A fire at Reptile Gardens early Friday killed several tortoises and alligators after flames destroyed a detached shelter.

Operation Safe Haul pulled dozens of unsafe and undocumented commercial drivers off Laramie County roads, resulting in 40 arrests and multiple trucks placed out of service. Here’s what deputies found during the three-day crackdown.

A 20-year-old Sterling, Colo., man is facing charges after a street racing incident resulted in the car he was driving colliding with a building.

The All Is Bright indoor Christmas experience is returning for the third year. The event takes place at the Cheyenne County Fairgrounds.

Sidney police say Casey L. Diedrich, 37, was arrested Wednesday near First Avenue on a felony meth possession charge.

The Evangelical Free Church in Sidney is hosting the annual Christmas sale fundraiser for Table of Grace. The event is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Kimball police say a 38-year-old man was arrested Saturday on a child abuse charge after officers responded to an assault report on Chestnut Street.

Kimball police say two people were arrested Wednesday on multiple child abuse charges following an investigation involving a juvenile’s report and a forensic interview.

The 2024-2025 Knowing, Growing, and Grazing Grass webinar series had 58 producers fro eight states. Instructors are now planning the next series for the fall of 2026.

Jeff Phelps says it started as an efficient way of photographing farm land, then developed into a creative outlet with a drone and a camera. His work is on the cover of Nebraska Life Magazine.

A 44-year-old Gordon man is facing charges for allegedly sexually assaulting a teenager, along with making and possessing child sexual abuse material.

The Regional West Foundation Board of Directors recently announced that $7,830 in scholarships was awarded to six students through the West Nebraska Blood Center, located at Regional West Medical Center.

Ogallala alum and North Platte pediatrician Dr. Melissa (Zimmerman) Mosel will appear on “Wheel of Fortune” this Friday evening.

A Texas man has been arrested in connection with a 2023 armed robbery at the Chadron Federal Credit Union

The Marketing Hometown America Action Forum was held Tuesday at the Sidney Elks Lodge. The program is called "a targeted effort to retain and recruit talent to Cheyenne County."

High school sophomores from across the Sandhills stepped into adulthood for a day during “An Intro to Life,” a budgeting and life-skills simulation held in Valentine.

Tri-County Crime Stoppers is looking for help identifying a man who walked out of the Ogallala Bomgaars wearing stolen boots. A reward of up to $1,000 is available for anonymous tips leading to an arrest and conviction.

Hundreds of veterans from across the state are now sharing their experiences—some for the first time—through the Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Project “Share Your Story.”

Sebastian Dunbar was sentenced today in Superior, Ne., in the 2023 death of his girlfriend. He was sentenced to life plus 48-50 years.

PlainsWest CASA added two volunteers to their list of Court Appointed Special Advocates Monday. PlainsWest CASA now has 22 volunteers and 24 children.

The Cheyenne County Commissioners Monday approved offering Deputy Assessor Christina Lotton the role of Interim Assessor, and approved the Highway Department seek a newer pickup truck and purchase road material for future projects.

E3, Energizing Entrepreneurial Ecosystems, hosted a community meeting on the proposed Economic Development Corporation at Western Nebraska Community College in Sidney Monday.

Scottsbluff police say three people were injured in a four-vehicle crash Monday on 21st Avenue. Two drivers were taken by ambulance, and the roadway was closed for about an hour. Investigation is ongoing.

Nebraska State Patrol investigating jail death

NSP has identified the two Sidney residents killed in last week’s Highway 92 crash near McGrew.

Sidney firefighters spent their Sunday training in vehicle extrication to stay prepared for serious crash responses.

West Elementary collected 730 pairs of socks during Socktober - all donated to local schools, churches and charities.

Sidney High School welding students designed, built and installed a new moon gate at the Living Memorial Gardens, fulfilling a “big wish feature” the gardens say will be enjoyed for years to come.

The Lodgepole Community Fund (LCF) has received a $10,000 grant from the Thomas Buckley Trust to help with the HVAC system at the Panther Activity Center. The Lodgepole Community Fund will accept donations to the PAC Accounts to support the PAC.

During the week of November 9th to November 15th, Valentine police made two arrests and responded to more than 40 calls for service.

One person was arrested after reports of shots fired in Kilgore Saturday night.

987 The Big Boy’s annual Christmas Shopping Spree is underway, giving listeners a chance to win a $1,000 holiday shopping adventure with Sutton Home Gallery in Sidney.

The Air Link crew will be flying Santa and the Grinch in by helicopter for this year’s Downtown Scottsbluff Christmas Parade.

WING Drug Task Force arrests four and recovers a stolen vehicle, firearm and multiple narcotics during a Scottsbluff search warrant.

Morrill County deputies say a late-night traffic stop on Hwy 385 led to the arrest of a man driving a stolen vehicle. Charges include felony possession of stolen property.

The public is encouraged to show support for the Weber family of Sidney who is facing medical and financial challenges following a November 6 accident east of Chappell, Neb., on Interstate 80.

Two people were arrested on drug and weapons charges after a SWAT-assisted search warrant Friday morning in Big Springs, authorities say.

Western Nebraska Community College hosted the 12th annual Alumni & Friends banquet and awards ceremony, in Scottsbluff.

The Alliance Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Eudolio Alvarado, an 83-year-old Hispanic male, who may be experiencing symptoms of dementia. At about 7 p.m., he was reported found and safe.

Bluffs Middle School students were offered a close-up of snow removal equipment Wednesday. Cayden Finkey's submission for the "Name a Snowplow" contest brought Nebraska Department of Transportation workers to the school.

Nebraska State Patrol announced today a Colorado attempted homicide suspect was arrested in North Platte Thursday,. Troopers also found drugs, a handgun and stolen financial documents during the search.

Valentine city leaders and developers are laying the groundwork for new growth.

Electric rates in Valentine are going up. The city council approved the increase Thursday night after Valentine’s wholesale power provider substantially increased its rates.

Sidney's Creative District is seeking administrative options, possibly a different partnership, while enhancing the creative presence in the city. Program leader Brandy Stone asked for two weeks to research options.

As a junior, Isaac Cronin cleared 6 feet, 10 inches at the state meet — a mark that not only tied the Nebraska Class C record but also ranked 28th in the nation last season.

Lancaster County District Court denied Change Healthcare’s Motion to Dismiss. Attorney General Mike Hilgers filed the lawsuit in December 2024 after a catastrophic breach of Change Healthcare’s systems caused statewide disruptions.

About a dozen fire departments joined forces Thursday to battle a large grass fire south of Mullen.

Several area athletes are being recognized in Nebraska Class C-2 District 6.

A semi rollover closed westbound I-80 near mile marker 64 east of Sidney.

Sidney Public Transportation is playing a larger role in getting local students safely to and from school, supporting nearly 90 riders a day through its partnership with Sidney Public Schools.

Sidney third graders delivered a heartfelt Veterans Day Concert this week, complete with a visit from veteran Larry Nelson, who brought military history to life with his uniform display and stories.

West Elementary fourth graders spent the week learning Native languages, traditions and crafts thanks to a visit from artist and educator Steve Tamayo.

I-80 eastbound was closed between mile marker 1 and the Bushnell exit as emergency crews worked to extinguish a truck fire on the shoulder near mile marker 3 Thursday night.

Cherry County Hospital is exploring a potential expansion that could add space for rehab services, the specialty clinic, an in-house MRI and additional storage.

Cheyenne County officials say County Road 111 has reopened as the investigation continues into Tuesday’s gas fire north of Sidney.

Alliance police arrested a 19-year-old man early Thursday after a reported assault on East 6th Street. One victim was injured, and officers say the suspect was found hiding under a mattress.

Those needing zoning permits for projects in Cherry County will have to wait a little longer.

Point West Bank announced Wednesday an account has been established to assist Regina Olsen after the fire that occurred Tuesday morning.

The flag flew high and proud Tuesday, Veterans Day. That evening veterans and the public were invited to the annual Bean Feed at the Sidney Elks Lodge, all to celebrate and recognize military veterans.

Economic development leaders from across the Sandhills and Panhandle gathered in Valentine to share ideas and learn from each other’s successes.

The northern lights lit up the sky over Sidney, Chappell and the Nebraska Panhandle Tuesday night.

When you think of school concerts, you might picture winter or spring performances. But in Valentine, they go big for Veterans Day.

Two hunters and their dog were rescued from the mud flats at Lake McConaughy before firefighters battled a major blaze at Sandy Beach Paradise late into the night.

Nebraska Extension will host a webinar December 3 that will focus on strip-grazing standing milo as a winter feed option. Field Specialist Rusty Lee will share the results of his research and experience.