State 

District 47 Legislative Update
District 47 Legislative Update

The Legislature continues to move forward at a strong pace. Each session allows for 25 Speaker priority bills, which helps ensure focused consideration and typically results in streamlined debate.

Authorities seeking missing Nebraska woman

Authorities seeking missing Nebraska woman

Authorities are seeking a Stromsburg, Neb. who was last seen January 15. The car she was driving was last seen engulfed in flames in Lancaster County.

Small business in Kimball to be featured in regional magazine ‘Nspire Today!'

Small business in Kimball to be featured in regional magazine ‘Nspire Today!'

A local small business, The Hippie Homestead, will be featured in an upcoming article in Nspire Today! Magazine.

New prosecutor gives new hope for answers in teen worker’s mysterious death at Pillen Family Farms

New prosecutor gives new hope for answers in teen worker’s mysterious death at Pillen Family Farms

In a reversal, the new Boone County attorney agreed to allow independent lab tests that could help explain what killed Zach Panther at a Nebraska hog farm.

Fremont Police locate driver involved in collision with student at protest, county attorney reviewing evidence

Fremont Police locate driver involved in collision with student at protest, county attorney reviewing evidence

Police have located the driver of the vehicle that hit an anti-ICE student protester outside of Fremont High School.

Deputies arrest Denver man after vehicle pursuit through Chase County

Deputies arrest Denver man after vehicle pursuit through Chase County

A Denver man was arrested Thursday after a high-speed pursuit through rural Chase County and Imperial ended with a stolen vehicle stopped near Highway 61, according to the Chase County Sheriff’s Office.

Excellence in Early Childhood Education Conference set for Feb. 20-21 at Chadron State

Excellence in Early Childhood Education Conference set for Feb. 20-21 at Chadron State

Chadron State College will host its annual Excellence in Early Childhood Education Conference Feb. 20 and 21.

WCCA Board announces District 5 vacancy

WCCA Board announces District 5 vacancy

The Western Community College Area Board of Governors has declared a vacancy in District 5 due to the resignation of Dr. William M. Packard, effective January 21, 2026.

As pro rodeo considers moving HQ to Wyoming, conservative lawmakers question incentives

As pro rodeo considers moving HQ to Wyoming, conservative lawmakers question incentives

The biggest organizing body in rodeo, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, has all but decided to move its headquarters from Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Politicians react after SUV struck a student during an anti-ICE protest in Fremont

Politicians react after SUV struck a student during an anti-ICE protest in Fremont

Nebraska elected officials are responding after a high school student was struck by an SUV during an anti-ICE protest at Fremont High School.

Norfolk gears Up for massive gaming tournament, drawing gamers from across Nebraska and beyond

Norfolk gears Up for massive gaming tournament, drawing gamers from across Nebraska and beyond

Norfolk is hosting its sixth annual LAN party, drawing gamers nationwide for tournaments, giveaways, and social interaction.

Collection effort underway for Banner County fire victims

Collection effort underway for Banner County fire victims

A loft apartment caught fire Wednesday afternoon, nearing igniting a ranch house near Harrisburg. Donations are being accepted for the fire victims.

Cheyenne County Fair & Rodeo plans lineup reveal Monday

Cheyenne County Fair & Rodeo plans lineup reveal Monday

The Cheyenne County Fair & Rodeo returns to Sidney July 18–25, 2026, with the official lineup set to be announced Monday.

Protester struck by SUV displaying Trump flag at Fremont High School

Protester struck by SUV displaying Trump flag at Fremont High School

A girl who was part of a protest against ICE taking place at a Nebraska school is injured after being hit by a vehicle displaying a Trump flag.

Nebraska jobless claims surge after Tyson plant closure

Nebraska jobless claims surge after Tyson plant closure

Nebraska was one of only seven states to see an increase in jobless claims during that period.

A new pilot, a shared mission: Extension and cancer prevention

A new pilot, a shared mission: Extension and cancer prevention

Since January of 2023, Ashley Ahrens has been the Health and Wellbeing Educator with Dawes, Sioux, Sheridan, and Box Butte County Extension. Her work focuses on supporting the health and well-being of people living in rural communities.

Hours-long hearing held on bathroom bill

Hours-long hearing held on bathroom bill

Who should be allowed to use communal bathrooms and locker rooms?

Norfolk woman sues guardian and service provider for allowing man with disabilities to remain soiled

Norfolk woman sues guardian and service provider for allowing man with disabilities to remain soiled

A Norfolk woman is suing Mosaic, claiming that an elderly client she cared for was allowed “numerous times” to come home from the provider’s day program covered in feces and smelling of urine.

Kimball Health Services welcomes new Board of Trustees member

Kimball Health Services welcomes new Board of Trustees member

Taryn Reader was sworn in as the newest member of the Kimball Health Services Board of Trustees Monday.

How new SNAP rules are being handled in local stores

How new SNAP rules are being handled in local stores

If you walked into a grocery store here in Nebraska and try to buy a quick drink using your EBT card, you might not be able to anymore.

Sen. Ricketts Addresses ICE Investigation, Government Shutdown, and Second Amendment

Sen. Ricketts Addresses ICE Investigation, Government Shutdown, and Second Amendment

U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts addressed a wide range of national issues Wednesday during a press conference, touching on the federal investigation into a Minnesota ICE custody death, a potential government shutdown, and Second Amendment rights.

Resident uninjured, pet overcome with smoke inhalation in Scottsbluff house fire

Resident uninjured, pet overcome with smoke inhalation in Scottsbluff house fire

Firefighters were called to a structure fire in Scottsbluff Tuesday evening. The resident was not home at the time. a dog was overcome with smoke inhalation.

Nebraska senator introduces bill to let 16-year-olds vote

Nebraska senator introduces bill to let 16-year-olds vote

A Nebraska state senator has introduced a bill aimed at engaging teens in the political process by lowering the voting age to 16.

School threat believed to be 'spoofing'

School threat believed to be 'spoofing'

Law enforcement, school officials investigate reported school threat in Burns, Wyo. No evidence of a threat was found.

Two County officials confirm departure from positions as 2026 election filing is underway

Two County officials confirm departure from positions as 2026 election filing is underway

Two long-time Kimball County officials have announced they will not be filing for re-election this year – County Clerk Cathy Sibal and District Court Clerk Deb Diemoz. 

ICE detains men at Douglas County Courthouse during pending criminal cases

ICE detains men at Douglas County Courthouse during pending criminal cases

The Omaha community watched closely Tuesday after several people were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement inside a courtroom.

Pierce golf course gets a financial lifeline

Pierce golf course gets a financial lifeline

The Pierce Golf Course, burdened by significant debt from past incidents and declining memberships, was saved by anonymous investors, ensuring its continued operation and community value.

Attorney General announces more than $1.2 Million in recoveries for consumers in 2025

Attorney General announces more than $1.2 Million in recoveries for consumers in 2025

Attorney General Hilgers announced the successful recovery of $1.2 million for consumers throughout 2025. Recoveries are when consumers lost money to a business or scam, and the Consumer Affairs Response Team facilitated the return of those funds.

Authorities respond to reported threat at Wheatland school

Authorities respond to reported threat at Wheatland school

Wheatland High School authorities reported a voicemail stating bombs were in the school. The Platte County (Wyoming) Sheriff's Office and several other agencies responded to the schools. The PCSO reports bomb threats were made to other Wyoming schools.

Man found dead in Adams County ditch

Man found dead in Adams County ditch

The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating a death after a body was found along a road in rural Adams County.

Behrens to return to Gering Public Schools as activities director

Behrens to return to Gering Public Schools as activities director

Gering Public Schools announced Jj Behrens will return to the district as activities director in July 2026.

DHHS won’t seek to cap Medicaid waiver caregiver hours for Nebraskans with disabilities, elderly

DHHS won’t seek to cap Medicaid waiver caregiver hours for Nebraskans with disabilities, elderly

Latest version of Medicaid waiver changes heads to second public comment period ending March 4

Garage fire extinguished in Sterling

Garage fire extinguished in Sterling

Sterling firefighters quickly contained a garage fire Tuesday afternoon in the 600 block of North Fourth Street, conducting searches and extinguishment operations with no injuries reported.

Cheyenne County Fair Board is reviewing events for the 2026 fair.

Cheyenne County Fair Board is reviewing events for the 2026 fair.

After two years in Cheyenne County, the Rubber Check Race will not be in the 2026 Cheyenne County Fair.

Students from three states to attend High Plains Band and Choir Festival

Students from three states to attend High Plains Band and Choir Festival

One hundred forty high school students from 24 schools in Nebraska, Wyoming, and South Dakota will attend Chadron State College’s annual High Plains Band and Choir Festival Monday, Feb. 2 and Tuesday, Feb. 3.

Jury convicts Omaha man for Distribution of Fentanyl Causing Death

Jury convicts Omaha man for Distribution of Fentanyl Causing Death

Tony” Billingsley, 65, of Omaha,  was found guilty Friday of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. Charges stem from a May 2024, incident,

Huskers’ 2026 Football Schedule Revealed

Huskers’ 2026 Football Schedule Revealed

The Big Ten announced its 2026 football schedule on Tuesday, providing all 18 schools with dates for their nine conference games.

Thousand of dollars in grants given to Nebraska communities

Thousand of dollars in grants given to Nebraska communities

Nine communities in Nebraska received grants for health, education and recreation.

Hastings City Council rejects proposal to abolish Utility Advisory Board

Hastings City Council rejects proposal to abolish Utility Advisory Board

The Hastings City Council rejected a proposal Monday to dismantle a key advisory board.

ICE arrests four at Douglas County courthouse before hearings

ICE arrests four at Douglas County courthouse before hearings

Federal immigration agents arrested four people at the Douglas County Courthouse on Monday morning.

Pillen signs executive order on THC industry in Nebraska

Pillen signs executive order on THC industry in Nebraska

Nebraska’s governor is making a move to crack down on what he calls a dangerous THC market.

Fund raiser underway for SRMC nurse facing cancer

Fund raiser underway for SRMC nurse facing cancer

A fund raising support campaign is underway for Sidney Regional Medical Center RN Minna See who was recently diagnosed with cancer.

State audit says Hall County overcharged on College Park lease

State audit says Hall County overcharged on College Park lease

Nebraska Auditors say that Hall county was overcharged tens of thousands of dollars on a lease for the Extension office in Grand Island.

Nebraska Panhandle child care representatives visit Capitol in support of LB304

Nebraska Panhandle child care representatives visit Capitol in support of LB304

PANHANDLE -- Representatives from local child care centers in the Nebraska Panhandle visited the Capitol last week to express their support of LB304: Child Care Assistance for Working Families. LB304 is a bill that will keep child care assistance within t

Kimball’s Band Director to retire; recognized with SPVA Conference Lifetime Achievement Award

Kimball’s Band Director to retire; recognized with SPVA Conference Lifetime Achievement Award

Band Director Kristi Hiles-Smith was recognized at the SPVA Championship with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedication and leadership to the students.

Cheyenne County Fair Board removes midway carnival from 2026 fair plans

Cheyenne County Fair Board removes midway carnival from 2026 fair plans

The Cheyenne County Fair Board voted to remove the traditional midway carnival from the 2026 fair, citing financial concerns and low attendance, as officials shift focus toward long-term sustainability.

Southeast Nebraska teacher arrested for alleged relationship with former student

Southeast Nebraska teacher arrested for alleged relationship with former student

A Southeast Nebraska sixth-grade teacher has been arrested over an alleged relationship with a former student.

Nebraska Extension to host beef feedlot roundtable in Bridgeport

Nebraska Extension to host beef feedlot roundtable in Bridgeport

Nebraska Extension invites feedlot owners, managers, employees, and allied industry professionals to attend the 2026 Beef Feedlot Roundtable Series. Discussions will focus on feedlot management, cattle health, nutrition, and market outlooks.

Aurora schools placed on lockdown after reported threat

Aurora schools placed on lockdown after reported threat

Aurora High School and Aurora Middle school were placed on lockdown after threats on Monday.

Logan County, Colorado Fair Board announces 2026 Fair Marshals

Logan County, Colorado Fair Board announces 2026 Fair Marshals

Darrell and Beryl Wagner are the 2026 Logan County Fair Marshals. They have a county fair story than spans generations from showing animals to competing in the arena.

Longtime northeast Nebraska county judge set to retire

Longtime northeast Nebraska county judge set to retire

A judge with nearly a quarter-century of experience on the bench is set to retire.

Gov. Pillen officially running for reelection

Gov. Pillen officially running for reelection

Gov. Jim Pillen officially filled to run for re-election as Governor of Nebraska.

Nebraska Troopers arrest California man and woman in stolen Kansas vehicle

Nebraska Troopers arrest California man and woman in stolen Kansas vehicle

A California man and woman are facing charges in Cheyenne County after they were arrested in a stolen Kansas car.

Madison county fair announces 2026 concert lineup

Madison county fair announces 2026 concert lineup

The Madison County Fair has announced its concert lineup for 2026.

Northeast Nebraska school eyes $25 Million expansion to replace aging facilities

Northeast Nebraska school eyes $25 Million expansion to replace aging facilities

St. Francis Elementary is planning a $25 million expansion to replace its aging facilities, which suffer from outdated structures, accessibility issues, and limited capacity, hindering the school's ability to accommodate modern technology

Omaha airport terminal evacuated after threat reported

Omaha airport terminal evacuated after threat reported

Passengers put on buses to keep warm during security sweep; Eppley Airfield operations returned to normal after about an hour

UNO student body president to run for Board of Regents

UNO student body president to run for Board of Regents

Drew Leisy, the current student body president at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, announced that he is running for the University of Nebraska Board of Regents in District 4.

31 more indicted in ATM jackpotting investigation

31 more indicted in ATM jackpotting investigation

Dozens more people face federal charges related to an ongoing investigation into so-called ATM jackpotting, a scheme that uses malware to force machines to dispense cash.

Body of missing at-risk Sidney woman found; investigation underway

Body of missing at-risk Sidney woman found; investigation underway

Authorities confirmed the body of missing at-risk Sidney woman Kara L. Bancroft-Westman was found Sunday, and local law enforcement agencies say a joint investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death is ongoing.

Record cold shatters temperature marks across western Nebraska

Record cold shatters temperature marks across western Nebraska

Record-setting arctic cold shattered decades-old temperature records across western Nebraska as Sidney, Alliance and Chadron posted new daily lows, with wind chills as low as minus 35 before a warming trend is expected to move in early this week.

Early morning head-on crash claims life of driver

Early morning head-on crash claims life of driver

Colorado State Patrol responded to an early morning report of a truck-trailer colliding head-on with a sedan on US. 287 in Larimer County, Colo.

Interview: Gov. Pillen talks budget plan, support of Nebraska Medicine purchase

Interview: Gov. Pillen talks budget plan, support of Nebraska Medicine purchase

The Nebraska Unicameral's 60-day legislative session is underway in Lincoln.

12-year-old boy life flighted from Lincoln hospital due to severe malnourishment

12-year-old boy life flighted from Lincoln hospital due to severe malnourishment

A 12-year-old boy was life flighted after being admitted to a Lincoln hospital due to severe malnourishment earlier in January.

Sidney speech team finishes runner-up at Bridgeport invitational

Sidney speech team finishes runner-up at Bridgeport invitational

Sidney speech earned runner-up at Saturday’s Bridgeport Invitational.

Videos show deadly Minneapolis shooting and political leaders reach different conclusions

Videos show deadly Minneapolis shooting and political leaders reach different conclusions

Videos quickly emerged Saturday showing the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis protester by a Border Patrol agent.