Local News 

As quarterback's shine at practice, Huskers ready for short week
As quarterback's shine at practice, Huskers ready for short week

As Nebraska looks to move on from their 45-7 loss to second-ranked Michigan, they're going to need to have a short memory. 

Remote reality: Agreeable bosses, speedy internet remaking work in Sandhills

Remote reality: Agreeable bosses, speedy internet remaking work in Sandhills

Nebraska lags other states when it comes to remote work. Still, its number of remote workers has more than doubled since 2019. Strong internet access is no longer an amenity -- it's a necessity.

Explosion in Union Pacific's massive railyard in Nebraska appears accidental, investigators say

Explosion in Union Pacific's massive railyard in Nebraska appears accidental, investigators say

Investigators say a blast that prompted evacuations near Union Pacific's massive railyard in western Nebraska last week appears to be accidental. But it's not yet clear what caused it.

Loup County High School celebrates two winners in international competition

Loup County High School celebrates two winners in international competition

One of the smallest schools in Nebraska is celebrating achievements by two students and a teacher in an international competition.

Former North Platte teacher caught having contact with victim in sexual abuse case

Former North Platte teacher caught having contact with victim in sexual abuse case

A former North Platte Public School teacher accused of sexually assaulting a student may get his bond revoked for having contact with the victim.

No injuries reported in explosion at world's largest railyard in Nebraska

No injuries reported in explosion at world's largest railyard in Nebraska

The train car explosion Thursday that resulted in public safety concerns is in the clean-up stage. North Platte Fire Chief Dennis Johnson said there were no injuries or immediate threat to the public.

Boot Life: A singular Sandhills store keeps on dressing cowboys in the age of Amazon

Boot Life: A singular Sandhills store keeps on dressing cowboys in the age of Amazon

Three generations of the McBride family have helped outfit customers from near and far in boots and hats through Ranch-Land’s 64 years of business.

Wildfire exercises planned at Wildcat Hills this week

Wildfire exercises planned at Wildcat Hills this week

Firefighters from multiple agencies are gearing up for the Western Nebraska Engine Academy, which includes training exercises at Buffalo Creek Wildlife Management Area in the Wildcat Hills near Gering on Sept. 15-17.

Summer intern gets taste of future career in teaching

Summer intern gets taste of future career in teaching

Chadron State College student Ethan Tussing of New Underwood, South Dakota, has completed two summer internships at the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, South Dakota.

NSP Investigating Death at Swanson Reservoir

NSP Investigating Death at Swanson Reservoir

The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) is investigating a death that occurred Friday at Swanson Reservoir State Rec Area in Hitchcock County.

‘It’s just football’: Huskers prep for Deion Sanders, CU hype train

‘It’s just football’: Huskers prep for Deion Sanders, CU hype train

One of they keys for Matt Rhule and the Huskers this week: focusing on playing football, not the hype. 

Nebraska contest narrows down to eight competitors

Nebraska contest narrows down to eight competitors

The “Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska” contest has moved to the final eight competitors.

Wildfire smoke disrupting air quality in western Nebraska, eastern Wyoming

Wildfire smoke disrupting air quality in western Nebraska, eastern Wyoming

Smoke from Canadian wildfires impacted the air quality in western Nebraska and southeast Wyoming Tuesday, according to the Nebraska and Wyoming Department of Health and Human Services, and Nebraska and Wyoming Department of Environment and Energy.

New planetarium reports stellar first year

New planetarium reports stellar first year

During its first year of operation, the Dr. Lois Veath Planetarium in the Math Science Center of Innovative Learning (COIL) served 2,404 people.

Alliance Police Chief set to resign

Alliance Police Chief set to resign

The Alliance Police Chief has submitted a letter of resignation.

Nebraska counties experience 911 emergency telephone system outage

Nebraska counties experience 911 emergency telephone system outage

Nebraska's 911 emergency telephone system went back online early Friday morning after suffering what Keith County Emergency Management described as a "catastrophic" outage Thursday night. 

Frog season underway across Nebraska

Frog season underway across Nebraska

As the seasons shift into the late summer and early fall, one of Nebraska’s most unique outdoor activities is upon us - it’s the pursuit of bullfrogs.

16 contestants announced in Nebraska competition

16 contestants announced in Nebraska competition

The second annual "Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska” competition announced the 16 contestants from across the state.

Two North Platte people arrested after fentanyl pills and meth found in vehicle, police say

Two North Platte people arrested after fentanyl pills and meth found in vehicle, police say

Two people from North Platte were arrested after fentanyl pills and meth were allegedly found inside their vehicle on Monday.

McCook police chief announces plan to resign

McCook police chief announces plan to resign

The City of McCook will begin searching to fill a key role within the community.

Rhule talks Minnesota, says confidence in team is high

Rhule talks Minnesota, says confidence in team is high

Nebraska kicks off the Rhule era next Thursday against Minnesota on August 31 and Matt Rhule believes his team is ready for the challenge. 

Burglary investigation leads to truckloads of suspected stolen property seized from North Platte home

Burglary investigation leads to truckloads of suspected stolen property seized from North Platte home

Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies arrested two North Platte men following a burglary east of Maxwell, while a third suspect remains at large.

Vehicle thefts in Lincoln, Keith Counties lead to arrest of teen

Vehicle thefts in Lincoln, Keith Counties lead to arrest of teen

An 18-year-old male was arrested in connection to several reports of vehicle thefts in Sutherland and Paxton early Thursday morning.

Fair-goers assist sheriff's deputy in apprehending wanted person in Chase County

Fair-goers assist sheriff's deputy in apprehending wanted person in Chase County

The Chase County Sheriff's office is thanking a group of samaritans for assisting a lone deputy in apprehending an individual at the Chase County Fair in Imperial on Saturday night. 

The Twister hosts summer barbecue and concert, introduces new ownership

The Twister hosts summer barbecue and concert, introduces new ownership

A Nebraska radio station is celebrating its community and looking to the future.

Before ‘The Godfather,’ a Coppola film shot in western Nebraska played a pivotal role in Hollywood’s evolution

Before ‘The Godfather,’ a Coppola film shot in western Nebraska played a pivotal role in Hollywood’s evolution

Directors Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas and actors James Caan and Robert Duvall all spent several weeks in a western Nebraska. It was 1968, and while the movie got little attention at the time, it proved pivotal in the evolution of Hollywood.

Authorities respond to 'suspicious circumstances' in Hershey

Authorities respond to 'suspicious circumstances' in Hershey

LINCOLN COUNTY, Neb. -- At about 5:50 p.m. Wednesday, August 16, the Lincoln County Dispatch Center receive a call of suspicious circumstances at a residence in Hershey. A man and woman drove onto her property, insisting on buying chickens.

NeDNR podcast features Perkins County Canal

NeDNR podcast features Perkins County Canal

Alexa Davis and Dehvynne Ashmore hosts Around the Watercooler with NeDNR

Gas leak injures two, closes Highway 30 in Keith County

Gas leak injures two, closes Highway 30 in Keith County

Two people were injured in Keith County after a gas leak late Wednesday morning.

Disappearing dentists: For low-income Nebraskans, long drives, long lines, little help

Disappearing dentists: For low-income Nebraskans, long drives, long lines, little help

It's becoming close to impossible for many Nebraska Medicaid recipients to find a dentist nearby who accepts their insurance, especially in rural western Nebraska. It's bad for patients, bad for dentists and bad for taxpayers.

Health alert issued for three lakes in Nebraska

Health alert issued for three lakes in Nebraska

Three lakes in Nebraska have been issued health alerts for toxic blue-green algae.

Kilgore man found guilty of Cherry County ax murder

Kilgore man found guilty of Cherry County ax murder

A northwest Nebraska jury has found a 27-year-old Kilgore man guilty of first-degree murder in the killing of a 52-year-old woman with an ax.

No injuries, other accidents in vehicle fire on Interstate 80 near Ogallala on Sunday

No injuries, other accidents in vehicle fire on Interstate 80 near Ogallala on Sunday

The Ogallala Volunteer Fire Department responded to a vehicle fire near mile marker 125 on Interstate 80 on Sunday afternoon. 

HAB alert for Swanson Reservoir

HAB alert for Swanson Reservoir

The state has issued a health alert for Harmful Algal Blooms, also known as toxic blue-green algae, at Swanson Reservoir in Hitchcock County.

Dark skies, dangling questions greet hundreds at 30th annual Nebraska Star Party

Dark skies, dangling questions greet hundreds at 30th annual Nebraska Star Party

For 30 years, the light-free sky above the Sandhills has served as the main attraction at the annual Nebraska Star Party. This year's celebration proved extra special: The area is officially the first certified International Dark Sky Park in Nebraska.

Stapleton man sentenced to 12 years in prison

Stapleton man sentenced to 12 years in prison

A man from Stapleton was sentenced for a drug and firearm conviction.

FBI Omaha offers $10,000 reward in missing person investigation

FBI Omaha offers $10,000 reward in missing person investigation

FBI Omaha has says they are still investigating the 2019 disappearance of a Trenton teen, and have announced the offering of an award. 

Sutherland woman uses family member's information for student loans, gets probation

Sutherland woman uses family member's information for student loans, gets probation

A Sutherland woman was sentenced to one year of probation for trafficking in a password or similar information. 

Colorado man sentenced to probation for Lacey Act violations after hunting in Nebraska

Colorado man sentenced to probation for Lacey Act violations after hunting in Nebraska

A 50-year-old Colorado man was sentenced on Friday to two years probation for violating the Lacey Act. 

Health alert issued after harmful algal blooms detected at Swanson Reservoir in Hitchcock County

Health alert issued after harmful algal blooms detected at Swanson Reservoir in Hitchcock County

The state of Nebraska has issued a health alert for Harmful Algal Blooms, also known as toxic blue-green algae, at Swanson Reservoir in Hitchcock County.

Theft from vehicles spikes again in North Platte during the summer months

Theft from vehicles spikes again in North Platte during the summer months

The month of July is vehicle theft prevention month and fortunately, in Greater Nebraska, vehicle thefts are not too common.

5k Color Run raises money for the Nebraska Kidney Association

5k Color Run raises money for the Nebraska Kidney Association

The Platte River Fitness series held their annual Color Run to help raise money for the Nebraska Kidney Association Saturday morning.

Presence of emerald ash borer located in Nemaha County, North Platte

Presence of emerald ash borer located in Nemaha County, North Platte

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture has discovered the presence of emerald ash borer in two different locations.

Former Trenton woman sentenced for meth-related conviction

Former Trenton woman sentenced for meth-related conviction

A woman who used to live in Trenton was sentenced to prison after a meth-related conviction.

Is it still safe to fish during an algal bloom? Thoughts from NGPC fisheries

Is it still safe to fish during an algal bloom? Thoughts from NGPC fisheries

During the dog days of summer, it’s not uncommon for waters across Nebraska to become impacted by blue-green algae. It often leaves anglers wondering if it’s still safe to fish.

Canadian wildfires may affect air quality, visibility throughout Nebraska

Canadian wildfires may affect air quality, visibility throughout Nebraska

Officials say smoke from the Canadian wild fires may affect central and eastern Nebraska air quality over Monday and Tuesday.

Authorities searching for driver, vehicle involved in camper trailer accident at Lake McConaughy

Authorities searching for driver, vehicle involved in camper trailer accident at Lake McConaughy

The driver of a vehicle towing a camper that rolled Saturday evening partially blocking Nebraska Highway 92 east of Lemoyne apparently left the scene before law-enforcement officers arrived.

Nebraska has issued health alert for Swanson Reservoir

Nebraska has issued health alert for Swanson Reservoir

The state of Nebraska has issued a health alert for Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) at Swanson Reservoir in Hitchcock County.

Severe weather warnings issued in Nebraska Wednesday morning

Severe weather warnings issued in Nebraska Wednesday morning

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Nebraska counties. 

Former educator accused of sexual assault appears in court

Former educator accused of sexual assault appears in court

A former North Platte high school teacher accused of sexual assault made an appearance in court Monday afternoon.

Video: The Big Boy No. 987 hitches ride from Chappell to Sidney aboard The Big Boy No. 4014

Video: The Big Boy No. 987 hitches ride from Chappell to Sidney aboard The Big Boy No. 4014

The Big Boy No. 987 meet your namesake, The Big Boy No. 4014.

Keith County man added to 1868 Foundation Board of Directors

Keith County man added to 1868 Foundation Board of Directors

The Board of Trustees for the Nebraska State Fair 1868 Foundation appointed two individuals to serve a three-year term on its Board of Directors, bringing the total number of Board Members to ten.

Authorities locate missing jet skier at Lake McConaughy

Authorities locate missing jet skier at Lake McConaughy

Emergency personnel were rushed to Lake McConaughy Friday for a report of a missing jet skier in dangerous water conditions with a strong thunderstorm approaching the Keith County recreational area. 

Community rallies behind Panhandle family after husband, father fatally struck by lightning

Community rallies behind Panhandle family after husband, father fatally struck by lightning

Family friends are looking for monetary support for a panhandle family after an Oshkosh man got struck by lightning while riding a horse. 

Two North Platte men arrested following child exploitation investigation

Two North Platte men arrested following child exploitation investigation

The Nebraska State Patrol said they arrested two North Platte men after a child exploitation investigation on Tuesday.

Authorities identify body found in UP locomotive earlier this week

Authorities identify body found in UP locomotive earlier this week

Investigators with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office have completed their investigation into a deceased male found Sunday at Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard near North Platte.

Fatal jet ski accident at Lake McConaughy claims life of Colorado teenager

Fatal jet ski accident at Lake McConaughy claims life of Colorado teenager

Authorities are investigating a fatal jet ski accident on Lake McConaughy, north of Ogallala in Keith County, on Saturday afternoon.

2023 Keith County Big Give concludes with strong numbers

2023 Keith County Big Give concludes with strong numbers

The 2023 Keith County Big Give concluded with a total of 748 donations that raised $256,475.

Hastings racing license owner plans to move license to Ogallala, ending plans for Hastings casino and horse track

Hastings racing license owner plans to move license to Ogallala, ending plans for Hastings casino and horse track

The entity that possesses the horse racing license in Hastings says it plans to move the license to Ogallala, effectively ending plans to build a casino and horse track in Adams County.

NSAA Class D State Golf brings an economic impact of over $40,000 to North Platte

NSAA Class D State Golf brings an economic impact of over $40,000 to North Platte

North Platte hosted NSAA Class D Boys State Golf in May. In total, 96 golfers competed at the Lake Maloney Golf Course.

47th annual NEBRASKAland Days Road Run held at Wild West Arena

47th annual NEBRASKAland Days Road Run held at Wild West Arena

The 47th annual NEBRASKAland Days Road Run was held at the Wild West Arena on Saturday morning. 

Inmate sentenced for Lincoln County murder dies while incarcerated

Inmate sentenced for Lincoln County murder dies while incarcerated

Authorities said an inmate, who was sentenced for a murder that happened in Lincoln County several years ago, died Friday morning while incarcerated. 

Assault charge dropped against Stapleton superintendent

Assault charge dropped against Stapleton superintendent

Charges against a central Nebraska school superintendent have been dismissed.

2023 Miss Nebraska hails from Nebraska Panhandle

2023 Miss Nebraska hails from Nebraska Panhandle

Miss Nebraska and Miss Teen Nebraska 2024 were crowned on Saturday at North Platte High School.

Train enthusiasts excited about the Union Pacific Big Boy coming to North Platte Thursday

Train enthusiasts excited about the Union Pacific Big Boy coming to North Platte Thursday

Train enthusiasts, or ferroequinologists, from across the country are excited for Union Pacific’s Big Boy’s planned stop in North Platte on Thursday as it moves towards Omaha for the College World Series.