High Wind Watch, Fire Weather Watch issued for region as winter weather looms

High Wind and Fire Weather Watches issued for the Nebraska Panhandle, southeast Wyoming and northeast Colorado.

February 16, 2026Updated: February 16, 2026

By News Channel Nebraska

Regional

Game and Parks talks turkey numbers, amidst spring season

Game and Parks talks turkey numbers, amidst spring season

Ashby Fire reaches 97% containment; cooler weather aids wildfire efforts

Ashby Fire reaches 97% containment; cooler weather aids wildfire efforts

Sen. Storer talks brand bills in weekly column

Sen. Storer talks brand bills in weekly column

Wildfire near Ashby destroys homes; neighbor’s late-night warning helps families escape

Wildfire near Ashby destroys homes; neighbor’s late-night warning helps families escape

State

New Family Health Center unveiled in Grand Island, opens April 6

Nebraska bill would require DHHS to maintain retroactive Medicaid coverage

Golf, games and pickleball: Drop Zone opens in Kearney

Highway 250 project near Gering set to begin mid-April

NDOT begins multiple road construction projects across Southeast Nebraska

Sidney man in custody for sexual assault of teenage girls

Sports

Colorado sports notes: Tyler Freeman drives in winning run in 10th as Rockies beat Blue Jays 2-1

WNCC’s Lashley ready to lead her Anguilla national team in CONCACAF qualifier

Eagles Sweep 5000 Meters at Central Nebraska Challenge

Johnston hits a 2-run homer as the Rockies rout the Blue Jays 14-5 for their 1st win of the season

Cougar notes: WNCC softball plays tough against No. 25 McCook despite falling

Sidney boys, Ogallala girls headline strong showings at Ganser Invite

Ag & Outdoor

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

Outdoor notes: Haag shares 100 years of Nebraskaland

Supplementing dryland wheat and irrigated corn with proso millet in drought years