"Largest fire in Nebraska history": Morrill Fire grows to nearly 549,000 acres across western Nebraska

Crews from more than 30 departments are battling the fire as Blackhawk helicopters and National Guard crews assist. One death has been confirmed.

March 15, 2026Updated: March 17, 2026

By News Channel Nebraska

Regional

Legacy Cooperative to close Hyannis convenience, feed store

Legacy Cooperative to close Hyannis convenience, feed store

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

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

Gordon man sentenced for sexually assaulting children

Gordon man sentenced for sexually assaulting children

Indiana woman faces felony drug charge in Cherry County

Indiana woman faces felony drug charge in Cherry County

State

Family business in Norfolk breaks ground on new expansion

No capacity: State’s Public Guardian Office rejects nearly all requests to represent vulnerable Nebraskans

Omaha man arrested in Scottsbluff on sex assault charges

Man pleads no contest in 2023 Chadron bank robbery case

Box Butte County man arrested in child sexual assault investigation

Nebraska reports 16 traffic fatalities in March

Sports

100-Meter Sprinters, 4x400 Relay Among Bauer Open Standouts

Colorado sports notes: Avalanche coach Jared Bednar returns to the bench after taking a puck to the face last weekend

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

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