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

Hastings Airport Awards Bid for Jet Hangar, Eyes Regional Status

Local volunteers invite Kearney residents to help design downtown crosswalk murals

Downtown Kearney festoon lighting project moves forward

Hastings Public School Superintendent on Administrative Leave

Firefighters Warn for Vigilance as Warm Weather Returns

Learning Without Limits: UNK expands online options for undergraduate students

State

Sterling police respond to early morning crash involving truck hauling chickens

Panhandle mourns loss of educator, compassionate community leader Paula Abbott

Regional

Hastings Airport Awards Bid for Jet Hangar, Eyes Regional Status

Local volunteers invite Kearney residents to help design downtown crosswalk murals

Downtown Kearney festoon lighting project moves forward

Hastings Public School Superintendent on Administrative Leave

Firefighters Warn for Vigilance as Warm Weather Returns

Learning Without Limits: UNK expands online options for undergraduate students

State

Sterling police respond to early morning crash involving truck hauling chickens

Sidney Public Schools promotes early childhood engagement during Week of the Young Child

Enhanced storm risk on Friday

Legacy Cooperative to close Hyannis convenience, feed store

Onstott, Whatley seek voter support at Republican Assembly

CHI St. Mary's to Focus on Addiction Recovery

Sports

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

Johnson-Brock earns eight top medals

Scottsbluff, Hemingford highlight strong day at Mitchell golf invites

Potter-Dix boys, Ogallala girls claim titles at Leyton Invite

Kimball Junior High Track begins track season, setting personal records

Cougar notes: WNCC baseball sweeps Otero on Sunday

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