Regional 

Colorado Bureau of Investigation seeks public assistance in identifying deceased man
Colorado Bureau of Investigation seeks public assistance in identifying deceased man

The Colorado Bureau of Investigations is seeking the public's help in identifying a deceased man whose remains were found near Bailey, Colo. in 2024. Investigators believe the remains may have been there since 2022 or 2023.

Rosebud man sentenced for failing to register as a sex offender

Rosebud man sentenced for failing to register as a sex offender

A Rosebud man has been sentenced to just over a year in federal prison for failing to register as a sex offender.

$1,000 Shopping Spree

$1,000 Shopping Spree

Register to win a BIG $1,000 Christmas Shopping Spree from Sutton Home Gallery, The Big Boy and Cheyenne County Country by Tuesday, Dec. 17.

WNCC Alum, and 2 staff honored at NCCA Awards Ceremony

WNCC Alum, and 2 staff honored at NCCA Awards Ceremony

The Nebraska Community College Association hosted its annual awards ceremony in Lincoln in November, and two WNCC employees and an alum were recognized.

Hastings man sentenced for distributing fentanyl

Hastings man sentenced for distributing fentanyl

Hastings man sentenced in federal court to 180 months in prison for distribution of fentanyl.

Sidney Police chief introduces new officers, sergeant

Sidney Police chief introduces new officers, sergeant

Sidney Police Chief Sam Lovato introduced three new officers and the promotion of an officer to sergeant at the December 2 Sidney City Council meeting. In January, the Department will be testing for three more officers.

Hay Springs man charged with assault after man found unconscious with brain bleed

Hay Springs man charged with assault after man found unconscious with brain bleed

A 25-year-old Hay Springs man is facing a first-degree assault charge after a man was found unconscious and seriously injured in the street.

Pine Ridge man charged with failing to register as a sex offender while working in Gordon

Pine Ridge man charged with failing to register as a sex offender while working in Gordon

A Pine Ridge man has been charged in Sheridan County with failing to update his information on the Nebraska Sex Offender Registry.

'Shop Cheyenne County Days' drive nearing last week

'Shop Cheyenne County Days' drive nearing last week

Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce Director Joe McCarn reminds the community Shop Cheyenne County Days continues through December 13. The drawing is December 18.

Valentine restaurant owner offers free meals to encourage local shopping

Valentine restaurant owner offers free meals to encourage local shopping

As online shopping reaches record highs, a Valentine business owner is trying a new approach to get residents off their screens and back into local stores.

SAGA funds help Potter's Duck Bowling Alley restoration

SAGA funds help Potter's Duck Bowling Alley restoration

Flooring and lane restoration at the Potter Duckpin Bowling Alley is complete in part due to support of the Sidney And Greater Area Fund.

Fort Morgan man found guilty after arrest on warrant for assault, parole violations

Fort Morgan man found guilty after arrest on warrant for assault, parole violations

Sergio Martinez, 29, of Fort Morgan, was found guilty in Morgan County District Court. He was arrested March 20 on charges of Second Degree Assault and Kidnapping.

State budget cuts impact Sidney's public transportation

State budget cuts impact Sidney's public transportation

Interim Sidney City Manager Josh Hanson announced in Tuesday's council meeting the Transportation Department is eliminating Saturday services due to State funding cuts.

12th Judicial County Court judge announces retirement

12th Judicial County Court judge announces retirement

County Court Judge James M. Worden, 12th Judicial District, has announced his retirement effective February 9, 2026. He has served as part of the Scotts Bluff Juvenile Drug Court, and as president of the Nebraska County Judges Association.

Sidney suspends Saturday bus service citing state budget cuts

Sidney suspends Saturday bus service citing state budget cuts

Sidney is suspending Saturday bus service due to state budget cuts. Weekday routes will continue 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cheyenne Police issue accident alert

Cheyenne Police issue accident alert

Cheyenne, Wyo., authorities have issued an Accident Alert due to the number of accidents and icy road conditions.

Sidney's City Clerk announces her retirement

Sidney's City Clerk announces her retirement

Sidney City Clerk Lori Borchert formally announced her retirement in Tuesday's city council meeting. She plans to be in office until March 2.

Valentine teen wins Junior Official Strongman Games World Finals

Valentine teen wins Junior Official Strongman Games World Finals

A Valentine teenager has earned a world championship title at the Official Strongman Games Junior World Finals.

Omaha man sentenced in federal court on drug charges

Omaha man sentenced in federal court on drug charges

An Omaha made was sentenced November 25 in federal court in Omaha for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime.

Banner County School District earns Excellent rating from Nebraska Department of Ed

Banner County School District earns Excellent rating from Nebraska Department of Ed

Nebraska's Department of Education has awarded the Banner County School District an Excellent Rating by the 2024-2025 AQuESTT accountability system.

Rapid City man sentenced to over 24 years for distributing meth on Pine Ridge Reservation and in Rapid City

Rapid City man sentenced to over 24 years for distributing meth on Pine Ridge Reservation and in Rapid City

A Rapid City man has been sentenced to more than 24 years in federal prison for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine on the Pine Ridge Reservation and in Rapid City.

NSP investigating apparent suicide in McCook

NSP investigating apparent suicide in McCook

The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating a December 1 incident when a McCook resident died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot while on the phone with police.

Kyle man sentenced to eight years for assaults involving cigarette, bat and metal chair

Kyle man sentenced to eight years for assaults involving cigarette, bat and metal chair

A Kyle man has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison for two separate assaults that left a woman with serious injuries.

Eight new businesses open along Gordon’s Main Street in one year

Eight new businesses open along Gordon’s Main Street in one year

In small towns, even one new business can make a noticeable difference. In Gordon, eight of them have opened on Main Street in the past year — a change city leaders say is helping breathe new life into the community.

Cheyenne County seeks more efficient Highway Department communication process

Cheyenne County seeks more efficient Highway Department communication process

Cheyenne County is looking for a way to efficiently transmit documents from remote locations to department offices. The commissioners discussed the purchase of tablet computers and an internet service.

South Dakota legislators plan bills to help Piedmont residents in fight over limestone mine

South Dakota legislators plan bills to help Piedmont residents in fight over limestone mine

Three lawmakers who represent Piedmont, South Dakota, are hoping to change weak state mining laws that allowed a proposed limestone mine to be sited in and around the city without local input.

Burns man killed after pickup strikes train in eastern Laramie County

Burns man killed after pickup strikes train in eastern Laramie County

Laramie County authorities say a Burns man died after his pickup struck a stationary train Friday evening. Investigation underway.

Brush Police arrest man on multiple child sexual assault charges

Brush Police arrest man on multiple child sexual assault charges

A Brush man was arrested last week on two warrants accusing him of sexually assaulting juvenile boys following a months-long investigation by the Brush Police Department and the 13th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

Sidney woman 'Breaks the Bank' and wins $987

Sidney woman 'Breaks the Bank' and wins $987

Sidney’s own Cassie Haupt cracked the nine-number code and won $987 in The Big Boy’s Break the Bank finale.

Federal funding cuts could impact Valentine Public Library services

Federal funding cuts could impact Valentine Public Library services

Libraries across the country are bracing for reductions after a loss of federal funding, and the Valentine Public Library is among those feeling the effects.

WNCC Theatre Arts Musical receives National KCACTF Nomination

WNCC Theatre Arts Musical receives National KCACTF Nomination

Western Nebraska Community College’s Theatre Arts program has once again earned national recognition.

Tyson's beef plant closure in Nebraska will impact a reliant town and ranchers nationwide

Tyson's beef plant closure in Nebraska will impact a reliant town and ranchers nationwide

Tyson Foods’ decision to close a beef plant in Lexington, Nebraska, could devastate the small city and undermine the profits of ranchers nationwide.

Authorities rule Chance Englebert's death accidental

Authorities rule Chance Englebert's death accidental

Authorities confirm remains found at Scotts Bluff National Monument are those of Chance Englebert, missing since 2019. His death has been ruled accidental.

Sentence upheld in deadly beating over alcohol in Rushville

Sentence upheld in deadly beating over alcohol in Rushville

The Nebraska Court of Appeals has upheld the prison sentence of a Lincoln man convicted of manslaughter in Rushville.

Rosebud man sentenced to ten months for failing to register as a sex offender

Rosebud man sentenced to ten months for failing to register as a sex offender

A 35-year-old Rosebud man has been sentenced to 10 months in federal prison for failing to register as a sex offender.

Elks continue Sidney Thanksgiving tradition

Elks continue Sidney Thanksgiving tradition

The Sidney Elks Lodge was a true simulation of Thanksgiving with turkey, ham and all the fixings and football (Sidney Raiders) on the televisions while friends and families shared a table.

Sidney police arrest man on drug charges after Tuesday morning search warrant

Sidney police arrest man on drug charges after Tuesday morning search warrant

Sidney police executed their third warrant in five days Tuesday morning, arresting a man on drug charges near 11th and King.

Valentine decks the downtown with holiday storefront competition

Valentine decks the downtown with holiday storefront competition

The Valentine Chamber of Commerce has launched a new storefront decorating contest aimed at encouraging residents to shop local — and perhaps attracting visitors from outside the area.

Annual Compassionate Friends candlelight service December 14

Annual Compassionate Friends candlelight service December 14

The Compassionate Friends Candle Light Service will be held 7 p.m. December 14 at The Well Church in Sidney

Valentine True Value store prepares to reopen under new ownership

Valentine True Value store prepares to reopen under new ownership

Even with paper still covering the windows, people have been slipping into Huskerland Hardware and Appliance in Valentine ahead of opening day.

Bridgeport man scheduled for sentencing on sexual assault charges

Bridgeport man scheduled for sentencing on sexual assault charges

Jesse Russell of Bridgeport is scheduled to appear in Morrill County District Court for sentencing for Child Abuse and

4-H Club hosting benefit dinner for Weber family

4-H Club hosting benefit dinner for Weber family

The Plateau Pioneers 4-H club is hosting a benefit dinner for the Weber family at Peetz (Colorado) High School December 13.

City of Valentine testing water to determine how long chlorination will continue

City of Valentine testing water to determine how long chlorination will continue

The City of Valentine plans to take additional water samples this week to determine whether it can end temporary chlorination of the community’s water system.

Three Sidney residents charged after Sunday morning drug raid

Three Sidney residents charged after Sunday morning drug raid

Three Sidney residents were arrested after police served a drug warrant Sunday morning on N. 14th Ave.

Strommen highlights interim study on early childhood data sharing

Strommen highlights interim study on early childhood data sharing

State Sen. Paul Strommen says work continues between sessions as lawmakers study key issues.

Mission man sentenced for brandishing knife at federal officer

Mission man sentenced for brandishing knife at federal officer

A Mission man has been sentenced to eight months in federal prison for assaulting a federal officer during a disturbance call earlier this year.

Fox Theater announces new management team

Fox Theater announces new management team

The Fox Theater in Sidney recently announced a new management team. The theater will continue under the management of Kim Phillips. New to the theater is a gaming option.

Barn fire quickly extinguished east of Sterling

Barn fire quickly extinguished east of Sterling

Sterling firefighters quickly knocked down a barn fire Thursday morning on CR 48. No people or livestock were inside, and the fire was contained to the building’s interior. No injuries reported.

Arraignment of Lodgepole woman continued to December 8

Arraignment of Lodgepole woman continued to December 8

The arraignment of Catherine Bondegard of Lodgepole has been continued to December 8 in Cheyenne County Court. She is facing charges of Assault of an Officer/Health Care Professional and Escape.

Fire quickly contained after landscaping tree ignites in Sidney

Fire quickly contained after landscaping tree ignites in Sidney

A quick-thinking Sidney homeowner and neighbor used fire extinguishers to stop a yard tree fire on Virginia Lane Saturday before crews arrived. Sidney Fire Chief Matt Butts says the incident shows why working extinguishers matter.

Kimball police arrest man in child sexual abuse material investigation

Kimball police arrest man in child sexual abuse material investigation

Kimball police have arrested a 45-year-old man following an investigation involving child sexual abuse material. Charges were filed under Nebraska law, and the case remains under investigation.

Fire damages Reptile Gardens shelter, killing tortoises and alligators

Fire damages Reptile Gardens shelter, killing tortoises and alligators

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

Operation Safe Haul removes unsafe commercial drivers in Laramie County

Operation Safe Haul removes unsafe commercial drivers in Laramie County

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.

Street racing incident lands vehicle in Sterling business

Street racing incident lands vehicle in Sterling business

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.

'All Is Bright' indoor Christmas experience starts November 29

'All Is Bright' indoor Christmas experience starts November 29

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

Sidney police arrest man on felony meth charge during warrant operation

Sidney police arrest man on felony meth charge during warrant operation

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

Table of Grace annual Christmas decoration sale starts Friday

Table of Grace annual Christmas decoration sale starts Friday

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 arrest man following assault report

Kimball police arrest man following assault report

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 arrest two in child abuse investigation

Kimball police arrest two in child abuse investigation

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.

Knowing Growing Grazing Grass course enhances knowledge and decision making

Knowing Growing Grazing Grass course enhances knowledge and decision making

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.

Local resident's photograph earns magazine cover

Local resident's photograph earns magazine cover

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.

Gordon man facing several felonies related to sexually assaulting a child and producing material from it

Gordon man facing several felonies related to sexually assaulting a child and producing material from it

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

Regional West Foundation Awards $7,830 in West Nebraska Blood Center Scholarships

Regional West Foundation Awards $7,830 in West Nebraska Blood Center Scholarships

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 to appear on ‘Wheel of Fortune’

Ogallala alum to appear on ‘Wheel of Fortune’

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

Texas man arrested in 2023 Chadron bank robbery

Texas man arrested in 2023 Chadron bank robbery

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