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

Scottsbluff man charged in alleged theft, damage at Sheridan Livestock Auction

Scottsbluff man charged in alleged theft, damage at Sheridan Livestock Auction

Mountain lion, prairie-chicken research underway in Nebraska

Mountain lion, prairie-chicken research underway in Nebraska

Wyoming communities want time to consider embracing nuclear energy, as feds rush to expand industry

Wyoming communities want time to consider embracing nuclear energy, as feds rush to expand industry

Motorcyclist dies after crash near Cheyenne intersection

Motorcyclist dies after crash near Cheyenne intersection

State

Scottsbluff man charged in alleged theft, damage at Sheridan Livestock Auction

Pillen eyes more state budget cuts to help offset local property taxes

Beatrice Police probe early morning shooting

Children’s author and illustrator shares creative journey at UNK

Nebraska gambling taxes up $5 million compared to same period last year

Applications being taken for trail grants

Sports

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

WNCC baseball drops doubleheader to Southeast

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