Barbara LaVonne "Barb" Hecker (Leach)

July 27, 1955 ~ April 11, 2026

April 13, 2026Updated: April 15, 2026

By Panhandle Obituaries

Regional

North Platte man sentenced for child pornography

North Platte man sentenced for child pornography

Fire near Chadron reaches 90% containment, rugged terrain slows progress in northwest area

Fire near Chadron reaches 90% containment, rugged terrain slows progress in northwest area

Fatal crash closes Northbound Interstate 25

Fatal crash closes Northbound Interstate 25

Denver native serves aboard one of world's largest warships

Denver native serves aboard one of world's largest warships

State

Frost and Bridger Wallace Showcase Power of Dual Credit Opportunities

North Platte man sentenced for child pornography

Tornado near St. Libory severely damages two homes, authorities say

Strong winds cause major damage in Spencer, Nebraska

Farnam Volunteer Fire Fighters appreciation dinner interrupted by a grass fire

Freeze watch issued across Nebraska Panhandle region after weekend storms

Sports

Merino Makes It Happen in Final Event; Unruh Ups Individual Title Total to 10

Corbin Carroll hits 2 homers, drives in 3 as the Diamondbacks beat the Rockies 8-6

McCarthy singles twice and has an RBI against former team, helping Rockies beat Diamondbacks 4-2

Deep, star-studded Avalanche reach the conference finals for 8th time since arriving in Denver

West Nebraska All-Star Games announce 2026 football, volleyball coaching staffs

Bridgeport, Kimball punch state tickets at Class C-9 district meet

Ag & Outdoor

Outdoor notes: Invasive Species Awareness Week is May 24-30

Powell wins 56th Cornhusker Trap Shoot

Outdoor notes: Spring shotgun turkey season opens

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