Wildfire near Ashby destroys homes; neighbor’s late-night warning helps families escape

A couple of families near Ashby are now without homes after a fast-moving wildfire tore through the area overnight last week.

April 1, 2026Updated: April 1, 2026

By Casey Wonnenberg

Regional

Bargains Thrift in downtown Kearney set to close in April

Bargains Thrift in downtown Kearney set to close in April

Two arrested in Curtis after home incident

Two arrested in Curtis after incident at home

Charges filed after fight breaks out during Grand Island student protest

Charges filed after fight breaks out during Grand Island student protest

Nebraska State Fair Announces HARDY for Concert Lineup

Nebraska State Fair Announces HARDY for Concert Lineup

Bertrand community rallies to support firefighters battling Johnson Hills Fire

Community rallies to support firefighters battling Johnson Hills Fire

University of Nebraska releases statement about Sidney plans at former Cabela’s headquarters

University of Nebraska releases statement about Sidney plans at former Cabela’s headquarters

State

Wildfire near Ashby destroys homes; neighbor’s late-night warning helps families escape

UNL student vanishes after driving from Lincoln to Florida

Wheat Belt Public Power District announces decision to withdraw from Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association

Ranchers urged to contact USDA before wildfire recovery work begins

Multi-agencies conduct active shooter drill at Sidney High School

City of Norfolk to open seasonal "after-hours" yard waste drop off in April

Sports

Eagles Sweep 5000 Meters at Central Nebraska Challenge

Johnston hits a 2-run homer as the Rockies rout the Blue Jays 14-5 for their 1st win of the season

Cougar notes: WNCC softball plays tough against No. 25 McCook despite falling

Sidney boys, Ogallala girls headline strong showings at Ganser Invite

WNCC baseball splits with Trinidad on Saturday, Wilson breaks school record

Eagles Wrap Up Series Against Cougars

Ag & Outdoor

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

Outdoor notes: Haag shares 100 years of Nebraskaland

Supplementing dryland wheat and irrigated corn with proso millet in drought years