud against seniors rose by 209%, and losses skyrocketed by 419%, surpassing all other types of scams.

Nebraska man indicted for allegedly kidnapping a South Dakota teen

Nebraska man indicted for allegedly kidnapping a South Dakota teen

A Bellevue, Nebraska man has been arraigned on charges for allegedly kidnapping a teenage girl in Meade County, South Dakota.

Larry the Cable Guy hits the road for Nebraska Tour supporting local charities in Scottsbluff and Chadron

Larry the Cable Guy hits the road for Nebraska Tour supporting local charities in Scottsbluff and Chadron

Comedian Larry the Cable Guy, originally of Pawnee City, is bringing his signature humor back home with “Larry’s Nebraska Road Trip,” a comedy tour set to visit small towns across the state this winter, including stops in Scottsbluff and Chadron.

Free ice skating rink coming to downtown Martin

Free ice skating rink coming to downtown Martin

A new outdoor ice skating rink is set to open in downtown Martin, offering a free winter activity for families and visitors.

Valentine’s police chief resigns, accepts new position

Valentine’s police chief resigns, accepts new position

After more than a decade as Valentine’s Police Chief and nearly 30 years in law enforcement, Chief Dana Miller has announced her resignation.

WWII Letters from Nebraska soldier brought to life in touring play

WWII Letters from Nebraska soldier brought to life in touring play

A regional theater production is bringing history to life through the real letters of a Nebraska Staff Sergeant from World War II.

Alliance Police Department warns of scam targeting residents

Alliance Police Department warns of scam targeting residents

Authorities in Box Butte County cautioned residents about a scam in which individuals, posing as Alliance Police officers, attempted to extort money from unsuspecting citizens.

Chadron State College, Scottsbluff Public Schools included in Expanded Teacher Apprenticeship Program

Chadron State College, Scottsbluff Public Schools included in Expanded Teacher Apprenticeship Program

Governor Jim Pillen and the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) have announced a multi-million dollar expansion of the Nebraska Teacher Apprenticeship Program aimed at addressing the teacher shortage crisis in the state.

Rushville first grader wins NDOT snowplow naming contest

Rushville first grader wins NDOT snowplow naming contest

Six-year-old Lacie Reeves’ entry, “Pete the Plow," was selected as the winning name in the Nebraska Department of Transportation’s (NDOT) District 5 Name-A-Snowplow contest.

Two Winner men sentenced to federal prison for drive-by shooting

Two Winner men sentenced to federal prison for drive-by shooting

Two men from Winner, South Dakota, have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a drive-by shooting.

Pine Ridge man sentenced for failing to register as sex offender, illegal firearm possession

Pine Ridge man sentenced for failing to register as sex offender, illegal firearm possession

A Pine Ridge man has been sentenced to three years and ten months in prison for failing to register as a sex offender and for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

Removing voting barriers for Native Americans: Justice Department and Bennett County reach agreement

Removing voting barriers for Native Americans: Justice Department and Bennett County reach agreement

The Justice Department has reached an agreement with Bennett County, South Dakota, and county officials to resolve claims that the county didn’t provide equal access to registration and early voting for Native American voters.

Three arrested following fight at trailer park in Valentine

Three arrested following fight at trailer park in Valentine

Three South Dakota residents are facing charges after Valentine Police were called to a fight at Little’s Trailer Park in Valentine at 11:41 p.m. on Nov. 7.

Three arrested in Valentine for possessing, intending to distribute meth

Three arrested in Valentine for possessing, intending to distribute meth

Three South Dakota men are facing drug charges following a traffic stop in Valentine.