“We stayed packed and ready”: Cozad families prepare to evacuate as wildfire moves closer

A local teacher says her family stayed ready to leave as smoke from nearby wildfires moved closer to their home

March 16, 2026Updated: March 17, 2026

By News Channel Nebraska

Regional

Valentine Chamber closer to hiring new executive director

Valentine Chamber closer to hiring new executive director

Workers at major Colorado meatpacking plan win wage increases in deal with JBS USA

Workers at major Colorado meatpacking plan win wage increases in deal with JBS USA

Younes shares vision for Kearney's Good Life District

Younes shares vision for Kearney's Good Life District

Chadron High students showcase artwork at CSC

Chadron High students showcase artwork at CSC

State

District 47 Legislative Update

Elmwood Sen. Rob Clements reflects on 10 years of service in Nebraska Legislature

Valentine Chamber closer to hiring new executive director

Kimball Public School’s Danielle Reader receives NSAA Above and Beyond Award

Sand Painters Art Club Selects State Qualifiers

Assault on officer, multiple assault charges and theft reported in Valentine police report

Sports

Cougar notes: WNCC baseball sweeps Otero on Sunday

Eagles Wrap Up Series With Orediggers

Colorado sports notes: Padres top Rockies 7-2 for 4-game sweep but Nick Pivetta exits with stiff elbow

Russell slams three home runs, WNCC splits with Otero

Eagles Notes: Chadron State Distance Runners Compete at Kit Mayer Classic

Colorado sports notes: Avs coach Jared Bednar taken to hospital after being hit in his face with a puck

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