Erick Wickman, the county’s current chief deputy, and Maxwell Renning, a Cherry County deputy, have both submitted their paperwork to run for the position.

Sidney Police have named Jose Ruiz as lieutenant and operations commander. Ruiz brings more than 20 years of law enforcement experience, including service as Kimball’s police chief, and is expected to be on full duty next month.

Mark and Robyn Jones hope to invest and build ‘world-class cattle operation’

Western Nebraska Community College received a $15,000 donation from the Nebraska Public Power District.

Sidney firefighters responded to a reported structure fire Tuesday evening on Newton Street. Crews quickly located and extinguished a small exterior fire, limiting damage.

Mitchell firefighters knocked down a grass fire north of town Monday afternoon after quick action by a road grader operator helped keep it from spreading.

A small group of residents gathered in downtown Sidney Tuesday afternoon to share concerns about national issues, while others in the community offered differing perspectives shaped by personal experience.

A Valentine, Nebraska man is making international headlines after trying to save a woman during a shark attack in the Virgin Islands.

Bridgeport’s speech team took first overall and the Class C/D title at the Scottsbluff Speech Meet.

Middle school students across the Nebraska Panhandle are invited to apply for the 2026 National Civics Bee, with a chance to advance to a national competition in Washington, D.C.

Photos from the grand opening of "The Depot," a new general store and commercial kitchen space in Potter, on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. Congratulations Drew Enevoldsen and family. Full story coming on newschannelnebraska.com.

Nitrate levels in well water across north-central Nebraska have slowly increased over the past three decades, according to new data from the Middle Niobrara Natural Resources District.

Several schools and businesses are mourning the deaths of two men killed in a multi-vehicle crash near Reliance on Friday.

An electrical fire destroyed a trailer home in Terrytown on Saturday afternoon.

Strong winds fueled a grass fire in Banner County on Sunday, burning 76 acres west of Highway 71. Firefighters from multiple departments contained the blaze, which was caused by a downed power line.

Sidney earns team title at Western Conference Speech Meet on Saturday in Scottsbluff.

NSP says a driver was critically injured after an officer-involved shooting at the end of a pursuit Friday night in rural Sioux County. No officers were hurt.

The grass fire near I-76 west of Fort Morgan has been contained.

A fast-moving grass fire near I-76 in Sedgwick County was contained after a massive multi-agency response. Investigators say sparks from a semi-truck ignited the blaze, and charges have now been filed. No injuries or damage reported.

Sidney volunteer firefighters logged more than 5,000 hours of service in 2025 and responded to 210 calls from January through October.

Kimball County deputies arrested a 52-year-old man Sunday on a felony warrant out of Iowa, along with charges of resisting arrest and obstruction.

Alliance police report a juvenile has been taken into custody after multiple vehicle break-ins on West 11th Street and Sheridan Avenue.

The SAGA Fund celebrated $1.25 million raised for its forever fund Thursday and announced a new $1 million challenge grant. Here’s what it means for Sidney and the region.

High winds and extreme fire danger are expected across the Panhandle and tri-state region Thursday and Friday. Gusts up to 70 mph are possible.

Two Nebraska schools have been named 2025 National ESEA Distinguished Schools, joining 63 schools across the U.S. recognized for extraordinary success in improving student achievement.

Ever wondered what goes on behind the badge? The Sidney Police Department is opening applications Feb. 2 for its Spring 2026 Citizens Academy, offering hands-on training, simulations and ride-alongs.

Pine Bluffs police cadets were recognized by the Cheyenne Police Department for their help during the Cheyenne Frontier Days parade, assisting with traffic control, safety patrols and parade setup.

A Morrill County deputy arrested a Minatare man after a reported late-night pursuit in Bridgeport that included speeding, a failure to stop, and damage to mailboxes and a gate.

A small fire at a Chadron laundromat was quickly contained today thanks to the fast response of the Chadron Volunteer Fire Department.

A High Wind Watch is in effect Thursday night through Friday for the Panhandle and surrounding region. Gusts up to 70 mph are possible, with dangerous travel and elevated fire danger. Secure loose items and avoid outdoor burning.

The Sidney School District Board of Education received a clean audit opinion for the 2024-25 fiscal year during its meeting Monday, according to Rauner and Associates.

Sidney's Tyler Miller found a new path after years in EMS, building First Response Meat Company through patience, family, and a love for cooking.

Potter Volunteer Fire Department crews quickly contained two grass fires along Highway 30 east of Potter Monday afternoon, limiting each blaze to about one acre.

Julie Downing of Chadron has been named the 2025 Friend of NSASSP Award recipient for her leadership and support of Nebraska educators.

One person was injured in a two-vehicle crash Monday afternoon at Highway 26 and East 27th Street in Scottsbluff.

SAGA Fund will celebrate its $1 million challenge grant milestone Thursday at Boss City Brewing.

If you’re looking for a fun excuse to read something new, and a chance at a romantic night out, the Alliance Public Library has you covered.

Alliance police arrested a registered sex offender on charges of first-degree sexual assault and strangulation.

A Venango man was arrested Wednesday near Lamar on felony and misdemeanor warrants, according to the Perkins County Sheriff’s Office.

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) released the names of the Nebraskans she is nominating this year for U.S. service academies.

As hospitals across the country struggle with a growing nursing shortage, Cherry County Hospital has seen a successful year of hiring.

Panhandle Public Health District is seeing a rise in respiratory illnesses such as Influenza A, Covid, RSV, and other respiratory illnesses.

Nebraska recently received notification that we have been awarded $218.5 million dollars through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, the eighth largest state allocation nationwide.

A Burke, South Dakota florist’s work has received a national award. Dave Engelmeyer helped create the float for Travel South Dakota in the Pasadena Rose Parade.

Hunters may begin purchasing 2026 spring turkey season permits from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission beginning at 1 p.m. Central time Jan. 12.

A transformer fire at the Solar Array Field on the northeast side of Scottsbluff caused a power outage Sunday afternoon before crews extinguished the blaze.

Nebraska faces a severe child care shortage with 11 counties lacking even a single licensed child care facility. In Valentine, local leaders have been working to fill the gap for years, and they’re kicking off the New Year with some positive news.

Regional West welcomed its first baby of the new year at 12:05 p.m. on New Year’s Day.

An 18-year-old from Colorado was arrested after a high-speed pursuit on I-80 in western Nebraska that reached 140 mph and ended near Sutherland, according to the Nebraska State Patrol.

Savor & Grace owner Jill Sauder announced the Sidney cheese and sandwich shop is for sale after three years, citing a desire to pursue new opportunities while finding the right person to carry the business forward.

A stolen e-bike was quickly recovered and returned after officers realized the suspect had ridden it straight to the Sterling Police Department.

A New Year’s Day structure fire in Ogallala caused only minor damage thanks to quick action by occupants and a rapid response from fire crews. No injuries were reported.

From destructive storms and wildfires to court cases that drew national attention, 2025 was a year that left a lasting mark on the Nebraska Sandhills.

Cherry County elected officials, excluding county commissioners, will receive an 18 percent pay increase beginning in 2027.

Firefighters responded to a rural Cheyenne County home after a trailer loaded with hay caught fire, destroying the entire load. No injuries were reported.

For just the second time ever, Miss Nebraska has been crowned Miss USA, and over the holidays, Audrey Eckert brought her national title back to one of the places she calls home.

Firefighters responded before dawn on Christmas morning to a garage fire in Iliff that threatened nearby buildings, officials said.

A bizarre incident in southwest Nebraska involving a cow led to one person being injured and an officer shooting the animal.

Christmas Day 2025 went down as the warmest on record across the region, with widespread record highs set for the fourth straight day, according to the National Weather Service.

A group of Sidney High School students spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day spreading holiday cheer by singing Christmas carols throughout Sidney.

Unseasonable warmth set multiple record highs Monday across western Nebraska and southeast Wyoming, with near-70-degree temperatures continuing into Christmas.

The Niobrara Council could see a reduction in state funding following the loss of federal support, according to information shared during the council’s December meeting.

A proposed wind farm near Kilgore will be back in court as Cherry County officials ask a judge to dismiss a lawsuit tied to the project.

A 36-year-old homeless man has been sentenced to nine to 18 years in prison for threatening another man with a gun at a Valentine bar.