State 

Fairbury celebrates Christmas 2024 with biggest Crystal Springs light display yet
Fairbury celebrates Christmas 2024 with biggest Crystal Springs light display yet

Thanks to many contributions from families, businesses and churches in the area, in year four Fairbury’s Christmas at Crystal Springs event is bigger than it’s ever been.  

Schrencengost extradition appearance continued to February 2025

Schrencengost extradition appearance continued to February 2025

Dakota Schrencengost was arrested Oct. 3, 2024 following a high-speed chase. He appeared in Cheyenne County Court December 23 on an Extradition Advisement. The case is continued to Feb. 24, 2025.

Valentine couple buys Midland Printing

Valentine couple buys Midland Printing

Business will continue as usual at Midland Printing in Valentine, with a local couple buying the company.

Gage County Board votes down Fraternal Order of Police offer

Gage County Board votes down Fraternal Order of Police offer

Supervisors plan to issue their final offer to the union, in early January

Ainsworth newspaper saved in last-minute deal by local families

Ainsworth newspaper saved in last-minute deal by local families

Just days before its anticipated closure, the Ainsworth Star-Journal has been saved in a last-minute agreement by three local families.

Track Santa: NORAD's Santa tracker was a Cold War morale boost. Now it attracts millions of kids

Track Santa: NORAD's Santa tracker was a Cold War morale boost. Now it attracts millions of kids

NORAD’s Santa tracker is a Christmas tradition that’s become nearly global in scope.

Richardson County sheriff reports arrests in meth distribution investigation

Richardson County sheriff reports arrests in meth distribution investigation

Sheriff says source of meth was from St. Joseph, Mo.

North Platte man injured in semi collision

North Platte man injured in semi collision

A North Platte man sustained serious injuries Monday morning after being struck by a semi at the intersection of 4th and Jeffers streets.

Authorities search for vehicle involved in Trenton Dollar General break-in

Authorities search for vehicle involved in Trenton Dollar General break-in

Authorities are searching for a Jeep Cherokee believed to have been involved in a break-in at the Dollar General in Trenton early Monday morning.

Kimball community demonstrates spirit of giving this season

Kimball community demonstrates spirit of giving this season

Twenty-nine families were blessed with Christmas gifts for their children as part of the new Angel Tree program.

Officials investigating burglary of Big Springs Saloon

Officials investigating burglary of Big Springs Saloon

BIG SPRINGS -- Officials are investigating the burglary of the Big Springs Saloon.

Norfolk's 36th Annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program begins this week

Norfolk's 36th Annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program begins this week

The 36th Annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program begins this week in Norfolk.

Every ornament tells a story: Valentine family’s scrapbook Christmas tree

Every ornament tells a story: Valentine family’s scrapbook Christmas tree

Gone are the days when Christmas trees sparkled solely with classic baubles and tinsel. Younger generations are decking their halls with creativity and self-expression.

Falls City pledges readiness for governor's 'bio-based economy'

Falls City pledges readiness for governor's 'bio-based economy'

Nebraska Department of Economic Development certifies Falls City four fourth year

Kearney Goodfellows wraps gifts for hundreds of families, continuing decades-long tradition

Kearney Goodfellows wraps gifts for hundreds of families, continuing decades-long tradition

Legend has it, this all started in the 1940's when newspaperman Ormond Hill asked some coffee friends to pass the hat and buy Christmas gifts for those in need.

Sunday morning disturbance results in arrest

Sunday morning disturbance results in arrest

A Potter man was arrested December 22 following a dispute resulting from a report of a dog bite.

Elkhorn Valley Museum introduces the Nano exhibit

Elkhorn Valley Museum introduces the Nano exhibit

Finding ways to explore and foster innovative thinking for Northeast Nebraskans, the Elkhorn Valley Museum is introducing a new exhibit called Nano. It engages those ages 4 to adult in nanoscale science, engineering, and technology.

NFIB reports business optimism

NFIB reports business optimism

Small business reports job openings in November that were not filled

Broken Bow area fire 75% contained

Broken Bow area fire 75% contained

A fire northeast of Broken Bow is now approximately 75% contained, according to the Broken Bow Volunteer Fire Department.

Carrie Jones trial moving to Madison County

Carrie Jones trial moving to Madison County

The trial of the wife of the man convicted of a quadruple homicide in northeast Nebraska is moving to a new location. 

Update on Gov. Jim Pillen's condition and recovery following horseback riding accident

Update on Gov. Jim Pillen's condition and recovery following horseback riding accident

A press release was released Monday morning with an update to Gov. Jim Pillen's condition following a horseback riding accident Sunday.

Northeast Nebraska man arrested for warrant and drugs

Northeast Nebraska man arrested for warrant and drugs

Law enforcement in northeast Nebraska arrested a 32-year-old man on an arrest warrant.

State Treasurer encourages end-of-year contributions

State Treasurer encourages end-of-year contributions

Donations to Enable and NEST529 can be tax deductible

Nebraska governor hospitalized after he is bucked off a horse

Nebraska governor hospitalized after he is bucked off a horse

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen was injured Sunday after being bucked off a horse and is expected to be hospitalized for several days.

Local Toys for Tots distribution a success

Local Toys for Tots distribution a success

Christina Gudahl and Katie Hanes have been part of the local Toys for Tots program for the last several years. Saturday was their last Toys for Tots distribution event at the Sidney Elk's Lodge as formal leaders of the program.

Mack earns Secondary School Principal of the Year

Mack earns Secondary School Principal of the Year

The Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals (NSASSP) selected Chadron High School Principal and Chadron State College alum Jerry Mack as the 2025-26 High School Principal of the Year.

Chadron State College President's and Dean's Lists announced

Chadron State College President's and Dean's Lists announced

Chadron State College has announced the students on the Fall 2024 President’s and Dean’s Lists. The President's List consists of students with a 4.0 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

ARPA funding announced for 6 Regions, One Nebraska initiative

ARPA funding announced for 6 Regions, One Nebraska initiative

Regions awarded $200,000 each to promote solutions to key issues

New CEO named for Jefferson Community Health and Life

New CEO named for Jefferson Community Health and Life

Holly Wolff comes to southeast Nebraska from Alaska.

Firefighters contain tree pile fire at Sidney Solid Waste Facility

Firefighters contain tree pile fire at Sidney Solid Waste Facility

Firefighters contained a large fire involving a tree pile Saturday night at the City of Sidney Solid Waste Facility north of Greenwood Cemetery. 

Grass fire near Broken Bow burns 2,800 acres, 35% contained

Grass fire near Broken Bow burns 2,800 acres, 35% contained

Fire crews remain on the scene of a grass fire northeast of Broken Bow that has burned about 2,800 acres.

Traffic stop leads to arrest for felony possession

Traffic stop leads to arrest for felony possession

Alliance Police arrest Texas man in traffic stop for possession of a controlled substance. The driver was cited for speeding and released.

Ashley Harimon chosen to lead County Court in Bridgeport

Ashley Harimon chosen to lead County Court in Bridgeport

Ashley Harimon has been selected to serve as the Morrill County Court Clerk Magistrate in Bridgeport, replacing retiring Clerk Magistrate Linda Hayden who will retire January 2 after 60 years of service.

Chamber records at least $80,000 in local Christmas sales

Chamber records at least $80,000 in local Christmas sales

The Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce recorded at least $80,000 in local holiday sales through December 15.

King's Daughters food distribution helps families in Christmas season

King's Daughters food distribution helps families in Christmas season

The King's Daughters and volunteers distributed food boxes December 20 to local families. Sidney High School FFA students helped with the distribution.

Grand Island program gives immigrants ‘crash course’ on city, nudges them to run for public office

Grand Island program gives immigrants ‘crash course’ on city, nudges them to run for public office

One out of five Grand Islanders are foreign-born. Nearly 40% are people of color. But the vast majority of elected officials are white.

Ricketts riches: Record election spending shows senator’s family isn’t done in Nebraska

Ricketts riches: Record election spending shows senator’s family isn’t done in Nebraska

Pete Ricketts and his family have now spent nearly $19 million on Nebraska political campaigns in the dozen years he was running for governor, serving as governor and serving as a U.S. Senator. 

Recently arrested Kimball residents appear in Court

Recently arrested Kimball residents appear in Court

Two Kimball residents who were arrested for separate cases had court hearings this week.

Custer County man dies in UTV accident while moving cattle to safety

Custer County man dies in UTV accident while moving cattle to safety

A Custer County man has died after an accident suffered while helping neighbors.

Northeast iHub project poised to become a cornerstone for manufacturing, and agriculture Norfolk

Northeast iHub project poised to become a cornerstone for manufacturing, and agriculture Norfolk

Norfolk's new iHub project is set to revolutionize the local workforce landscape.

Kearney man accused of harboring child abuse fugitive sentenced to 60 days in jail

Kearney man accused of harboring child abuse fugitive sentenced to 60 days in jail

A Kearney man charged with helping to conceal his fugitive son will spend time in jail.

Main Street Beatrice businesses showing off store fronts this holiday season

Main Street Beatrice businesses showing off store fronts this holiday season

Public has been able to vote on the best displays

Probation and jail sentence, handed to defendant for sexual relationship with 13-year-old female

Probation and jail sentence, handed to defendant for sexual relationship with 13-year-old female

Beatrice man sentenced on three counts

Gage County looking toward bridge replacements, with state help

Gage County looking toward bridge replacements, with state help

Bridges near DeWitt and Cortland to be replaced with box culverts

Car vs pedestrian accident results in minor injuries

Car vs pedestrian accident results in minor injuries

A car vs. pedestrian crash occurred Thursday afternoon, resulting in minor injuries of a Kimball woman. 

Kearney man accused of threatening, stalking police officials sent for 90-day prison evaluation

Kearney man accused of threatening, stalking police officials sent for 90-day prison evaluation

A Kearney man accused of threatening a police lieutenant and stalking the city’s police chief is back behind bars.

Reflexion Salon granted Class C Liquor License

Reflexion Salon granted Class C Liquor License

The Sidney City Council on December 17 approved a Class C Liquor License for Reflexion Salon. The business is also expanding its services and moving to a new location.

Toy giveaway from first responders and BVCA helps families in need get last-minute gifts

Toy giveaway from first responders and BVCA helps families in need get last-minute gifts

Jefferson County first responders and Blue Valley Community Action teamed up to create a one-stop "shop" for local families to pick up some last-minute gifts for their kids.

Kimball man appears in court following arrest

Kimball man appears in court following arrest

A Kimball man appeared in County Court following his arrest last week.

Fire near Madison, Leigh causes low visibility

Fire near Madison, Leigh causes low visibility

Northeast Nebraska law enforcement are responding to a fire southeast of Madison, near Leigh. 

President Biden signs bill naming U.S. Highway 20 nationwide the Medal of Honor Highway

President Biden signs bill naming U.S. Highway 20 nationwide the Medal of Honor Highway

President Biden signed the bipartisan National Medal of Honor Highway bill, giving the designation to the country’s longest continuous highway.

Wheat Belt customers near Lisco experiencing outages

Wheat Belt customers near Lisco experiencing outages

Wheat Belt Public Power District crews are repairing downed power poles north of Lisco.

Large fire going across Highway 15 Northeast of Clarkson

Large fire going across Highway 15 Northeast of Clarkson

Law enforcement in northeast Nebraska are working together to put out a fire near Clarkson. 

Niobrara Council moves forward with pivotal NPS agreements, accepts resignation of employee

Niobrara Council moves forward with pivotal NPS agreements, accepts resignation of employee

The Niobrara Council is taking steps forward on pivotal funding agreements with the National Park Service.

Cherry County Court: Meth, THC vape pen, explicit images sent to juveniles

Cherry County Court: Meth, THC vape pen, explicit images sent to juveniles

Several cases in Cherry County Court this week revolved around drugs and another about explicit images being sent to juveniles.

Girl who inspired Christmas Wishes Paying it Forward fills in for ailing program founder

Girl who inspired Christmas Wishes Paying it Forward fills in for ailing program founder

Jaylee Hoyle delivers gift bags at Nebraska City hospital

Alliance woman sentenced to charges including attempted murder

Alliance woman sentenced to charges including attempted murder

An Alliance woman was sentenced December 18 on charges related to an attempt to murder her husband.

Hoffman family praying for miracle after more tumors have been found

Hoffman family praying for miracle after more tumors have been found

The family of Jack Hoffman says they are "praying for a miracle" after doctors found multiple new tumor locations. 

Amazon distribution facility coming to Columbus

Amazon distribution facility coming to Columbus

The Loup Power District announced Thursday morning that a "last-mile" Amazon distribution facility will be coming to Columbus in 2025.

Judge cites four-decade criminal record in sending Beatrice man to prison

Judge cites four-decade criminal record in sending Beatrice man to prison

Two-year incarceration term handed to Robert L. Watson

Basement fire smokes up Homestead Hall, at SCC

Basement fire smokes up Homestead Hall, at SCC

Fire that began near a cleaner produced smoke throughout the multi-level residence hall

Car accident knocks out power in north Hastings

Car accident knocks out power in north Hastings

Power is back on after an extended outage caused by a car crash.

Kearney Public Schools promotes True, Waggoner to lead Buffalo Hills

Kearney Public Schools promotes True, Waggoner to lead Buffalo Hills

Two administrators in Kearney Public Schools will soon be moving into new roles.

Sidney resident wins 'biggest shopping spree ever' during Big Boy radio contest

Sidney resident wins 'biggest shopping spree ever' during Big Boy radio contest

Christmas came early for Fran McCarty, of Sidney, who was drawn as the grand prize winner of a $2,000 Shopping Spree from radio station 987 The Big Boy on Wednesday afternoon.

Strommen steps down from city council for Legislative seat

Strommen steps down from city council for Legislative seat

The City of Sidney is accepting letters of interest, including a resume or list of qualifications, from any registered voter within the city limits interested in filling the city council seat vacated by Paul Strommen.