‘Magic every time’ sandhill crane knowledge and appreciation

Photo essay by Lori Potter for the Flatwater Free Press

April 3, 2026Updated: April 3, 2026

By News Channel Nebraska

Regional

Spring Expo returns to Sidney with big prizes, family fun and regional turnout this weekend

Spring Expo returns to Sidney with big prizes, family fun and regional turnout

Hometown Liquor, customers support Sidney Girls Club Softball

Hometown Liquor, customers support Sidney Girls Club Softball

Panhandle law enforcement considering area youth detention center

Panhandle law enforcement considering area youth detention center

Central Elementary music class wins $500 through Stretch Across Nebraska contest

Central Elementary music class wins $500 through Stretch Across Nebraska contest

Sidney Public Library awarded national grant for small and rural libraries

Sidney Public Library awarded national grant for small and rural libraries

Marijuana grow room, drugs found during Alliance search warrant

Marijuana grow room, drugs found during Alliance search warrant

State

Artemis II astronauts return from moon with a splashdown to close out a record-breaking lunar voyage

Spring Expo returns to Sidney with big prizes, family fun and regional turnout this weekend

Hometown Liquor, customers support Sidney Girls Club Softball

Panhandle law enforcement considering area youth detention center

Central Elementary music class wins $500 through Stretch Across Nebraska contest

Jefferson County approves updated zoning and solar regulations plus road plan

Sports

Norfolk freshman flirts with no-hitter as Panthers get 4th win

Holly, Rasby earn Terry Gilliland honors at Mitchell meet

Michael Lorenzen throws efficiently into the 6th, Rockies beat Astros 9-1 to complete 3-game sweep

Scottsbluff edges Sidney to win Red Raider Golf Invite

North Platte St. Patrick’s sweeps team titles at Storm Invite in Chappell

WNCC softball falls twice to Southeast in exciting action

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