State 

Garden County Health Services converting to Rural Emergency Hospital
Garden County Health Services converting to Rural Emergency Hospital

Regional West Garden County Hospital in Oshkosh will convert to a Rural Emergency Hospital (REH), hospital and rural health officials said.

College students learn to dress for success

College students learn to dress for success

A northeast college is helping students dress for success with little to no cost.

Nebraska state agency awards millions to out-of-state nonprofit formerly run by agency’s director

Nebraska state agency awards millions to out-of-state nonprofit formerly run by agency’s director

When Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services announced its plan to divvy up millions in opioid settlement money, one recipient stood out: The Central Wyoming Counseling Center.

Miss USA spends holiday season in Gordon, Nebraska

Miss USA spends holiday season in Gordon, Nebraska

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.

Man caught with more than 17 pounds of fentanyl in Nebraska traffic stop, deputies say

Man caught with more than 17 pounds of fentanyl in Nebraska traffic stop, deputies say

An Omaha man was arrested after Seward County sheriff’s deputies uncovered 35.2 pounds of drugs during a traffic stop on I-80.

Nebraska minimum wage jumps to $15.00 an hour in 2026

Nebraska minimum wage jumps to $15.00 an hour in 2026

Starting in 2026, Nebraska will have a new minimum wage, and a new rate in how it will increase moving forward.

Nebraska man arrested with 55 pounds of meth disguised as Christmas presents, police say

Nebraska man arrested with 55 pounds of meth disguised as Christmas presents, police say

A Nebraska man was arrested Monday after Kentucky authorities found 55 pounds of suspected methamphetamine disguised as Christmas presents inside a vehicle.

One found dead after explosion near Murdock, authorities say

One found dead after explosion near Murdock, authorities say

Emergency crews respond to explosion near Murdock

Fire crews contain garage fire in Iliff early Christmas morning

Fire crews contain garage fire in Iliff early Christmas morning

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

Santee Sioux host Day of Remembrance to honor those who died in 1862 mass execution

Santee Sioux host Day of Remembrance to honor those who died in 1862 mass execution

38 ancestors of the Santee Sioux Nation died in a mass execution in Minnesota 163 years ago.

Police: Cow injures man at vet clinic, escapes, then is shot by deputy

Police: Cow injures man at vet clinic, escapes, then is shot by deputy

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

Christian Cross Festival announces lineup for 22nd festival

Christian Cross Festival announces lineup for 22nd festival

A popular Christian music festival in northeast Nebraska has announced four of its featured acts for this summer.

86-year-old man arrested after shooting man and barricading himself in a home, police say

86-year-old man arrested after shooting man and barricading himself in a home, police say

SAUNDERS COUNTY, Neb. (WOWT) - The Saunders County Sheriff’s Office said a suspect barricaded himself in a home south of Fremont after a 68-year-old man was shot there Wednesday afternoon. SCSO said in a Wednesday night release that the victim, who

Armored vehicle passenger dies in wrong-way crash

Armored vehicle passenger dies in wrong-way crash

A passenger in an armored vehicle has died following an accident in Central Nebraska.

Warmest Christmas on record sets new temperature marks

Warmest Christmas on record sets new temperature marks

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.

Sidney High School students spread Christmas cheer through caroling across community

Sidney High School students spread Christmas cheer through caroling across community

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

Scottsbluff police cite driver after pedestrian struck, vehicle leaves scene

Scottsbluff police cite driver after pedestrian struck, vehicle leaves scene

Scottsbluff police cited an 88-year-old driver after a pedestrian was struck in a crosswalk Christmas Eve and the vehicle left the scene.

Berlie sworn in as new Hall County Sheriff

Berlie sworn in as new Hall County Sheriff

A Grand Island native is taking over as sheriff of his home county.

Man dies in ‘freak accident’ in McDonald’s drive thru in Grand Island

Man dies in ‘freak accident’ in McDonald’s drive thru in Grand Island

HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) - A Grand Island man has died in what police are calling a “freak accident” in a McDonald’s drive-thru Tuesday morning. Police and firefighters were called just before 10:30 a.m. to the McDonalds on 2nd Street, wher

One arrested after pursuit with stolen U-Haul

One arrested after pursuit with stolen U-Haul

Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested one person after a pursuit of a stolen U-Haul in Omaha.

Kimball officer, deputy graduate from Nebraska Police Academy

Kimball officer, deputy graduate from Nebraska Police Academy

The Kimball Police Department and Sheriff’s Office each have a newly certified officer following the Nebraska Police Academy graduation last week.

Two injured in vehicle-pedestrian crash in Sterling parking lot

Two injured in vehicle-pedestrian crash in Sterling parking lot

Sterling police are investigating a parking lot crash that left two people injured after a driver struck coworkers Tuesday morning.

Former Nebraska US Sen. Ben Sasse reveals advanced pancreatic cancer diagnosis

Former Nebraska US Sen. Ben Sasse reveals advanced pancreatic cancer diagnosis

Former Nebraska U.S. Senator Ben Sasse has announced his diagnosis of advanced pancreatic cancer.

Preliminary Hearing date set for Lodgepole man

Preliminary Hearing date set for Lodgepole man

SIDNEY -- Raymond A Borges, 55, of Lodgepole, is scheduled for his Preliminary Hearing 8:45 a.m. December 30 in Cheyenne County Court. He is facing charges of Second Degree Assault (Class 2A Felony), Terroristic Threats (Class 3A Felony) and False Impriso

Northeast Nebraska woman embraces childhood roots in giving back to the community

Northeast Nebraska woman embraces childhood roots in giving back to the community

The holiday time is all about the season of giving and for one northeast Nebraska woman that means a lot more than presents.

Sidney man scheduled for December 29 Preliminary Hearing

Sidney man scheduled for December 29 Preliminary Hearing

The Preliminary Trial for Sterling Crockett is scheduled for December 29 in Cheyenne County Court. He is facing charges of False Imprisonment, Terroristic Threats, and Assault.

AG Hilgers announces successful resolution in OPPD lawsuit

AG Hilgers announces successful resolution in OPPD lawsuit

Attorney General Mike Hilgers filed a notice of Voluntary Dismissal of his lawsuit against Omaha Public Power District (OPPD). Public power providers are supposed to prioritize affordability and reliability. OPPD's past proposal furthered neither.

Record high temperatures shatter decades-old marks across Panhandle, southeast Wyoming

Record high temperatures shatter decades-old marks across Panhandle, southeast Wyoming

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

An American Dream at risk: What happens to a small Nebraska town when 3,200 workers lose their jobs

An American Dream at risk: What happens to a small Nebraska town when 3,200 workers lose their jobs

Tyson Foods is closing its beef plant in Lexington, Nebraska, laying off 3,200 workers next month in a town of just 11,000.

St. Johns Lutheran Church and Good Neighbors unite to spread Christmas cheer

St. Johns Lutheran Church and Good Neighbors unite to spread Christmas cheer

St. Johns Lutheran Church and Good Neighbors in Norfolk partnered to provide holiday meals and gifts to 155 families, showcasing the community's spirit of giving and support

Columbus area vertical voices harmonize support for local non-profits

Columbus area vertical voices harmonize support for local non-profits

Columbus Area Vertical Voices blend musical talent with community support, raising funds for local non-profits like Youth and Families for Christ and the Columbus Rescue Mission

Teen injured in collision involving tractor and SUV

Teen injured in collision involving tractor and SUV

A teenager is in the hospital after an accident involving a tractor and an SUV.

Kimball County Manor hosts first holiday pajama party

Kimball County Manor hosts first holiday pajama party

The Kimball County Manor staff brought the holiday spirit to the residents Monday by throwing a pajama party.

Sidney police, fire and EMS conduct active shooter training at high school

Sidney police, fire and EMS conduct active shooter training at high school

Sidney police, fire and EMS held a large-scale active shooter training exercise Sunday at Sidney High School while students were on winter break.

Cabela’s headquarters back in local hands and an Economic Development Corporation is on the way in Sidney

Cabela’s headquarters back in local hands and an Economic Development Corporation is on the way in Sidney

Sidney may soon have its own Economic Development Corporation, a nonprofit model used across rural Nebraska to support small businesses and workforce development.

Longtime Scotts Bluff Cuunty dispatcher Nancy Neal retires after more than 36 years of service

Longtime Scotts Bluff Cuunty dispatcher Nancy Neal retires after more than 36 years of service

After more than three decades behind the headset, longtime dispatcher Nancy Neal is retiring from the Scotts Bluff County Communications Center.

Cheyenne police arrest two teens, one adult in alleged murder plot

Cheyenne police arrest two teens, one adult in alleged murder plot

Cheyenne police arrested two teens and an 18-year-old following a coordinated warrant operation tied to an alleged plot to kill an individual earlier this month.

Muddy eruption at Yellowstone's Black Diamond Pool captured on video

Muddy eruption at Yellowstone's Black Diamond Pool captured on video

A muddy eruption at Black Diamond Pool in Yellowstone National Park has been captured on camera.

Bridgeport couple enjoys $1,000 shopping spree across Sidney businesses

Bridgeport couple enjoys $1,000 shopping spree across Sidney businesses

A $1,000 Shopping Spree turned into a full “treat yourself” day Saturday for Nate Rahmig and his girlfriend Ashton Van Anne.

Head-on collision kills one south of North Platte

Head-on collision kills one south of North Platte

One person died in a head-on collision between a semi-truck and a vehicle pulling a livestock trailer on Highway 83 Saturday morning.

Northeast Nebraska ice rink is keeping its doors open despite warmer weather

Northeast Nebraska ice rink is keeping its doors open despite warmer weather

Warmer weather is bringing caution to a northeast Nebraska ice rink.

Combat training is a rite of passage for police recruits. It's left a trail of deaths and injuries

Combat training is a rite of passage for police recruits. It's left a trail of deaths and injuries

Combat training drills are a rite of passage for police recruits nationwide, and an Associated Press investigation finds they've left a trail of deaths and injuries.

Nebraska State Patrol Graduates 72nd Recruit Class

Nebraska State Patrol Graduates 72nd Recruit Class

Eighteen new Nebraska State Troopers are ready to begin serving across the state.

Chadron State College announces academic honors for students

Chadron State College announces academic honors for students

Chadron State College has announced the undergraduate students on the Fall 2025 President’s and Dean’s Lists.

NORAD continues decades-long tradition of tracking Santa's trip around the world

NORAD continues decades-long tradition of tracking Santa's trip around the world

For the 70th year in a row, people of all ages will be able to get updates on Santa's journey around the world from the North American Aerospace Defense Command in Colorado.

Forecasters issue rare weather warning as strong gusts fuel wildfire threats in Colorado

Forecasters issue rare weather warning as strong gusts fuel wildfire threats in Colorado

The National Weather Service has issued a rare warning for part of the Colorado Front Range as hurricane-force winds and tinder dry conditions have boosted the threat of wildfire.

Last weekend for 2025 All Is Bright tour

Last weekend for 2025 All Is Bright tour

Dig out your craziest, funniest Christmas sweater for the last weekend of the All Is Bright 2025.

End of an Era for Norfolk's Beloved Video Store

End of an Era for Norfolk's Beloved Video Store

After 31 years of serving the community with VHS tapes, DVDs, and video games, a local video store in Norfolk, Nebraska, is closing its doors due to declining in-person sales amid the rise of streaming services

Three Nebraska deputies receive lifesaving award

Three Nebraska deputies receive lifesaving award

Three off-duty deputies received an award from the Nebraska State Fair for their response to a medical emergency this summer.

High West Energy reporting outages

High West Energy reporting outages

High West Energy is reporting outages in the Panhandle and into Wyoming and Colorado.

Northeast Nebraska natives give back to their alma-mater

Northeast Nebraska natives give back to their alma-mater

Two northeast Nebraska natives are continuing to give back to the places they call home.

Former Wheatbelt Exec testifies on electric grid security

Former Wheatbelt Exec testifies on electric grid security

Tim Lindahl, former Wheatbelt Public Power District CEO and current CEO of Kenergy in Kentucky, spoke before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Energy power grid security.

The mysterious death of a teen at Pillen Family Farms

The mysterious death of a teen at Pillen Family Farms

A 17-year-old worker died at a Nebraska hog farm owned by the governor’s family. Two investigations later, the boy’s mother is still searching for answers.

Alliance Police Department welcomes new officer

Alliance Police Department welcomes new officer

ALLIANCE -- The Alliance Police Department announces its newest officer, Chris Laake, to the department’s team of dedicated professionals. “We are proud to welcome Chris to the Alliance Police Department family,” said Chief David Leavitt

Sterling police report busy week

Sterling police report busy week

Sterling police handled multiple incidents this week, including stolen vehicle recoveries and a DUI crash involving patrol vehicles.

Sterling firefighters contain garage fire on Pawnee Drive

Sterling firefighters contain garage fire on Pawnee Drive

Sterling firefighters quickly knocked down a garage fire Thursday night, preventing flames from spreading into a nearby home.

Fundraising for the 'big show'

Fundraising for the 'big show'

Austin Hurt is holding a fundraiser to attend the National Finals Little Britches Rodeo in Oklahoma. Gift wrapping and baked goods will be available at 936 10th Ave. in Sidney December 21.

Red Flag warnings and high winds create dangerous fire weather across region

Red Flag warnings and high winds create dangerous fire weather across region

Strong winds, low humidity and dry grasses are creating dangerous wildfire conditions across southeast Wyoming and the Nebraska Panhandle, with officials urging extreme caution Friday.

Chadron State College specialty license plate interest form remains open

Chadron State College specialty license plate interest form remains open

Nebraska residents may soon have the opportunity to display their Eagle Pride statewide through a specialty license plate featuring Chadron State College’s iconic C-Hill.

Hurricane-force wind downs power lines, fans wildfires in Colorado with more on way

Hurricane-force wind downs power lines, fans wildfires in Colorado with more on way

Work crews are mopping up but bracing for more after hurricane-force wind downed power lines and fanned wildfires along the Colorado Front Range and onto the Great Plains.

Non-profit working to open warming shelter in Norfolk

Non-profit working to open warming shelter in Norfolk

In the winter months some are left out in the cold but one northeast Nebraska non-profit is doing something to help.

Tren De Aragua members indicted in multi-million dollar ATM jackpotting scheme

Tren De Aragua members indicted in multi-million dollar ATM jackpotting scheme

A federal grand jury has returned two indictments charging 54 individuals for their roles in “ATM jackpotting.” TM Jackpotting deploys malware to steal millions of dollars from ATMs in the United States. 

Home Instead program fights senior loneliness with gifts and visits

Home Instead program fights senior loneliness with gifts and visits

What started as a handful of gifts to area seniors experiencing loneliness has blossomed into something big in Northeast Nebraska

January 9 arraignment set for Mitchell mayor

January 9 arraignment set for Mitchell mayor

Mitchell Mayor Paul Murrell is due for arraignment in Scotts Bluff County Court January 9 after the State Auditor received allegations of misconduct.

Yuma County wildfires contained after burning more than 14,000 acres

Yuma County wildfires contained after burning more than 14,000 acres

Officials say all wildfires sparked by powerful winds in Yuma County are now contained, with damage assessments underway.