State 

Fair Board cancels Rubber Check Race for 2026
Fair Board cancels Rubber Check Race for 2026

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

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.

Stanton County records high arrest and citation totals in 2025

Stanton County records high arrest and citation totals in 2025

The Stanton County Sheriff’s Office is touting its year-end arrest and citation numbers.

Man is shot and killed during Minneapolis immigration crackdown, National Guard activated

Man is shot and killed during Minneapolis immigration crackdown, National Guard activated

A federal immigration officer shot and killed a man Saturday in Minneapolis, drawing hundreds of protesters onto the frigidly cold streets in a city already shaken by another fatal shooting weeks earlier.

Chadron State College to host ninth annual Best of the West

Chadron State College to host ninth annual Best of the West

The Chadron State College Business Academy will host the ninth annual Best of the West Business Competition for regional high school students in the Student Center Tuesday.

Northeast Nebraska nonprofit expands to serve more in need

Northeast Nebraska nonprofit expands to serve more in need

A Northeast nonprofit is expanding its facilities to better serve the community after providing essential clothing to over 2,500 people in 2025

Gurley man arrested for possession of methamphetamine

Gurley man arrested for possession of methamphetamine

Nicholas Nowak, Gurley, was arrested January 17 in a traffic stop for possession of methamphetamine. Arraignment is scheduled for February 9.

Results for 2025 Nebraska Pea variety testing released

Results for 2025 Nebraska Pea variety testing released

Twenty-two varieties of the Winter Pea trials were planted near Sidney and Grant. This year's winter pea trial at Cheyenne County was fair. The trial was planted on tilled ground under a linear irrigation system.

Authorities investigate fire that destroyed Stanton County sheriff’s vehicle

Authorities investigate fire that destroyed Stanton County sheriff’s vehicle

Authorities are investigating a fire that totaled a sheriff’s patrol vehicle.

A Blair animal shelter cancels fundraiser after alleged disrespect toward staff and volunteers

A Blair animal shelter cancels fundraiser after alleged disrespect toward staff and volunteers

After issues with Jordan's Way's founder, the Blair Animal shelter was forced to cancel a fundraiser before it even started.

Battle Creek dam project denied at January board meeting

Battle Creek dam project denied at January board meeting

The plan for a dam near Battle Creek is off the table for now.

State Sen. Strommen highlights legislative progress, bills advancing in 2026 session

State Sen. Strommen highlights legislative progress, bills advancing in 2026 session

State Sen. Paul Strommen says 545 bills have been introduced in the 2026 legislative session, with public hearings now underway.

State planning to move boys from troubled Kearney youth center to Omaha

State planning to move boys from troubled Kearney youth center to Omaha

State leaders plan to move all boys out of Kearney’s state-run youth treatment center months after multiple allegations of sexual abuse there. 

Cheyenne police investigate in-custody death following DUI call

Cheyenne police investigate in-custody death following DUI call

Cheyenne police are investigating an in-custody death that occurred early Sunday following a DUI-related call near West 9th Street and Deming Drive.

Former corrections officer arrested for sexual abuse of an inmate

Former corrections officer arrested for sexual abuse of an inmate

Nebraska State Patrol Investigators arrested Christopher Schlosser, 55, of Scottsbluff, Thursday for one count of sexual abuse of an inmate. The arrest occurred at Schlosser’s home.

NWS advises ahead of dangerous cold and snow potential

NWS advises ahead of dangerous cold and snow potential

The National Weather service says that very cold temperatures and strong winds are producing life-threatening wind chills ranging from -20 to -35 degrees this morning.

Sidney Middle School release honor roll student names

Sidney Middle School release honor roll student names

Sidney Middle School recently announced first semester and second quarter Honor Roll students.

Sidney High School announces Honor Roll students

Sidney High School announces Honor Roll students

The Sidney High School administration recently released the names of 2025-2026 Honor Roll students

Born with a less than a 4% chance of survival, Nebraska’s ‘miracle’ quadruplets ready for 18th birthday

Born with a less than a 4% chance of survival, Nebraska’s ‘miracle’ quadruplets ready for 18th birthday

When Rachel Woollen gave birth to quadruplets 17 weeks early, they had a less than 4% chance of all surviving. They’re about to celebrate their 18th birthday.

Grass fire burns several acres northeast of Norfolk

Grass fire burns several acres northeast of Norfolk

A grass fire drew a response from several different departments Thursday afternoon in northeast Nebraska.

CHI Health offers frostbite safety tips

CHI Health offers frostbite safety tips

As the temperatures continue to drop, cold-related issues like frostbites can happen.

Sidney ticket wins $3,125 in Nebraska Pick 4 drawing

Sidney ticket wins $3,125 in Nebraska Pick 4 drawing

A lucky Nebraska Pick 4 ticket sold in Sidney is worth $3,125. The winning ticket was purchased at Git ‘n Split on Illinois Street.

Tale of two Nebraska cities: Use of mayoral pardons varies widely in Lincoln and Omaha

Tale of two Nebraska cities: Use of mayoral pardons varies widely in Lincoln and Omaha

Jasmine Harris faced job rejections due to a misdemeanor conviction. The conviction haunted her. In 2017, she received a mayoral pardon in Omaha, one of Nebraska's two cities offering such clemency.

Sudden, severe cold linked to 'tree explosions'

Sudden, severe cold linked to 'tree explosions'

Wind chills of 20 degrees below are forecast to follow today's above-freezing temperatures

Ice jams prompt Flood Advisory for parts of Platte and Butler counties

Ice jams prompt Flood Advisory for parts of Platte and Butler counties

The National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory for the Loup River in parts of Platte and Butler counties.

City council approves first reading of Contractor Registration Ordinance

City council approves first reading of Contractor Registration Ordinance

The city council unanimously approved the first reading of the Building Contractor Ordinance No. 484 in the meeting Tuesday evening with one change from previous discussions.

County tables request for fire department backup generators KENO funding

County tables request for fire department backup generators KENO funding

The Cheyenne County Commissioners tabled a request by the Potter Volunteer Fire Department for KENO funds to help purchase back-up generators.

Modular homes speed up affordable housing project in Columbus

Modular homes speed up affordable housing project in Columbus

NeighborWorks Northeast Nebraska is adding 15 affordable housing units to Columbus' Quail Meadows neighborhood using customized modular homes to expedite construction, with down payment assistance available for eligible homebuyers

Bennet community raises money for family after boy's death

Bennet community raises money for family after boy's death

A southeast Nebraska community is raising money for a local family after the tragic death of 7-year-old boy.

Organization files suit over DOJ request for Nebraska voter data

Organization files suit over DOJ request for Nebraska voter data

A U.S. Department of Justice request for voter data is facing some pushback in Nebraska.

University of Nebraska, Clarkson reorganize Nebraska Medicine board following lawsuit

University of Nebraska, Clarkson reorganize Nebraska Medicine board following lawsuit

The owners of Nebraska Medicine are reorganizing the entity’s board of directors after the board filed suit against the owners.

Dangerously cold wind chills expected across Panhandle, eastern Colorado

Dangerously cold wind chills expected across Panhandle, eastern Colorado

Bitter cold is on the way. Wind chills as low as 30 below zero are expected Friday morning across western Nebraska and eastern Colorado, with dangerously cold conditions continuing through the weekend.

Nebraska planning to move boys from troubled Kearney youth center to Omaha

Nebraska planning to move boys from troubled Kearney youth center to Omaha

State leaders in Nebraska plan to move boys from Kearney’s youth treatment center to a youth prison in Omaha after allegations of sexual abuse.

Shed fire in Northeast Nebraska a total loss

Shed fire in Northeast Nebraska a total loss

A shed fire in Northeast Nebraska prompted a response from fire officials, with the cause under investigation and the shed declared a total loss

Grass fire rages for hours in Hall County

Grass fire rages for hours in Hall County

A grass fire broke out near the west exit of Grand Island along Interstate 80 on Wednesday afternoon, creating flames and smoke visible from miles away and prompting a multi-agency response. 

New fire hall to centralize equipment for Potter

New fire hall to centralize equipment for Potter

A six-bay 9,000-plus square foot new fire hall will help Potter Volunteer Fire Department store all of its equipment in one place.

City council rejects proposed personnel committee in split vote

City council rejects proposed personnel committee in split vote

City council voted on a proposed resolution Tuesday evening with a 3 - 2 vote, rejecting the creation of a city personnel committee.

Pillen has meeting with Tyson, pushing for answers on future of Lexington plant

Pillen has meeting with Tyson, pushing for answers on future of Lexington plant

Nebraska's governor is pushing Tyson to make decisions about the future of its facility as the corporation shuts down its operations.

No injuries reported after shots fired call in Scottsbluff

No injuries reported after shots fired call in Scottsbluff

A Minatare man was arrested after police responded to a shots fired call in Scottsbluff late Tuesday night. No injuries were reported.