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

Family Displaced After Hastings House Fire

Firefighters Rescue Dogs from Hastings House Fire

Younes shares vision for Kearney's Good Life District

Flatwater Forum brings live journalism discussions to Kearney

Spring Expo returns to Sidney with big prizes, family fun and regional turnout this weekend

Spring Expo returns to Sidney with big prizes, family fun and regional turnout

Skills USA Nebraska Continues with Heavy Machinery Events in Hastings

State

Terence Crawford fined $75 for careless driving after stop where police ordered him out at gunpoint

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

Regional

Family Displaced After Hastings House Fire

Firefighters Rescue Dogs from Hastings House Fire

Younes shares vision for Kearney's Good Life District

Flatwater Forum brings live journalism discussions to Kearney

Spring Expo returns to Sidney with big prizes, family fun and regional turnout this weekend

Skills USA Nebraska Continues with Heavy Machinery Events in Hastings

State

Terence Crawford fined $75 for careless driving after stop where police ordered him out at gunpoint

Ainsworth NRCS field office currently without permanent staff

Alexis Forney, Lexi Johnson and Lucia Mendez earn Nebraska Broadcasters Association EEO Scholarships

Hospitals warn Nebraska Medicaid work rules could strain staffing and disrupt care

Cheyenne County reminds taxpayers of April 30 deadline, urges early mailing amid USPS changes

Caring for the heartbroken

Sports

Kimball Junior High Track begins track season, setting personal records

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

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