"Largest fire in Nebraska history": Morrill Fire grows to nearly 549,000 acres across western Nebraska

Crews from more than 30 departments are battling the fire as Blackhawk helicopters and National Guard crews assist. One death has been confirmed.

March 15, 2026Updated: March 17, 2026

By News Channel Nebraska

Regional

Cheyenne County reminds taxpayers of April 30 deadline, urges early mailing amid USPS changes

Cheyenne County reminds taxpayers of April 30 deadline, urges early mailing amid USPS changes

Caring for the heartbroken

Caring for the heartbroken

Strommen highlights bill progress, session nearing end in legislative update

District 47 Legislative Update

Valentine Chamber closer to hiring new executive director

Valentine Chamber closer to hiring new executive director

Sand Painters Art Club Selects State Qualifiers

Sand Painters Art Club Selects State Qualifiers

Assault on officer, multiple assault charges and theft reported in Valentine police report

Assault on officer, multiple assault charges and theft reported in Valentine police report

State

Alexis Forney, Lexi Johnson and Lucia Mendez earn Nebraska Broadcasters Association EEO Scholarships

Hospitals warn Nebraska Medicaid work rules could strain staffing and disrupt care

Cheyenne County reminds taxpayers of April 30 deadline, urges early mailing amid USPS changes

Caring for the heartbroken

Marijuana attitude a factor in Otoe County sentencing

Already under financial pressure, Midwest soybean farmers are squeezed further by tariffs, Iran war

Sports

Kimball Junior High Track begins track season, setting personal records

Cougar notes: WNCC baseball sweeps Otero on Sunday

Eagles Wrap Up Series With Orediggers

Colorado sports notes: Padres top Rockies 7-2 for 4-game sweep but Nick Pivetta exits with stiff elbow

Russell slams three home runs, WNCC splits with Otero

Eagles Notes: Chadron State Distance Runners Compete at Kit Mayer Classic

Ag & Outdoor

Outdoor notes: Bighorn sheep regular lottery applications begin April 20

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