A powerful thunderstorm swept across the Nebraska Panhandle Sunday afternoon, bringing damaging winds, large hail, and heavy rain to Banner, Morrill and Garden counties.

The City of Sidney reminds residents: Fireworks are allowed June 25–July 3 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and July 4 from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Photos and video from the first Downtown Sounds of the summer.

The temperatures were hot Friday, but not as hot as the onstage entertainment at Hickory Square as the Downtown Sounds concert series kicked off with three acts.

Scotts Bluff County emergency personnel responded to a two-vehicle accident at Sugar Factory Road and Lake Minatare Road Friday.

Sidney's free summer concert series returns to Hickory Street Square with an expanded schedule on June 20, July 18 and Aug. 15, 2025. 

From staged "shoot-outs," blacksmiths to current gifts and glamor, the 21st Sidney Gold Rush Days had something for everyone.

Bikes of all varieties and riders to match gathered for the 8th annual Ride for Suicide Poker Run June 14. Proceeds from the event supported Be Here, a local non-profit suicide prevention program.

The testing of weather warning sirens in Cheyenne and Deuel counties is returning to a weekly schedule beginning June 25.

Over 100 students met their fourth quarter attendance goal, with 10 of those students maintaining a perfect attendance.

Austin Hurt and Aspyn King are the 2025 Cheyenne County Fair and Royalty. Hurt is the Fair and Rodeo Queen and King is the Lady in Waiting.

Sidney's free summer concert series returns to Hickory Street Square with an expanded schedule on June 20, July 18 and Aug. 15. 

Scottsbluff officials announce today the alley between Broadway and First Avenue between 16th and 17th Streets.

Regional West recently earned reaccreditation as a Level II Trauma Center by the State of Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Music has always been more than notes on a page to Olivia Valadez. Music has been a lifelong connection to family, a source of personal strength, and now, a path to a career for Valadez who is helping others find their own voice.

The city council approved the mayor’s signature on an MOU with Kimball Public Schools.

A portion of S. Hwy 71 will be renamed to Chestnut St.

A Wheat Belt Public Power District substation in the Chappell area went down early this morning when a bird landed on it. A company official said all services have been restored,

A 16-year-old male sustained serious injuries following a single vehicle rollover near Scottsbluff Tuesday.

The Ogallala teen charged in the death of a Keith County teen appeared in Lincoln County District Court Monday.

A Kimball man was sentenced to the maximum penalty for a sexual assault involving his granddaughter and niece.

A man has been sentenced in two separate cases involving theft and possession of a controlled substance.

A Sterling, Colo., man is in custody as a suspect in the June 12 fatal home fire. The Sterling Police Department has announced June 19 the victim as 38-year-old Kyle Brandon Langley of Sterling, CO.

Hometown Liquor and its customers donated $2,000 to the Sidney High School International Travel Club. Round Up donations in June will purchase Fair wristbands for underprivileged children.

Workers are busy putting together the first stage -- barns, race track and temporary casino -- of the Lake Mac Casino, Resort and Race Track. Opening Day is scheduled for August 19.

The third annual Gering Summer Bash, organized by the Gering Merchants Association, is Saturday, June 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Gering Civic Plaza.

Two Kimball students are headed to Wyoming next month for the National High School Rodeo.

A suspect has been named in the house fire and death that occurred in Sterling on June 12.

Forty-two-year-old Kyle Woolington has been sentenced for leading Kimball authorities on a high-speed pursuit in February.

Cheyenne County's unemployment rate holds strong at 2.6% in April, below Nebraska’s average.

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers announced today al 55 attorneys general agreed to a $7.4 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma. Under Sacklers' ownership, Purdue made and marketed opioid products.

104.3 KIMB is bringing Cruisin’ Night to Kimball. On July 3rd, KIMB will host the event, a favorite across the Midwest, right here on 3rd Street (Hwy 30) in Kimball. 104.3 KIMB will be on the air, streaming and right out in the middle of the action.

A late afternoon storm hit the Panhandle area with high winds hail and rain Sunday. The National Weather Service expects a possibility of storms through Tuesday.

Friday was the opening day of Kimball’s own soda shop inside The Sugar Shack.

"It makes me proud to be an American:" As Gold Rush Days began in Legion Park Saturday, a few Sidney residents raised the Garrison Flag and read Gov. Pillen’s Flag Day proclamation.

Officer Logan Luft received both state and national recognition as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Officer of the Year.

Saturday is an event filled day for the United States with protests, birthdays, anniversaries, and more.

A search warrant executed by Logan County, Colo., authorities resulted in two arrests Thursday.

Work is ramping up at Kimball's Waste Water Treatment Plant. News Channel Nebraska was invited to tour the facility northeast of Kimball.

No fireworks in Ogallala this Fourth of July.

Western Nebraska Community College celebrated its 93rd commencement ceremony in May, with 273 students earning 316 degrees, certificates, or diplomas.

The Sidney City Council discussed how to regulate downtown parking during Tuesday's meeting. Part of the issue is the increasing number of second floor living units.

The staff at Kimball Health Services hosted a development course to further their knowledge and strengthen their emergency response and teamwork in rural settings.

Two schools within the Sidney Public School district received the Heart Safe Designation, Partners with Children's Nebraska for Project ADAM Preparedness.

Sidney Sun-Telegraph sports writer and news reporter Mike Motz died Tuesday. He began his time with the Sidney Sun-Telegraph in December 2017 as a sports reporter.

A 49-year-old Kimball woman pled guilty to a theft charge and is awaiting sentencing.

Authorities are still investigating the death of Mattea Scheuerman in Sidney. Toxicology results and leads are pending. A fundraiser to support her family is set for June 11.

CHAPPELL -- The Chappell community is celebrating Chappell USA Day this Saturday, June 14. The day starts with the Lions Club Kids Fishing Derby 8 a.m. to noon. Prizes and lunch will be provided. Goat Roping registration starts at 1 p.m. at the Deuel Coun

VALENTINE, Neb. — News Channel Nebraska will showcase the state's top cowboys and cowgirls on the biggest stage.

NCN is televising the Nebraska High School Rodeo Association (NeHSRA) state finals live from Valentine on Saturday, June 14.

Ken Boston received the Kimball Health Services Employee of the Month for May.

The Kimball Trap Team competed at State June 7, taking home awards and barely missing out on a state title. 

The Nebraska Department of Education awarded a grant to Scottsbluff Public Schools totaling $155,000 for Early Childhood Expansion. The Early Childhood Learning Center is located at the Scottsbluff Public Schools Education Center.

The winners of the 2025 Miss Nebraska and Miss Nebraska Teen have been announced.

Residents being targeted by fake DMV text messages about unpaid traffic fines.

Illinois Street in Sidney Friday was reminiscent of past generations when young people gathered, cars were loud and the music was loud. The 24th Sidney Cruisin' Night didn't disappoint.

A Garden County man has been charged in a 2019 sexual assault case after confessing to the crime during a recent interview with police.

Governor Jim Pillen stopped in Ogallala Thursday for a town hall meeting with voters. He talked about fiscal responsibility, and this priorities of youth, taxes, agriculture and values.

The Nebraska High Value Network is launching with 19 critical-access hospitals across the state, working together to strengthen healthcare in rural communities.

Scottsbluff police are investigating a deadly train vs. pedestrian collision that happened just after midnight near 2nd Avenue and Railway.

Annual Cruisin’ Night hits downtown Sidney Friday, June 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. with hot rides, oldies and giveaways.

Melissa Norgard and Alisha Juelfs represented Sidney and Cheyenne County E3 at the Chappell Chamber of Commerce June meeting Wednesday.

Sidney Mayor Brad Sherman is stepping down after 5+ years on city council and 3 as mayor. He’s accepted a UPS position in Grand Island to be closer to family. His final meeting is Tuesday.

Officers from the Kimball Police Department sharpened their skills Wednesday in their monthly Defensive Tactics Training. 

The 2025 Kimball Longhorn All Class Reunion coming up next month will be the first reunion that goes beyond the traditional banquet.