“We stayed packed and ready”: Cozad families prepare to evacuate as wildfire moves closer

A local teacher says her family stayed ready to leave as smoke from nearby wildfires moved closer to their home

March 16, 2026Updated: March 17, 2026

By News Channel Nebraska

Regional

Hastings Public School Superintendent on Administrative Leave

Hastings Public School Superintendent on Administrative Leave

Firefighters Warn for Vigilance as Warm Weather Returns

Firefighters Warn for Vigilance as Warm Weather Returns

Learning Without Limits: UNK expands online options for undergraduate students

Learning Without Limits: UNK expands online options for undergraduate students

Hastings City Council Debate Leads to Failed Appointments

Hastings City Council Debate Leads to Failed Appointments

Family Displaced After Hastings House Fire

Family Displaced After Hastings House Fire

Firefighters Rescue Dogs from Hastings House Fire

Firefighters Rescue Dogs from Hastings House Fire

State

State auditor warns Nebraska health insurance fund could run out

Meet the aircraft, crews on standby in Ainsworth following Sandhills fires

City Council offers City Manager duties to Hanson

Benefits slashed: Nebraska disability switch leaves hundreds desperate for help

Gordon man sentenced for sexually assaulting children

HALT Human Trafficking Fund accepting grant applications

Sports

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

Eagles Wrap Up Series With Orediggers

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