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Community rallies behind Lodgepole toddler with cancer at fundraising event
Community rallies behind Lodgepole toddler with cancer at fundraising event

A dinner and auction fundraiser for two-year-old Beckett Block will take place on Friday, Feb. 28, at the Sidney Elk’s Lodge at 1040 Jackson St.

Amber Horn takes office as Cheyenne County Attorney

Amber Horn takes office as Cheyenne County Attorney

Cheyenne County's Chief Deputy County Attorney officially took office as county attorney on February 14 before the Hon. Judge Derek Weimer.

Students from five states compete in Valentine’s Bull Bash Livestock Judging Contest

Students from five states compete in Valentine’s Bull Bash Livestock Judging Contest

This year around 145 students participated, which included local 4-H youth, FFA members from across the state and collegiate teams from several states.

What to do with Mill Pond dam? City council and MNNRD considers options

What to do with Mill Pond dam? City council and MNNRD considers options

Valentine City Council members heard about possible options for the future of the dam at Mill Pond.

Rails & Tails

Rails & Tails

The stories of the toughest town on the tracks and how they shaped the town's history as Sinful Sidney.

Anne Belieu retires from Sidney Public Schools

Anne Belieu retires from Sidney Public Schools

SIDNEY -- Anne Belieu announces her retirement at the end of the school year. She has taught 43 years in Sidney Public Schools.

Western Nebraska Summer Camp for Visually Impaired receives major donation from Tallgrass

Western Nebraska Summer Camp for Visually Impaired receives major donation from Tallgrass

A specialized summer camp dedicated to enriching the lives of students with visual impairments is receiving a significant boost thanks to a generous donation from Tallgrass.

Ogallala man sentenced to prison in fatal shooting

Ogallala man sentenced to prison in fatal shooting

A 21-year-old Ogallala man accused of fatally shooting another man last year has been sentenced to decades in prison.

Scottsbluff names Krisa Brass as new Chief of Police

Scottsbluff names Krisa Brass as new Chief of Police

Scottsbluff City Manager Kevin Spencer announced Thursday Captain Krisa Brass as the new Chief of Police, highlighting her dedication, leadership and deep understanding of the community.

Building project planned at Cherry County Fairgrounds

Building project planned at Cherry County Fairgrounds

During Thursday night’s Valentine City Council meeting, Cherry County Ag Society President Duane Witte said that the society hopes to enclose the pavilion at the fairgrounds to get more use out of it.

A facelift for the forgotten: Valentine’s first cemetery may see new life

A facelift for the forgotten: Valentine’s first cemetery may see new life

“Where is Boot Hill Cemetery?” That was one of the questions asked by a longtime Valentine resident to a group of Valentine High School students as they presented their plan to restore an abandoned cemetery to the Valentine City Council.

Sip and style: Valentine salon gets green light for liquor license

Sip and style: Valentine salon gets green light for liquor license

Getting a haircut in Valentine may soon come with a little extra buzz—literally.

District 47 Legislative Update

District 47 Legislative Update

Senator Paul Strommen talks on budget briefings and the coming preliminary budget. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, he is expecting difficult decisions in balancing the budget.

Dispatcher retires after nearly 28 years behind the board

Dispatcher retires after nearly 28 years behind the board

Darlene Tiner has seen a lot in nearly 28 years as a Kimball County dispatcher. She has decided to hang up the headset and move on to something else.

Details from latest drug search at Valentine High School

Details from latest drug search at Valentine High School

A recent drug search at Valentine High School turned up nothing, as a detection dog found no evidence of drugs.

New Sidney police chief announces new sergeant

New Sidney police chief announces new sergeant

Sidney Police Chief Sam Lovato announced February 11 that Officer Jon Haefele has been promoted to sergeant. Sgt. Haefele is in his third year with the Sidney Police Department.

Valentine School Board approves hiring new 3rd grade teacher

Valentine School Board approves hiring new 3rd grade teacher

Valentine Community Schools has found its next 3rd grade teacher.

Pine Bluffs police address use of force in two DUI arrests

Pine Bluffs police address use of force in two DUI arrests

The Pine Bluffs Police Department addressed two separate use-of-force incidents Wednesday that occurred over the weekend, both involving intoxicated drivers who became combative during their arrests.

Sidney School Board accepts South Elementary principal's resignation

Sidney School Board accepts South Elementary principal's resignation

Sidney's South Elementary School Principal Rick Meyer has accepted the role of Superintendent at Columbus Lakeview in Columbus, Ne.

Say “I do” in Valentine…on Valentine’s Day 2026

Say “I do” in Valentine…on Valentine’s Day 2026

Engaged couples will have a unique opportunity to get married in Valentine, Nebraska, on Valentine’s Day 2026.

Gov. Pillen appoints Kurt Arganbright to Nebraska Game & Parks Commission

Gov. Pillen appoints Kurt Arganbright to Nebraska Game & Parks Commission

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has appointed Kurt Arganbright of Valentine to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, where he will represent District 6.

Sentencing set for Gordon teen accused of killing newborn baby

Sentencing set for Gordon teen accused of killing newborn baby

Chloe Coplen-Anderson is set to appear in court on April 24.

Lovato selected as next police chief of Sidney

Lovato selected as next police chief of Sidney

Sidney City Manager David Scott Tuesday in the city council meeting introduced Interim Police Chief Samuel Lovato as the new Chief of Police for the City of Sidney.

Regional West Names Ned Resch as New President and Chief Executive Officer

Regional West Names Ned Resch as New President and Chief Executive Officer

The Regional West board of directors has announced the hiring of Ned Resch as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Resch will assume leadership duties on March 10.

Winter weather advisory brings snow, school schedule adjustments to Nebraska Panhandle, northeast Colorado

Winter weather advisory brings snow, school schedule adjustments to Nebraska Panhandle, northeast Colorado

A winter storm is bringing snow and hazardous travel conditions to parts of the southern Nebraska Panhandle and northeast Colorado, with a Winter Weather Advisory in effect until 11 a.m. Wednesday.

Re-certification Pesticide Training postponed from February 13 to February 20.

Re-certification Pesticide Training postponed from February 13 to February 20.

SCOTTSBLUFF -- The Commercial and Non-Commercial Re-certification Pesticide Training scheduled for February 13 in Scottsbluff will be postponed until Thursday, February 20

School Districts looks to adjust student move

School Districts looks to adjust student move

SIDNEY -- Working through the first semester with additional students at South, Central and West Elementary schools is causing some adjustments in what grades are at what buildings.

No junk food here: Valentine school’s vending machine feeds minds, not bellies

No junk food here: Valentine school’s vending machine feeds minds, not bellies

A unique new vending machine at Valentine Elementary School isn’t stocked with snacks; it’s stocked with stories.

Public open houses planned for multi-million dollar Middle Niobrara NRD remodel

Public open houses planned for multi-million dollar Middle Niobrara NRD remodel

As the Middle Niobrara Natural Resources District (MNNRD) plans a multi-million dollar remodel, the public will have a chance to weigh in on the project.

West Elementary teacher, counselor announces new chapter in life

West Elementary teacher, counselor announces new chapter in life

Carla Brauer has an endless list of students and former students in her 42 years, closer to 43, she has been in education. She closes the book on her formal role at the end of this school year.

Winter Weather Advisory issued for Northeast Colorado, Panhandle Nebraska

Winter Weather Advisory issued for Northeast Colorado, Panhandle Nebraska

The National Weather Service in Cheyenne, Wyo., has issued a winter weather advisory for areas of the Panhandle including Cheyenne, Kimball, and Morrill counties.

City of Sidney, Bass Pro Shops react to former Cabela's headquarters heading to auction

City of Sidney, Bass Pro Shops react to former Cabela's headquarters heading to auction

Two properties tied to Nebraska’s outdoor retail history are hitting the auction block next month.

Valentine freshman headed to state wrestling tournament

Valentine freshman headed to state wrestling tournament

Reegan Eggert finished fourth at District Wrestling at 100 pounds, punching her ticket to State.

Building strong communities: a focus for new Panhandle Extension Educator

Building strong communities: a focus for new Panhandle Extension Educator

Caitlin Roes has been named as the new Rural Prosperity Nebraska Extension Educator for the Northern Panhandle. She and her husband live on the family farm near Chadron.

Alliance man in custody on firearm, drug charges following reported gun incident

Alliance man in custody on firearm, drug charges following reported gun incident

Kory A Rasmussen, of Alliance, is in custody on several charges following a gun incident and executing a search warrant of his home.

Small town grocer meets social, food needs of community

Small town grocer meets social, food needs of community

CHAPPELL -- About three years ago Kristy Nerud purchased the grocery store in Chappell. She bought it as a hands-on investment. It became more than that. It is a place where residents meet, and where they shop for the home needs.

Early school release for Todd County, St. Francis schools

Early school release for Todd County, St. Francis schools

The Todd County School District and St. Francis Indian School will be releasing students early on Monday because of the weather and road conditions.

New details on large meth seizure in Cherry County

New details on large meth seizure in Cherry County

An Alamogordo, New Mexico man was scheduled to appear in Cherry County Court on Monday, facing felony drug charges.

Road closed for cleanup work at UP derailment near Dix

Road closed for cleanup work at UP derailment near Dix

The Kimball County Highway Department is reporting County Road 55 is closed between U.S. Highway 30 and County Road 42 to assist with cleanup efforts from the February 9 train derailment.

False robbery report, assault in Valentine Police report

False robbery report, assault in Valentine Police report

Valentine police responded to 43 calls for service and made five arrests during the week of Feb. 2 to Feb. 8, according to the department's weekly report.

Rapid City man convicted of sexual abuse and child abuse on Pine Ridge Reservation

Rapid City man convicted of sexual abuse and child abuse on Pine Ridge Reservation

A 57-year-old Rapid City man has been convicted of multiple counts of sexual abuse and child abuse following a three-day jury trial in federal court.

Valentine artist wins People’s Choice Award in Quick Draw competition

Valentine artist wins People’s Choice Award in Quick Draw competition

A Valentine artist took home the People’s Choice Award during the Black Hills Stock Show Quick Draw competition.

Hitchcock County teen killed in rollover crash near Stratton

Hitchcock County teen killed in rollover crash near Stratton

A Hitchcock County teen was killed in a single-vehicle rollover crash Saturday west of Stratton, according to the Hitchcock County Sheriff’s Office.

Two Union Pacific train derailments reported in Nebraska Sunday morning

Two Union Pacific train derailments reported in Nebraska Sunday morning

Two separate Union Pacific train derailments occurred in Nebraska on Sunday morning, prompting emergency responses and causing disruptions in multiple areas.

Two more arrests made in Scottsbluff homicide investigation

Two more arrests made in Scottsbluff homicide investigation

The Scottsbluff Police Department announced two additional arrests in connection with the homicide investigation of Wyatt Reeb.

Sidney School District January middle, high school Students of the Month

Sidney School District January middle, high school Students of the Month

Sidney School District officials have announced the January 2025 Sidney Middle and High School students of the month.

District 47 Legislative Update

District 47 Legislative Update

District 47 Sen. Paul Strommen talks about the busy life of a freshman senator and the value of community input and support.

PREEC Feedlot closes temporarily to align with Panhandle beef industry needs

PREEC Feedlot closes temporarily to align with Panhandle beef industry needs

The feedlot at the Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center in Scottsbluff has temporarily closed its gates. The closure is an opportunity to reassess and retool the facility to meet cattle producers' needs.

2025 Nebraska Business Hall of Fame honorees inducted

2025 Nebraska Business Hall of Fame honorees inducted

The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Business recently inducted five honorees into the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame.

WNCC announces Fall 2024 Honors lists

WNCC announces Fall 2024 Honors lists

Western Nebraska Community College announced February 7 its Fall 2024 President's List and Dean's List/

Two Canadians arrested for allegedly possessing 110 pounds of suspected meth near North Platte

Two Canadians arrested for allegedly possessing 110 pounds of suspected meth near North Platte

Two Canadians are facing charges after the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) says troopers found 110 pounds of suspected methamphetamine, a small amount of marijuana, suspected drug money, and four counterfeit $100 bills in their vehicle.

Two teens sustain minor injuries in rollover accident

Two teens sustain minor injuries in rollover accident

Scotts Bluff County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a single vehicle rollover at about 3:48 p.m. A juvenile driver and his passenger sustained minor injuries.

Best of the West competition brings high school students to Chadron State College

Best of the West competition brings high school students to Chadron State College

High school students from western Nebraska participated in the Eighth Annual Best of the West Competition on Jan. 29 at Chadron State College.

Gordon City Council appoints interim city manager

Gordon City Council appoints interim city manager

The Gordon City Council has appointed an interim city manager following last week’s termination of the previous manager’s contract.

Tech giant representatives testify against Sen. Storer’s social media bill

Tech giant representatives testify against Sen. Storer’s social media bill

Representatives from major tech companies were at the Nebraska State Capitol on Thursday to testify against proposed legislation aimed at regulating social media access for minors.

Chappell pharmacist seeking new challenges

Chappell pharmacist seeking new challenges

After 31 years, five in Chappell, Michelle Schmid is ready to be more involved in the farm life. She is seeking someone interested in being a community pharmacist.

Norris man sentenced to federal prison for failing to register as a sex offender

Norris man sentenced to federal prison for failing to register as a sex offender

A 41-year-old Norris, South Dakota man has been sentenced to one year and one month in federal prison for failing to register as a sex offender.

Art show honors late Valentine woman’s creative legacy

Art show honors late Valentine woman’s creative legacy

Marylyn Ohlman’s journey as an artist flourished in the late 1990s and early 2000s when she attended the ECC art program in Elgin, Illinois.

Adams Industries, Simplot Grower Solutions open multi-million dollar 24/7 fertilizer facility near Sidney

Adams Industries, Simplot Grower Solutions open multi-million dollar 24/7 fertilizer facility near Sidney

Farmers across western Nebraska and surrounding regions now have 24/7 access to high-quality liquid fertilizer with the opening of a state-of-the-art facility by Adams Industries and Simplot Grower Solutions.

Owner of Oshkosh pharmacy sentenced to two years probation, restitution, for filing false Medicaid claims

Owner of Oshkosh pharmacy sentenced to two years probation, restitution, for filing false Medicaid claims

Joan Kicken, 65, was charged with one count of Fraudulently Obtaining a Payment on Behalf of a Recipient of Medical Assistance, a class IV felony. She was was sentenced to two years of probation and ordered to pay $76,963.90.

Future uncertain for Springview’s only grocery store

Future uncertain for Springview’s only grocery store

The owners of Homeland Grocery, the only grocery store in Springview, have announced they will be stepping away from the business at the end of February, leaving the future of the store uncertain.

District 47 Legislative Update February 5

District 47 Legislative Update February 5

Recently, I had the privilege of attending and speaking at a Nebraska Public Affairs Chamber event, where I was asked some thoughtful questions about my journey so far in the Senate.

Charges amended in Jan. 20 teen death case

Charges amended in Jan. 20 teen death case

Charges against Corey T. Rotherham Jr. were amended to Aiding and Abetting Second Degree Murder, and Aiding and Abetting Use of a Deadly Weapon to Commit a Felony.

Rural Nebraska grocery stores are disappearing—Could this bill help?

Rural Nebraska grocery stores are disappearing—Could this bill help?

According to research from the Center for Rural Affairs, the state lost 30% of its independent rural grocery stores between 2016 and 2021.

Oglala man found guilty of involuntary manslaughter after killing woman near Pine Ridge

Oglala man found guilty of involuntary manslaughter after killing woman near Pine Ridge

he conviction stems from a shooting on Sept. 15, 2022, when Clayton Fire Thunder, who was intoxicated at the time, traveled to a residence east of Pine Ridge intending to meet a methamphetamine dealer.