Panhandle mourns loss of educator, compassionate community leader Paula Abbott

Paula Abbott, former director of WNCC’s Sidney campus and a driving force behind the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, has died at 61. Community leaders remember her as welcoming, optimistic and deeply devoted to Sidney’s growth.

March 2, 2026Updated: March 3, 2026

By Forrest Hershberger

Regional

‘Magic every time’ sandhill crane knowledge and appreciation

Former Bellevue East music teacher appears in federal court on child pornography charges

OSHA reveals equipment lacked safety controls in deadly Fremont explosion

Concerns over a Nebraska hospital show how a $50B rural health fund could come up short

Game and Parks talks turkey numbers, amidst spring season

Storm spotters provide 'truth on the ground'

State

Chadron State College Art Associate Professor complete nearly life-size sculpture of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus

Authorities seek suspect after donation money stolen in Julesburg burglary

Fairbury airport manager Sandi Decker inducted into Nebraska Aviation Hall of Fame

‘Magic every time’ sandhill crane knowledge and appreciation

UNK honors Hamiltons with atrium naming after $5M rural health gift

Sports

Colorado sports notes: Marsh helps power 7-run first inning as Phillies beat Rockies 10-1 in Colorado’s home opener

Graves scores 28, Creighton takes down Rutgers 82-69 in CBC quarterfinals

April 4 (2:45 PM CT) - Indy Ignite vs Omaha Supernovas (NCN TV)

Prep track & field roundup: Leyton’s Alec Watchorn earns top honor as Burns sweeps team titles at Bayard CD Meet

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

Ag & Outdoor

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