State 

Kimball man arrested on several felony, misdemeanor charges
Kimball man arrested on several felony, misdemeanor charges

The Kimball County Sheriff’s Office made an arrest May 14 for several felony and misdemeanor charges.

Fehringer and Dam among recipients of Nebraska Farm Bureau student project grants

Fehringer and Dam among recipients of Nebraska Farm Bureau student project grants

Amanda Fehringer (Cheyenne County) and Hailey Dam (Arthur County) were among nine students awarded 2025 Nebraska Farm Bureau project grants to grow their ag projects.

Brianna Hoffman honors son Jack in UNK commencement speech

Brianna Hoffman honors son Jack in UNK commencement speech

Jack Hoffman captured the hearts of people across the nation during his battle with brain cancer, and on Friday he was posthumously honored with a degree at graduation day in celebration of his legacy.

UNMC congratulates nearly 1,000 graduates in commencement ceremonies

UNMC congratulates nearly 1,000 graduates in commencement ceremonies

Events were held in Omaha, Lincoln, Norfolk, Kearney and Scottsbluff

Columbus public schools close option enrollment amid capacity concerns

Columbus public schools close option enrollment amid capacity concerns

COLUMBUS, Neb. -- In a decision that's sure to spark discussion, Columbus Public Schools (CPS) has announced it will close option enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year. This move was made during the May 12, 2025, Board of Education meeting, and comes a

Boxing champ Terence Crawford tells Omaha graduates to work hard and keep fighting for success

Boxing champ Terence Crawford tells Omaha graduates to work hard and keep fighting for success

Unbeaten four-division world champion Terence “Bud” Crawford encouraged graduating University of Nebraska at Omaha students Friday to devote themselves to hard work, never give in to negativity and never stop setting goals.

City Council backs suicide prevention mural proposal

City Council backs suicide prevention mural proposal

The Sidney City Council gave its support to a proposed suicide prevention mural, offering the location be moved to the former swimming pool building.

Rep. Mike Flood to host town hall in Seward on May 27

Rep. Mike Flood to host town hall in Seward on May 27

U.S. Rep. Mike Flood will host his second town hall in a two-month span later in May.

Cruisin' Night returns to downtown Sidney June 6

Cruisin' Night returns to downtown Sidney June 6

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

Air traffic controllers in Denver scrambled to use backup communications during an outage

Air traffic controllers in Denver scrambled to use backup communications during an outage

A Federal Aviation Administration official says the main communication lines went down in Denver earlier this week but radar remained online.

Ten years behind bars: South Dakota man sentenced for violent assaults on Santee Sioux Nation

Ten years behind bars: South Dakota man sentenced for violent assaults on Santee Sioux Nation

Mongecka Eastman, 24, of South Dakota, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for assault and sexual abuse.

Wayne State mourns loss of former college president

Wayne State mourns loss of former college president

WAYNE, Neb. — The Wayne State community is in mourning the death of Curt Frye, a former president who leaves behind a legacy of dedication and service to the community. Frye, who was 77, passed away Tuesday at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton,

Hired hand auction helps Fairbury FBLA fund trip to nationals

Hired hand auction helps Fairbury FBLA fund trip to nationals

Inspired by auctions executed by FFA chapters in the past, the Fairbury chapter of FBLA held a unique event to raise money to send their 11 qualifiers to compete at the national conference in California this summer.

Sidney man to be sentenced in January grocery store collision

Sidney man to be sentenced in January grocery store collision

A Sidney man was found guilty of charges this week related to a high-speed pursuit in January resulting in the van he was driving colliding with Sonnys Super Foods.

Locked up for charity: Norfolk seniors' creative big give twist

Locked up for charity: Norfolk seniors' creative big give twist

The Norfolk Senior Center did a "jail and bail" fundraising event where local celebrities got "arrested" and had to raise $1,000 to get out. The money raised supports the Senior Center's programs.

Local agencies awarded talent recruitment funding

Local agencies awarded talent recruitment funding

A combined effort with Sidney Economic Development and Cheyenne County E3 resulted in $29,500 in sponsorship funding from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development for talent recruitment.

Death reported at Tecumseh state prison

Death reported at Tecumseh state prison

Schoonmaker serving 10 years to life on Cass County sentence

Supreme Court hears arguments in case over Trump’s birthright citizenship order

Supreme Court hears arguments in case over Trump’s birthright citizenship order

The Supreme Court has heard its first set of Trump-related arguments in the second Trump presidency.

Firefighters encounter heavy smoke, high heat before extinguishing Columbus house fire

Firefighters encounter heavy smoke, high heat before extinguishing Columbus house fire

Nobody is injured but a house is damaged after an overnight fire in Columbus.

Three Nebraska teens arrested in Missouri after alleged pursuit in stolen vehicle

Three Nebraska teens arrested in Missouri after alleged pursuit in stolen vehicle

Three 16-year-olds from Nebraska were arrested in Missouri after the State Patrol says they led law enforcement on a pursuit in a stolen vehicle.

Longhorn Recognition Night celebrates students’ achievements

Longhorn Recognition Night celebrates students’ achievements

The Kimball Jr./Sr. High School students received awards Monday Night at Longhorn Recognition Night. 

Nebraska lawmakers pass a new two-year state budget

Nebraska lawmakers pass a new two-year state budget

Plan comes in for criticism for how it seeks to achieve balance

Nebraska's medical marijuana called threat to police searches based on 'odor of marijuana'

Nebraska's medical marijuana called threat to police searches based on 'odor of marijuana'

Nebraska courts maintain that if a trained officer says he smells marijuana, then a vehicle is exempt from some search and seizure protections

APACE seeing growth in developmental disability services

APACE seeing growth in developmental disability services

But the organization is facing a challenging upcoming budget year

Valentine student named Nebraska champion in prestigious national scholarship competition

Valentine student named Nebraska champion in prestigious national scholarship competition

A homeschool junior from Valentine is representing Nebraska in one of the nation’s top scholarship competitions for high school students.

Tornadoes, hail, flooding and overturned semi reported across Sandhills, Central Nebraska

Tornadoes, hail, flooding and overturned semi reported across Sandhills, Central Nebraska

Authorities across the Sandhills and Central Nebraska are assessing damage after a powerful storm system swept through the region Wednesday night.

Nonprofit planning free after school daycare

Nonprofit planning free after school daycare

Banisters Leadership Academy of Omaha plans to open an after school program in Sidney. The organization is seeking a building for the program.

St. Paul’s Lutheran school student pens his way to national handwriting title

St. Paul’s Lutheran school student pens his way to national handwriting title

A masterstroke of penmanship: Pierce White wins prestigious Zaner-Bloser national championship handwriting award

Severe storms tear through southern Nebraska panhandle, northeast Colorado

Severe storms tear through southern Nebraska panhandle, northeast Colorado

Gusts up to 75 mph, trees down, property damage in Sidney, Kimball, Holyoke and more.

Grant to fund splash pad shade structure

Grant to fund splash pad shade structure

Adams Bank and Trust recently awarded a $5,000 grant to the Chappell Community Fund. The grant will be used for a shade structure at the splash pad.

Valentine School Board approves new 1st grade teacher, administrative tuition reimbursement

Valentine School Board approves new 1st grade teacher, administrative tuition reimbursement

The Valentine School Board has approved the hiring of a new first grade teacher and a tuition reimbursement policy for administrators pursuing advanced degrees.

EAA's Young Eagles initiative takes flight from Fairbury

EAA's Young Eagles initiative takes flight from Fairbury

On Saturday, about two dozen kids lifted off from the small Fairbury airport, joining nearly 2.5 million others just like them who received their first taste of flight in a small plane by flying with the EAA's Young Eagles program.

Bancroft-Rosalie teacher arrested, accused of having sex with student

Bancroft-Rosalie teacher arrested, accused of having sex with student

A Northeast Nebraska teacher is accused of having sexual relations with a student. 

Norfolk woman sentenced to federal prison following major fentanyl bust

Norfolk woman sentenced to federal prison following major fentanyl bust

A Norfolk woman will spend decades in federal prison for her role in a fentanyl bust in 2023.

School board approves three resignations, three teaching contracts

School board approves three resignations, three teaching contracts

The Sidney School District board of education approved three resignations and three teaching contracts in the May 12 board meeting.

Pillen appoints Michael Long of Norfolk to district judge position

Pillen appoints Michael Long of Norfolk to district judge position

A longtime county judge is moving a district judgeship in northeast Nebraska.

Lawmakers unveil Nebraska’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ aimed at property tax relief

Lawmakers unveil Nebraska’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ aimed at property tax relief

A new “One Big Beautiful Bill” unveiled Wednesday will be the last train out of Nebraska’s 2025 legislative session for additional property tax relief this year.

High West Energy, partners donate $18,000 to Potter Volunteer Fire Department

High West Energy, partners donate $18,000 to Potter Volunteer Fire Department

The Potter Volunteer Fire Department received $18,000 from High West Energy and partners for new jaws of life tools. The upgrade expands rescue capabilities for the region.

'Sweet Ice' nears opening of storefront location

'Sweet Ice' nears opening of storefront location

Sweet Ice in Sidney will soon be opening a storefront at 1605 10th Ave Sidney. In time, the location will have a drive-through, in-person dining and a website.

Booster Club seeks new scoreboard for Sidney High School football field

Booster Club seeks new scoreboard for Sidney High School football field

SIDNEY -- The Red Raider Athletic Booster Club wants to update the multi-media production at the high school football field. Booster Club President Sarah Kaiser said the stadium display board would be funded by Booster Club efforts.

High-speed chase ends in flames: Man sentenced in Sheridan County

High-speed chase ends in flames: Man sentenced in Sheridan County

A 21-year-old man has been sentenced to about a year in prison after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase that ended with a burning vehicle and a high-risk arrest in Sheridan County.

City of Kimball offers Sidewalk Improvement Grant

City of Kimball offers Sidewalk Improvement Grant

The City of Kimball has a Sidewalk Improvement Grant available to residents to assist with their sidewalk repairs. 

Valentine Community Schools doesn't receive grant to fund after-school program

Valentine Community Schools doesn't receive grant to fund after-school program

The future of Valentine Community Schools’ after-school program is uncertain after the district did not receive the 21st Century Community Learning Center grant, which has funded the program in recent years.

Sidney Police pursuing leads in north side shots fired investigation

Sidney Police pursuing leads in north side shots fired investigation

Sidney Police are still investigating a shots fired call from May 3. They're urging the public to come forward with any information.

Cherry County zoning administrator to investigate complaint against planned wind farm

Cherry County zoning administrator to investigate complaint against planned wind farm

Cherry County’s zoning administrator will investigate a zoning complaint against the developers of a proposed wind farm near Kilgore.

Nucor experiences cybersecurity incident, halts certain production operations

Nucor experiences cybersecurity incident, halts certain production operations

The largest steel manufacturer in North America and some of its plants in Nebraska are dealing with the fallout from a cybersecurity incident.

Potter girl seeks outdoor magazine recognition

Potter girl seeks outdoor magazine recognition

A Potter girl is seeking community support in being featured in a youth outdoor magazine.

Riverside Discovery Center helps Gering Police wrangle runaway peacock

Riverside Discovery Center helps Gering Police wrangle runaway peacock

A peacock on the loose in Gering was no match for the keeper team at Riverside Discovery Center.

Downtown Sounds artist Jaelen Johnston advances to finale of NBC’s The Voice

Downtown Sounds artist Jaelen Johnston advances to finale of NBC’s The Voice

Jaelen Johnston is heading to The Voice finale! The 21-year-old country singer and upcoming Downtown Sounds headliner secured his spot in the Top 5 Tuesday night.

John Ewing unseats Jean Stothert to become next Omaha mayor

John Ewing unseats Jean Stothert to become next Omaha mayor

Longtime Mayor Jean Stothert has conceded and congratulated John Ewing on his historic election as Omaha’s next mayor.

Tri County school bond proposal fails in election decided by fewer than 50 votes

Tri County school bond proposal fails in election decided by fewer than 50 votes

In an extremely close race that was decided by a margin of fewer than 50 votes, voters have shut down a proposal to expand and enhance Tri County Public Schools facilities.

Christ Lutheran school student and community partner to support Madison County K-9 unit

Christ Lutheran school student and community partner to support Madison County K-9 unit

A seventh-grader in Norfolk, Kyler, is leading fundraising efforts to get a new K-9 unit for Madison County, aiming to raise $45,000.

'Our Time to Lead': Doane publicly embarks on most ambitious capital campaign

'Our Time to Lead': Doane publicly embarks on most ambitious capital campaign

Doane University is seeking to raise 100 million dollars over five years in what the school is calling the most ambitious capital campaign in its history. And fundraisers say they're already well on their way toward reaching that goal.

Niobrara River restrooms may close due to funding shortfall

Niobrara River restrooms may close due to funding shortfall

Public restrooms along the popular canoeing stretch of the Niobrara River could soon be locked up unless the Niobrara Council secures emergency funding.

UNK to recognize Jack Hoffman with honorary degree, mother Brianna to speak at commencement

UNK to recognize Jack Hoffman with honorary degree, mother Brianna to speak at commencement

Jack will be recognized with an honorary degree during the commencement ceremony.

Kimball Police Department receives first-ever state accreditation

Kimball Police Department receives first-ever state accreditation

The Kimball Police Department is now accredited through the Nebraska Crime Commission for the first time ever. 

Auburn meeting heats up over swimming pool

Auburn meeting heats up over swimming pool

Council narrowly passes measure to impose penalties for water conservation violations

Plea agreement expected in deadly bicycle crash near Valentine

Plea agreement expected in deadly bicycle crash near Valentine

An Arkansas man accused of hitting and killing a bicyclist with his vehicle near Valentine last summer plans to change his plea to guilty.

Motorcyclist killed in Scottsbluff crash

Motorcyclist killed in Scottsbluff crash

A Wyoming man was killed in a motorcycle crash in Scottsbluff Sunday morning.

Columbus appoints new police chief with broad experience across Colorado and Iowa

Columbus appoints new police chief with broad experience across Colorado and Iowa

The City of Columbus appears poised to turn to a law enforcement leader with experience in Colorado and Iowa to lead its police department.

Nebraska’s $11 billion budget for 2025-27 advances to final round with $1.1 million to spare

Nebraska’s $11 billion budget for 2025-27 advances to final round with $1.1 million to spare

Nebraska lawmakers gave second-round approval Monday to a series of budget bills for the next two years, moving one stage away from closing a projected deficit of more than half-a-billion dollars.

Hastings inks 25-year deal with NewCarbon to operate renewable natural gas converter in city landfill

Hastings inks 25-year deal with NewCarbon to operate renewable natural gas converter in city landfill

The city of Hastings has officially come to terms with a midwest-based carbon company to make renewable natural gas at its landfill for 25 years.

Midwest AcuTech teaming with Great American Comedy Festival as title sponsor

Midwest AcuTech teaming with Great American Comedy Festival as title sponsor

The festival will be June 12-14 in Norfolk

‘The Voice’ semifinalist Jaelen Johnston delivers emotional tribute ahead of Downtown Sounds appearance

‘The Voice’ semifinalist Jaelen Johnston delivers emotional tribute ahead of Downtown Sounds appearance

Jaelen Johnston performed a powerful and emotional tribute Monday night on NBC’s The Voice, just weeks before he headlines Downtown Sounds in Sidney on Friday, July 18.

Panhandle cities break heat records

Panhandle cities break heat records

Scottsbluff, Chadron and Alliance all hit new daily highs Monday