High winds cause outages, spark fires and prompt evacuations across region

Wind gusts over 70 mph, power outages across the Panhandle and a large wind-driven wildfire in Morgan County prompting evacuations. High Wind and Red Flag Warnings remain in effect.

February 17, 2026Updated: February 17, 2026

By News Channel Nebraska

Regional

No capacity: State’s Public Guardian Office rejects nearly all requests to represent vulnerable Nebraskans

Volunteers transform trail with 100+ trees

Pillen vetoes bill defining snow/ice removal, flood management as ‘emergency management’ duties

‘I don’t want to go outside — it’s scary’: Parents of boy attacked at Omaha Walmart talk in aftermath of fatal incident

Nebraska budget back in $72M deficit after tax revenues hit below forecast

Wildfire relief fund now open for Nebraska farmers and ranchers

State

Former Nebraska State Senator Seeking to Unseat Republican Governor

Archway introduces new audio tour app, virtual museum tours

137 million walleye eggs collected during Valentine area spawning

Family business in Norfolk breaks ground on new expansion

No capacity: State’s Public Guardian Office rejects nearly all requests to represent vulnerable Nebraskans

Sports

Beatrice drops tournament semifinal against Platteview; will face Ralston for third place Friday

100-Meter Sprinters, 4x400 Relay Among Bauer Open Standouts

Colorado sports notes: Avalanche coach Jared Bednar returns to the bench after taking a puck to the face last weekend

Cougar notes: WNCC's Travers earns Region IX softball player of the week

Johnson-Brock earns eight top medals

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