Panhandle Scanner News

Wednesday May 13 2026 - Scanner News

A missing person to tell you about to start off the day. A young lady from the North Platte, Gothenburg area is missing and is reported to have possibly been seen in the Scotts Bluff area. Ellie Anna Newbrey, last seen May 10th, 17 years old, brown hair, green eyes, missing from Gothenburg. They found her car in North Platte, and she may be with a gentleman named Ryan Chessmore. If you have any information, please contact the number on the poster on our Facebook page or your local police department.
 
Last night was a big night for some local candidates seeking support.
 
Here are a few of the results that we have seen coming in so far. The Big Three, Pete Ricketts, Jim Pillen, and Adrian Smith all held large leads in their respective races, whereas some of the races could be much closer, like the one for Republican Secretary of State between Bob Evnen and Scott Peterson. That one's too close to call, early this morning.
 
In some local races for Republican County Commissioner District 1, Michael Blue was victorious over Lisa Betz-Marquez. In another race we were watching closely, Sheriff Milo Cardenas of Morrill County holds onto his spot to retain his sheriff position. He was victorious over candidate Ricky Trevino.
 
Statewide Results : https://countyelectionresults.nebraska.gov/mobile.aspx
 
We look forward to seeing what Ricky has planned for the future. And in a race for the new Mitchell mayorship, Sean Hopkins and Stephen Lacy were neck and neck with both moving on to the general election. For all these results, see our page at panhandlescanner.com or our Facebook page by the same name.

Tuesday May 12 2026 - Scanner News

Well, yesterday was another one of those days of foolish antics by criminals who don't understand the implications of their actions. The scary thing is, some of these calls may be coming from computers.
 
On Monday, May 11th, a coordinated series of hoax bomb threats and swatting calls targeted schools across several U.S. states. While Tennessee and Nebraska saw significant statewide disruptions, Ohio and Texas also reported incidents. In Tennessee, nine schools were affected, and in Nebraska, Alliance and North Platte high schools were placed on secure status while other districts also reported a hold or heightened security as a precautionary measure due to the widespread nature of the calls.
 
At 11:14 a.m., scanner traffic indicated this... 
 
North Platte, 5.
 
Go ahead. 
 
Requesting 10-89 at 1540 Box Butte Avenue. Possible shooter on the way, possibly 15 people about five minutes out from the north side of the high school. Also possible bomb. 
 
10-4, I'll be en route.
 
10-4.
 
Just a correction on the 10-20, it's 1450 Box Butte Avenue, 1450, it's the High School. 
 
10-4.
 
The Nebraska Information Analysis Center, or NIAC, worked with the FBI to trace the origins of these calls, which often uses voiceover technology to mask the caller's location. Residents and students are encouraged to report any suspicious activity or social media threats through the Safe2Help Nebraska portal. We'll put a link to that on our website under resources on panhandlescanner.com.

Monday May 11 2026 - Scanner News

More red flag warnings today. Please use caution when burning, and obey all burn bans when in place.
 
During Police Week, we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Thank you to all law enforcement officers, past and present, for your commitment to protecting and serving others. Your dedication does not go unnoticed.
 
Our very own Elevate Your Day morning show sponsor, High Plains Market, is having a grand opening and expansion celebration this coming Saturday, May 16th, High Plains Market, 27th and Avenue B. Grand opening this Saturday. 
 
If you like movies and appreciate the historic Nile Theater, they're needing some help. They recently had a server go down and are looking for replacement costs. If you can help, contact the Nile Theater or see the posts on our Facebook page. They are currently in a fundraising effort to replace that server. Donations can be made through the non-profit Oregon Trail Community Foundation.
 
The Western Nebraska Pioneers are gearing up for another season, and they made the news lately when their bus was vandalized looked like a hit and run had occurred. If you know anything about who hit the Western Nebraska Pioneers bus, please report it. 
 
Oregon Trail Days is hiring. With all of the upcoming summer excitement and activities at Oregon Trail Days, they're looking for some extra help. Contact Oregon Trail Days if you're looking to help.
 
And early this morning, just before we went on the air, a rollover occurred on S Road, about a half mile north of Henry, involving a F-350 flatbed dually pickup on its side in the ditch. No injuries reported.
 
To listen to live scanner traffic, visit our website at panhandlescanner.com and click on listen. That's going to do it for today's scanner news.
 
Thanks again for listening, and may God bless. I'm Brian Hale.

Friday May 8 2026 - Scanner News

Well, we just got a newsflash here from Horizon Music Fest that today is the day that fans have been waiting for. The headliner is dropping today. Make sure you watch our page today to find out who that headliner will be. 
 
The Nile Theater has been entertaining area audiences for over 85 years now. Now that we're in the digital age, computers are a necessity, and their movie server has died. In order to continue to show family-friendly movies at great prices, they are asking for the public's help. The server at the Nile Theater is no longer functioning. The replacement cost will be between $5,000 and $10,000. Donations to the Friends of the Nile Theater can be made through the Oregon Trail Community Foundation directly by check or online with Zephy. Find that link in our article, Nile Theater Seeks Community Support.
 
There's a series of cyber attacks that we want to make you aware of. It is affecting educational institutions across Nebraska, and now we have heard across the country. Multiple schools and universities that utilize Canvas, a software program for managing homework, grades, and other sensitive information, has fallen victim to hacking.
 
Shiny Hunters is a group demanding a ransom and threatening to leak all compromised data if their demands are not met. Individuals affected by this breach are encouraged to share their experiences in the comments below our post as this situation continues to unfold in the educational sector. Find that post on the Notice of Cyber Attack, on our Facebook page at Panhandle Scanner, or on our news page at Panhandlescanner.com. Follow our page for more breaking news throughout the day.

Thursday May 7 2026 - Scanner News

It's Public Service Recognition Week, and today we're honoring our police departments. Patrolling our streets, supporting our community, protecting, serving, building relationships, courage, dedication, and a whole lot of heart.
 
Day in and day out, these officers are always ready to step in when it matters most. Our hats off to public servants this week, especially our police departments. May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
 
Did you know that research shows that autistic individuals have rates of death by suicide that are nearly three times higher than the general population? These risks do not represent individual weakness. They reflect gaps in understanding and in systems not built with care for neurodivergent minds. That's why America Foundation for Suicide Prevention's work matters.
 
Look for that resource on our Facebook page at Panhandle Scanner, from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Congratulations to a long-time customer and friend of ours, Mr. Mike Nuss, on his induction to the Nebraska Auctioneer's Association Hall of Fame. Sugar Valley Stockyards recently wrote that it's been a privilege to have Mike as a colleague, friend, and auctioneer at Sugar Valley Stockyards.
 
Also, congratulations to Don Helberg on his induction to the Hall of Fame. Helberg and Nuss, Auction and Realty, a website we had for almost 20 years. Congratulations to both gentlemen on their induction to the Hall of Fame. 
 
May 9th is the day for the Annual Letter Carriers Food Drive! Stock up so that you can help the local food pantries with your donation. Leave the food by your mailbox on Saturday morning.
 
The Cirrus House, Inc Annual Block Party is approaching quickly!
 
 
 
For more good news like this, follow Panhandle Scanner on Facebook, or visit our website at PanhandleScanner.com. And don't forget our public record every Monday through Friday, covering several counties throughout Nebraska. 

Wednesday May 6 2026 - Scanner News

(GERING, Neb.) -- The Nebraska Court of Appeals has upheld a lower court decision to try Corey Rotherham as an adult. Rotherham, now 17, was 16 at the time of the incident and had requested his case to be moved to juvenile court.
 
Both the trial court and appeals court agreed that the case should remain in adult criminal court. Rotherham is charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and use of a weapon to commit a felony. The charges stem from the stabbing death of 15-year-old Wyatt Reeb in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.
 
Devante Castellaw, identified as the person who carried out the stabbing, has already been convicted and is serving 55 years to life in prison. 
 
What happens next?
 
Rotherham's case will continue to adult court. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for May 20.
 
Trying a minor as an adult can significantly increase potential penalties and changes how the case is handled. Appeals courts typically defer to lower courts unless there is a clear error, so this decision suggests the judges found the original reasoning legally sound.
 
Craig Wayne Boyd. You may recall that the country artist won season seven's season finale of NBC's The Voice.
 
Craig will take the stage May 8 for a special benefit concert right here in Scottsbluff, supporting families impacted by recent panhandle fires. The event commemorates the theater's 80th anniversary, where if you remember, was built from the ashes of the old Egyptian theater. All funds will go to the Oregon Trail Community Foundation to help families rebuild after these devastating fires.
 
The concert begins at 7 p.m. and tickets are available through the Midwest Theater. Craig Wayne Boyd Friday night at the Midwest Theater.
 
In Banner County, the sheriff's department is reminding folks of the current road construction going on.
 
"There are 2 areas of road construction in Banner County. Both on Highway 71 about mm 45 & mm 43. Both areas go down to single lane each direction and the speed limit in the work zones is 60 mph. Reminder speeding fines are doubled in work zones when workers are present. Give the workers a break and slow down for them."
 
 
That's going to do it for today's Scanner News.
 

Tuesday May 5 2026 - Scanner News

Everybody's anticipating this winter-like snowstorm that's supposed to hit between now and Wednesday. We are experiencing some moisture this morning which is good news. However, no snow accumulation at this time. According to the National Weather Service, between 2 and 6 inches of snow accumulation is expected in Nebraska and Kimball County and in Laramie County in Wyoming. Plan on slushy and slick road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the commutes on Tuesday morning and evening, so make travel plans accordingly. 
 
The wintery weather has caused some cancellations. One coming out of Baird, they announced that due to the forecast, the junior high track meet has been moved. Baird will be unable to attend moral this year, but will attend the middle school meet in Scott's Bluff hosted by Gering on Thursday, May 7. No track meet today.
 
And we have some road closures to tell you about over in Wyoming. I-80 is closed in both directions between Cheyenne and Laramie. Closure began around 2.05 am and an estimated opening time is unknown.
 
Last evening, scanner traffic indicated a rollover with multiple patients. An airlink was asked to go on standby. Highway 385. Further traffic indicated all patients were out of the vehicle and had only minor injuries. Airlink was then cancelled. We heard one trooper say that he has one female 1015 or in custody. With no other traffic between calls, this may pertain to this incident or it may not. Remember, it's scanner traffic and nothing is final until the investigation is complete. In any case, please pray for everyone involved and we are thankful for the medical services that we have available to us in the Panhandle and beyond.

Monday May 4 2026 - Scanner News

On Friday night, scanner traffic indicated a horrific car crash that required Airlink. The location was Lusk, Wyoming and the report was a T-bone accident with a semi. Our prayers and condolences go to the families of the three souls that were lost in the accident. Our prayers for the one woman who did survive and was transported to regional West Medical Center.
 
Well, the U.S. National Weather Service says that a cold front will arrive today and winter-like weather may make a comeback. Snow is expected Monday afternoon and evening and will mix to rain into Tuesday. Accumulating snow is possible for portions of the area, with rumors of a couple of inches of accumulation in some places.
 
Saturday was an exciting day at the Aalic Trek stop for the annual Cinco de Mayo celebration. Event organizers and others reported a great turnout and lots of fun. There was an outstanding car show, 70 plus vendors, food trucks, a kids' zone and live music all day. Hope you enjoyed it. That was the annual Cinco de Mayo celebration.
 
Lots of different scanner traffic incidents over the weekend including traffic stops, traffic complaints and unfortunately, on a national level, a mass shooting last night in Edmond, Oklahoma. Scanner traffic indicated that a party was reportedly taking place at Lake Arcadia with preliminary reports of at least 10 victims. The victims are reportedly juveniles and teenagers, both male and female. Our thoughts and prayers remain for all of those involved.
 
On a local level, we want to remind you about the new resources you can find on PanhandleScanner.com. Go there today and click on the resources tab and check it out.

Friday May 1 2026 - Scanner News

It's time for Scanner News, and I'm your host, Brian Hale, brought to you by RNC Welding in Gering, Nebraska. 
Another swatting incident took place in the Panhandle yesterday. This one, Gering High School was the target.
A series of this type of calls is happening nationwide, with selected Walmarts being targeted recently, and now schools. On Thursday the 30th, at approximately 12:32 PM, the Scotts Bluff County Communications Center received a call on a non-emergent phone line indicating there was a threat at Gering High School. Officers from the Gering Police Department and deputies from the Scotts Bluff County Sheriff's Office responded.
School officials placed the building on lockdown out of abundance of caution. Law enforcement entered the building and were able to clear it without incident. The investigation revealed that this incident was a swatting call, and there was no threat to any students, staff, or visitors at the school.
Swatting incidents are intended to elicit a large emergency response and disrupt the functions of the targeted location. If you have any information related to this incident, we ask that you contact the Gearing Police Department. 
Very busy night over scanner traffic.
Early this morning, there was a two vehicle accident with injuries, as well as several traffic complaints and fire calls. There was even a call for a vehicle versus pedestrian accident near East 27th Street and First Avenue near Pioneer Park in Scottsbluff. Scanner traffic indicated a 14-year-old female was hit by a car. We continue to ask people to please respect speed limits and school zones and the safety of our children. Please use an abundance of caution in school zones. 
With all of the recent power outages, we installed a new tab on our website listing all of the local power companies and their outage maps. Look for it today under resources. That's panhandlescanner.com. 
That's going to do it for today's scanner news. Thanks again for listening and may God bless. I'm Brian Hale.

Thursday April 30 2026 - Scanner News

No school today for Hay Springs. Due to 14 staff members and numerous students being sick, Hay Springs Schools is canceling school for today, April 30th. The elementary fourth and fifth grade music concert scheduled for today will be rescheduled. Boys golf will compete pending health of the team and coach. The school wrote that they apologize for any inconvenience that this cancellation will cause and continued that unfortunately they will not have adequate staff to run the school and they're hoping that this will allow staff and students time to rest and recuperate. No school for Hay Springs today.
 
 
Scanner traffic indicated that the Harrison Nebraska Volunteer Fire Dept. called for mutual aid in rural Harrison for a 14 yr old female who had a horse fall on her. Regional 3 went enroute immediately and a request for Air Link at Regional West was made.  The patient was initially transported via ground ambulance by Mitchell Volunteer Fire Department, then transferred to Regional 3 for final transport.
 
 
 
There was a bomb threat yesterday at the Sidney Walmart. Sidney Police Department and multiple agencies responded to a high priority threat at the Walmart Super Center in Sidney at approximately 2.17 p.m. yesterday. A caller contacted the store claiming that an incendiary device was placed throughout the building and that an individual was armed with an AR-15 on his way to the store.  The call has been determined to be a swatting incident, a dangerous hoax intended to trigger a large-scale emergency response. Walmart has confirmed that this appears to be part of a nationwide series of similar hoax calls. Sidney Walmart remained closed for the remainder of the day but reopened this morning at 6 a.m.
 
 
Last night's scanner traffic indicated horses out on highway 71 and highway 88. As of 2 a.m. the owners had not been located yet and the horses were still running free. Thank you to those who do report things to the Nebraska State Patrol using *55. Troopers were able to get a description but canceled the pursuit because they observed no actual violations other than running free.
 
 
 
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