State 

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.

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.

New superintendent announced for Norfolk Public Schools

New superintendent announced for Norfolk Public Schools

Erik Wilson has been with Norfolk Public Schools for 25 years, he is currently the Associate Superintendent, and was voted to become the next superintendent. 

Norfolk Avenue Bridge to become more pedestrian-friendly

Norfolk Avenue Bridge to become more pedestrian-friendly

One highly trafficked bridge in Northeast Nebraska is becoming more accessible to pedestrians.

Kimball County first responders receive Life Saving Award

Kimball County first responders receive Life Saving Award

The Kimball County Sheriff’s Office presented Life Saving Awards to Kimball County first responders at the County Commissioners Meeting Tuesday morning.

Final portion of highway 275 project is under contract

Final portion of highway 275 project is under contract

The final phase of a major construction project has now entered its final phase.

Sidney police appoint Jose Ruiz as lieutenant, operations commander

Sidney police appoint Jose Ruiz as lieutenant, operations commander

Sidney Police have named Jose Ruiz as lieutenant and operations commander. Ruiz brings more than 20 years of law enforcement experience, including service as Kimball’s police chief, and is expected to be on full duty next month.

Ohio man charged in Grand Island murder case remains unfit for trial

Ohio man charged in Grand Island murder case remains unfit for trial

An Ohio man accused of killing a Missouri resident at a rest stop near Grand Island has again been ruled unfit to stand trial.

Lynne Walz enters race for governor

Lynne Walz enters race for governor

Former state senator Lynne Walz announced Wednesday morning that she is going to seek the Democratic nomination for governor in the May primary.

City Council approves interim Police Chief following Chief Ruiz’s resignation

City Council approves interim Police Chief following Chief Ruiz’s resignation

The Kimball City Council accepted the resignation of Police Chief Jose Ruiz Tuesday evening, and unanimously approved Sergeant Jose Barboza to be Interim Chief.

Roelle new Extension Instructor for Cheyenne, Deuel counties

Roelle new Extension Instructor for Cheyenne, Deuel counties

Nebraska Extension Cheyenne County recently announced Ashlyn Roelle as the new Extension Instructor for Cheyenne and Deuel counties.

Texas-based Buc-ee’s likely headed to Gretna

Texas-based Buc-ee’s likely headed to Gretna

Mayor foresees mega convenience store with 100 gas pumps as catalyst for city’s ‘good life district’

Ricketts touts tax cuts during Nebraska roundtable tour

Ricketts touts tax cuts during Nebraska roundtable tour

Senator Pete Ricketts is campaigning for reelection in Nebraska, touting tax cuts during a tour that includes discussions with community leaders and highlighting potential economic benefits for families

NPPD donates $15K to WNCC

NPPD donates $15K to WNCC

Western Nebraska Community College received a $15,000 donation from the Nebraska Public Power District.

Small exterior fire quickly extinguished at Sidney home

Small exterior fire quickly extinguished at Sidney home

Sidney firefighters responded to a reported structure fire Tuesday evening on Newton Street. Crews quickly located and extinguished a small exterior fire, limiting damage.

Troopers find 169 LBs of cocaine after suspect abandons vehicle

Troopers find 169 LBs of cocaine after suspect abandons vehicle

A California man was taken into custody by Nebraska State Patrol following a January 13 incident in Aurora, Neb.

Mitchell firefighters contain grass fire north of town

Mitchell firefighters contain grass fire north of town

Mitchell firefighters knocked down a grass fire north of town Monday afternoon after quick action by a road grader operator helped keep it from spreading.

Grand Island woman found incompetent for trial again in headstone fraud case

Grand Island woman found incompetent for trial again in headstone fraud case

A Grand Island woman charged with 46 counts of theft has been deemed incompetent for trial again.

Sidney residents gather downtown to share views on national issues

Sidney residents gather downtown to share views on national issues

A small group of residents gathered in downtown Sidney Tuesday afternoon to share concerns about national issues, while others in the community offered differing perspectives shaped by personal experience.

Bridgeport speech team wins Class C/D title at Scottsbluff meet

Bridgeport speech team wins Class C/D title at Scottsbluff meet

Bridgeport’s speech team took first overall and the Class C/D title at the Scottsbluff Speech Meet.

Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO to step down

Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO to step down

President and CEO of the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce announced he is stepping down after eight years. 

Kimball student places first in Poetry at Scottsbluff Bearcat Speech Meet

Kimball student places first in Poetry at Scottsbluff Bearcat Speech Meet

Kimball Speech started out the semester with success at the Scottsbluff Bearcat Speech Meet Saturday.

Former Hastings College wrestler charged of recording roommate in shower

Former Hastings College wrestler charged of recording roommate in shower

A former wrestler at Hastings College is being accused of recording his roommate while she was in the shower. 

Grand Island man arrested related to several burglary investigations

Grand Island man arrested related to several burglary investigations

A 39-year-old was arrested in connection with multiple burglary investigations in Grand Island.

Nebraska bill would require civics test for lawmakers

Nebraska bill would require civics test for lawmakers

A bill would require Nebraska lawmakers to complete a civics knowledge test within 90 days of taking their oath in office.

'The Depot' in Potter opens it doors to the Panhandle

'The Depot' in Potter opens it doors to the Panhandle

'The Depot' opened Monday in grand fanfare with vendors sharing their products, enjoying an overflow crowd as the historic grocery store is reopened.

Nebraska Medicine sues to block $800M Board of Regents deal with Clarkson

Nebraska Medicine sues to block $800M Board of Regents deal with Clarkson

Nebraska Medicine board of directors is suing the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.

Middle school students invited to apply for 2026 National Civics Bee

Middle school students invited to apply for 2026 National Civics Bee

Middle school students across the Nebraska Panhandle are invited to apply for the 2026 National Civics Bee, with a chance to advance to a national competition in Washington, D.C.

Kimball candidates file to run for Mayor, two council seats

Kimball candidates file to run for Mayor, two council seats

Candidates have begun filing for the three municipal offices scheduled to appear on the ballot for the City of Kimball’s 2026 election, including two City Council seats and the Office of Mayor.

Photos: Grand opening of Potter's new general store 'The Depot'

Photos: Grand opening of Potter's new general store 'The Depot'

Photos from the grand opening of "The Depot," a new general store and commercial kitchen space in Potter, on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. Congratulations Drew Enevoldsen and family. Full story coming on newschannelnebraska.com.

Bill would require Nebraska students to learn about communism

Bill would require Nebraska students to learn about communism

A Nebraska senator wants schools to teach students the dangers of communism. State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, proposed LB 1024 last week.

Rep. Flood says Nebraskans can expect larger tax refunds

Rep. Flood says Nebraskans can expect larger tax refunds

Tax season is about to begin as 1099s and W-2s arrive in mailboxes across Nebraska. 

U.S. Education Department pauses wage garnishment

U.S. Education Department pauses wage garnishment

The U.S. Department of Education announced it is pausing plans to garnish wages of student loan borrowers in default. The seizure of tax refunds and other federal benefits from borrowers with student loan debt are also being delayed.

Electrical fire destroys trailer home in Terrytown

Electrical fire destroys trailer home in Terrytown

An electrical fire destroyed a trailer home in Terrytown on Saturday afternoon.

Grass fire west of Highway 71 burns 76 acres in Banner County

Grass fire west of Highway 71 burns 76 acres in Banner County

Strong winds fueled a grass fire in Banner County on Sunday, burning 76 acres west of Highway 71. Firefighters from multiple departments contained the blaze, which was caused by a downed power line.

Sidney speech team wins Western Conference title at Scottsbluff

Sidney speech team wins Western Conference title at Scottsbluff

Sidney earns team title at Western Conference Speech Meet on Saturday in Scottsbluff.