High Wind Watch, Fire Weather Watch issued for region as winter weather looms

High Wind and Fire Weather Watches issued for the Nebraska Panhandle, southeast Wyoming and northeast Colorado.

February 16, 2026Updated: February 16, 2026

By News Channel Nebraska

Regional

University of Nebraska releases statement about Sidney plans at former Cabela’s headquarters

University of Nebraska releases statement about Sidney plans at former Cabela’s headquarters

A Colorado man arrested after high-speed pursuit on I-80 in Nebraska

Julesburg man arrested after high-speed pursuit on I-80 in Nebraska

Road closure notice in Kimball

Road closure notice in Kimball

Crews gain ground on Ashby, Minor fires as Red Flag Warning returns to western Nebraska

Crews gain ground on Ashby, Minor fires as Red Flag Warning returns to western Nebraska

Sidney Police, Sheriff’s Office to conduct joint school safety training following hoax call

Sidney Police, Sheriff’s Office to conduct joint school safety training following hoax call

Area schools post strong finishes at NSAA State Speech Championships

Area schools post strong finishes at NSAA State Speech Championships

State

Bertrand community rallies to support firefighters battling Johnson Hills Fire

Weekend fire in Peru prompts wide response from across state

Donations pour in after historic wildfires bringing hope to devastated Nebraska ranches

Fire crews quickly contain pair of field flareups east of Fairbury

Norfolk nearing record-low precipitation amid ongoing dry conditions

University of Nebraska releases statement about Sidney plans at former Cabela’s headquarters

Sports

Cougar notes: WNCC softball plays tough against No. 25 McCook despite falling

Sidney boys, Ogallala girls headline strong showings at Ganser Invite

WNCC baseball splits with Trinidad on Saturday, Wilson breaks school record

Eagles Wrap Up Series Against Cougars

Colorado sports notes: Perfetti's late goal lifts Jets over Avs, 4-2

First-inning leads don't last vs. CCU

Ag & Outdoor

Outdoor notes: Work to begin soon on Smith Lake WMA Aquatic Habitat Project

Outdoor notes: Game and Parks urges caution when recreating outdoors due to wildfires

Outdoor notes: Temporary closure of Clear Creek WMA for safety

‘Worst-case scenario’: Fertilizer, fuel cost spikes hitting Nebraska farmers hard

Outdoor notes: Haag shares 100 years of Nebraskaland

Supplementing dryland wheat and irrigated corn with proso millet in drought years