Nebraska wildfire fight drags into day 7 as winds ease, but danger still looms

Firefighters are battling huge wildfires in western and central Nebraska, as driving winds and dry grass keep the danger high

March 18, 2026Updated: March 18, 2026

By MARGERY A. BECK

Regional

Plainview faces crossroads over $32 million multi-part school bond

Plainview faces crossroads over $32 million multi-part school bond

Fordyce greenhouse grows from small start to 26-year success

Fordyce greenhouse grows from small start to 26-year success

Coach Ron Brown to headline Christian Cross Festival in Norfolk

Coach Ron Brown to headline Christian Cross Festival in Norfolk

Healthy Kids Day draws crowd at Norfolk Family YMCA

Healthy Kids Day draws crowd at Norfolk Family YMCA

State

Fordyce greenhouse grows from small start to 26-year success

Fairbury couple investigated for child abuse; children removed from home

DOJ joins effort to repeal Nebraska in-state college tuition for certain immigrant students

Fairbury pair arrested on possession, abuse charges

The way our town looks and feels matters

Cherry County recognizes longtime public safety workers

Sports

Doane wrestler Cristelle Rodriguez captures NAIA and U.S. championships

WNCC softball team splits contests with Lamar on Sunday

Lowery, Akins lead Chadron State College to win

Colorado sports notes: Forward Logan O'Connor caps long comeback with a Game 1 goal to help Avalanche hold off Kings 2-1

WNCC softball splits conference games with Lamar

Colorado sports notes: Murray, Jokic lead Nuggets to 116-105 win over Timberwolves in physical opener to 1st-round series

Ag & Outdoor

Outdoor notes: Spring shotgun turkey season opens

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