Panhandle mourns loss of educator, compassionate community leader Paula Abbott

Paula Abbott, former director of WNCC’s Sidney campus and a driving force behind the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, has died at 61. Community leaders remember her as welcoming, optimistic and deeply devoted to Sidney’s growth.

March 2, 2026Updated: March 3, 2026

By Forrest Hershberger

Regional

Authorities seek suspect after donation money stolen in Julesburg burglary

High School welding program partners with King’s Daughters

Valentine firefighters respond to early morning truck fire; sirens to be tested Friday

High Wind Warning issued across Nebraska Panhandle, southeast Wyoming

104.3 KIMB to host candidate forums in advance of primary elections

Sidney High students selected for Cornhusker Girls State

State

Chadron State College Art Associate Professor complete nearly life-size sculpture of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus

Panhandle mourns loss of educator, compassionate community leader Paula Abbott

Regional

Authorities seek suspect after donation money stolen in Julesburg burglary

High School welding program partners with King’s Daughters

Valentine firefighters respond to early morning truck fire; sirens to be tested Friday

High Wind Warning issued across Nebraska Panhandle, southeast Wyoming

104.3 KIMB to host candidate forums in advance of primary elections

Sidney High students selected for Cornhusker Girls State

State

Chadron State College Art Associate Professor complete nearly life-size sculpture of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus

Authorities seek suspect after donation money stolen in Julesburg burglary

Fairbury airport manager Sandi Decker inducted into Nebraska Aviation Hall of Fame

‘Magic every time’ sandhill crane knowledge and appreciation

UNK honors Hamiltons with atrium naming after $5M rural health gift

Ronald McDonald House launches first Nebraska Family Kitchen

Sports

Eagles Lose Late-Inning Leads vs. Rangers

Cougars split conference games with Lamar on Friday

Colorado sports notes: Marsh helps power 7-run first inning as Phillies beat Rockies 10-1 in Colorado’s home opener

Graves scores 28, Creighton takes down Rutgers 82-69 in CBC quarterfinals

April 4 (2:45 PM CT) - Indy Ignite vs Omaha Supernovas (NCN TV)

Prep track & field roundup: Leyton’s Alec Watchorn earns top honor as Burns sweeps team titles at Bayard CD Meet

Ag & Outdoor

Outdoor notes: NGPC offering pastures, hay tracts to those affected by wildfires

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