Thursday Feb 19 2026 - Scanner News

Everyone's talking about the weather and that's expected. Certainly a change from yesterday's high of 51 degrees to today's high of only around 18 degrees with negative wind chill factors happening right now. Feels like negative 7 as we wake up. So far the list for closures is short with Hemingford public schools closing and the following schools all with a late start. Chadron public schools, Chadron State College, Garden County, Morrill Public Schools, Sioux County and Western Nebraska Community College in Alliance. Find those closings and late starts on our weather page on panhandlescander.com which will take you directly to the closings on KCMI's web page. Courtesy of the weather threat, weather widget.

Wildfires continue in Oklahoma and closer to home in the northern panhandle in Brown County. A fire in Brown County has burned an estimated 800 acres and stretches about 5 miles. Officials say a power line may have sparked it. Courtesy of Brown County Sheriff's Office.

Congratulations to Jasmine Garcia and Liz Menke. Jasmine won the Class A state title and Liz took home the Class B state title in Nebraska and girls wrestling. Jasmine is from Scottsbluff High School and Liz is from Bridgeport. Congratulations to you, ladies.

How about some scanner humor from Back the Blue?

If a child refuses to take a nap, are they guilty of resisting arrest?

And don't forget our community calendar and our Look Who's Hiring sections on panhandlescander.com. Those sections are free so please submit your events or your hiring notices to us through the page or the email listed on Panhandle Scanner.