A man whose mother was found among 189 decaying bodies tells the story

Derrick Johnson buried his mother’s ashes in 2023 alongside his home on Maui, fulfilling her wish of a final resting place overlooking her grandchildren.

February 7, 2026Updated: February 7, 2026

By Hunter Arterburn

A man whose mother was found among 189 decaying bodies tells the story

Regional

Heart City Cattle Battle expected to grow in year five

Dozens of young cattle exhibitors from several states are in Valentine this weekend, preparing their animals for the annual Heart City Cattle Battle.

Farm animal welfare rules might be rolled back by Congress

The last country school in Scottsbluff shuts its doors

Researchers study microfossils at Toadstool Geologic Park

State

Valentine School Board adjusts extracurricular policy for homeschool, private school students

No cash at Valentine High School games? No problem.

Severe thunderstorm continues near Sterling; Tornado Watch remains in effect for northeast Colorado

A man whose mother was found among 189 decaying bodies tells the story

Regional

Heart City Cattle Battle expected to grow in year five

Farm animal welfare rules might be rolled back by Congress

The last country school in Scottsbluff shuts its doors

Researchers study microfossils at Toadstool Geologic Park

State

Valentine School Board adjusts extracurricular policy for homeschool, private school students

No cash at Valentine High School games? No problem.

Severe thunderstorm continues near Sterling; Tornado Watch remains in effect for northeast Colorado

Large hail, damaging winds prompt severe thunderstorm warnings in Scotts Bluff, Morrill counties

Valentine High School explores launching e-sports team

Israel and Iran appear to pause strikes after trading fire for the first time since April ceasefire

Sports

Gary Sánchez hits first homer since April 14, Brewers complete sweep of Rockies with 12-4 win

Brewers score 8 late runs, stun Rockies 9-7 in wild 10-inning victory

Nebraska coaches share ideas and build connections during Shrine Bowl week

Kearney athletes embrace hometown opportunity during Shrine Bowl week

Shrine Bowl South players reflect on hometown pride ahead of final high school game

North team building chemistry ahead of Saturday's Shrine Bowl

Ag & Outdoor

Outdoor notes: Rare lake sturgeon made 681-mile swim

Outdoor notes: Low water affecting Nebraska boaters this summer

Ag notes: Cattle placements rise 6% during April

NGPC still offers grazing, haying opportunities

Outdoor notes: Campers invited to take state park survey

Feed supplies tighten for Nebraska producers as drought persists