Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent, a period of fasting, reflection — and fish fries

This is the week of Ash Wednesday, a solemn day of fasting and reflection that signals the start of Lent

February 18, 2026Updated: February 18, 2026

By Naydu Daza Maya

Regional

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

Skills USA Nebraska Continues with Heavy Machinery Events in Hastings

Skills USA Championships brings thousands to Grand Island

Skills USA Championships brings thousands to Grand Island

Developer feels shoved out of Grand Island good life district, seeks state intervention

Developer feels shoved out of Grand Island good life district, seeks state intervention

Hastings Candidate Forum Continues with City Council Candidates

Hastings Candidate Forum Continues with City Council Candidates

Start Date Set for Construction on I-80 From Giltner to Hampton

Start Date Set for Construction on I-80 From Giltner to Hampton

State

Artemis II astronauts return from moon with a splashdown to close out a record-breaking lunar voyage

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

Hometown Liquor, customers support Sidney Girls Club Softball

Panhandle law enforcement considering area youth detention center

Central Elementary music class wins $500 through Stretch Across Nebraska contest

Jefferson County approves updated zoning and solar regulations plus road plan

Sports

Norfolk freshman flirts with no-hitter as Panthers get 4th win

Holly, Rasby earn Terry Gilliland honors at Mitchell meet

Michael Lorenzen throws efficiently into the 6th, Rockies beat Astros 9-1 to complete 3-game sweep

Scottsbluff edges Sidney to win Red Raider Golf Invite

North Platte St. Patrick’s sweeps team titles at Storm Invite in Chappell

WNCC softball falls twice to Southeast in exciting action

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