Mark your calendars for&nbsp;March 28 and 29, 2026. The Chadron State College Hoop Shoot isn't just a tournament; it’s a major economic opportunity for our community. We anticipate an&nbsp;influx of hundreds of visitors, families, and fans&nbsp;from across the region, filling our hotels, restaurants, shops, and streets.

This is our moment to shine, provide exceptional hospitality, and grow our businesses. The NNDC, in partnership with Chadron State College, and the Chadron Chamber of Commerce encourages you to prepare now to maximize this opportunity.﻿﻿

Here’s How Your Business Can Win:

Together, we can ensure every visitor leaves impressed, planning their next trip back to Chadron.

By Chadron State College<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770332304204.jpeg" alt="courtesy CSC" />
 <figcaption>courtesy CSC</figcaption>
 </figure>Mark your calendars for&nbsp;March 28 and 29, 2026. The Chadron State College Hoop Shoot isn't just a tournament; it’s a major economic opportunity for our community. We anticipate an&nbsp;influx of hundreds of visitors, families, and fans&nbsp;from across the region, filling our hotels, restaurants, shops, and streets.This is our moment to shine, provide exceptional hospitality, and grow our businesses. The NNDC, in partnership with Chadron State College, and the Chadron Chamber of Commerce encourages you to prepare now to maximize this opportunity.﻿﻿Here’s How Your Business Can Win:<ul>
 <li>Anticipate the Crowd:&nbsp;Expect increased foot traffic from Thursday through Sunday. This means higher demand for meals, snacks, fuel, groceries, sundries, and retail goods.</li><li>Staff Up for Success:&nbsp;To provide the excellent service Chadron is known for, consider&nbsp;increasing staffing levels&nbsp;for that weekend. Well-staffed businesses turn visitors into returning customers.</li><li>Extend Your Hours:&nbsp;Consider special promotions, extended hours, or "Hoop Shoot Specials" to capture the evening and weekend crowds.</li><li>Stock Up &amp; Promote:&nbsp;Ensure you are well-stocked. Use window signs, social media, and in-store promotions to welcome Hoop Shoot visitors directly.</li><li>Show Your Eagle Spirit:&nbsp;Decorate your storefront! Wear your CSC colors! Let’s create a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere that teams and families will remember.﻿﻿</li>
 </ul>Together, we can ensure every visitor leaves impressed, planning their next trip back to Chadron.

Chadron State Hoop Shoot March 28 and 29

Details for March Fundraising Event for Pryor Family in Alliance

The first Alliance Arts Council event of 2026 will be a performance by Wendy Bantam from Lincoln, Nebraska on Friday, Jan. 30. Bantam will also be working as an artist in residence at the elementary schools the week of January 26-30.

A Nebraska native, Wendy Jane Bantam brings a pioneering sound to Americana Roots Music. With influences from old time country masters, and today’s Indie/world folk sound, Bantam’s ballads and melodies captivate people of all ages. A prolific songwriter and troubadour, Ms. Bantam spent her early childhood on a farm between Hay Springs and Chadron.

She studied performance at The University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS and received her Master of Fine Arts from the University of Nebraska- Lincoln. She’s appeared live on England’s BBC Radio and signed on with recording label, Tremulant Records; recently performing her original songs with the Missouri Symphony. Her album, Virga, was recorded with Merle Haggard’s longtime guitarist and Grammy winner, Redd Volkaert. She is currently with recording label state 51 in the United Kingdom.

Bantam will also include the 4th grade residency students as part of her program to allow them to share what they have worked on during the week. Business co-presenters for the school residency and the public performance are FNIC, FNBO, KCOW/Double Q Country Radio, Harris Sales and Western Nebraska Real Estate.

The programs are presented with the support of the Nebraska Arts Council and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment.

Tickets for Friday night show are $15 Adult, $10 Senior, $5 Student (preschool admitted free). Tickets are available at Carnegie Arts Center, Chamber of Commerce and at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m.

By Alliance Arts Council<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769103774517.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The first Alliance Arts Council event of 2026 will be a performance by Wendy Bantam from Lincoln, Nebraska on Friday, Jan. 30. Bantam will also be working as an artist in residence at the elementary schools the week of January 26-30.A Nebraska native, Wendy Jane Bantam brings a pioneering sound to Americana Roots Music. With influences from old time country masters, and today’s Indie/world folk sound, Bantam’s ballads and melodies captivate people of all ages. A prolific songwriter and troubadour, Ms. Bantam spent her early childhood on a farm between Hay Springs and Chadron.She studied performance at The University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS and received her Master of Fine Arts from the University of Nebraska- Lincoln. She’s appeared live on England’s BBC Radio and signed on with recording label, Tremulant Records; recently performing her original songs with the Missouri Symphony. Her album, Virga, was recorded with Merle Haggard’s longtime guitarist and Grammy winner, Redd Volkaert. She is currently with recording label state 51 in the United Kingdom.Bantam will also include the 4th grade residency students as part of her program to allow them to share what they have worked on during the week. Business co-presenters for the school residency and the public performance are FNIC, FNBO, KCOW/Double Q Country Radio, Harris Sales and Western Nebraska Real Estate.The programs are presented with the support of the Nebraska Arts Council and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment.Tickets for Friday night show are $15 Adult, $10 Senior, $5 Student (preschool admitted free). Tickets are available at Carnegie Arts Center, Chamber of Commerce and at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Alliance Arts Council to Host Artist/Musician Wendy Bantam

Alliance City Council Meeting Agenda, Jan. 20

The Brothers Duo to play in Scottsbluff

Southern Fryed will perform at the Alliance Eagles Club for the annual Barn Dance on Saturday, Jan. 17 starting at 9pm. There is a cover charge to attend.&nbsp;

Southern Fryed will perform at the Alliance Eagles Club for the annual Barn Dance on Saturday, Jan. 17 starting at 9pm. There is a cover charge to attend.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768327939464.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Southern Fryed to perform in Alliance 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768239714372.png" alt="Pesticide Trainings Announcement" />
 <figcaption>Pesticide Trainings Announcement</figcaption>
 </figure>

Nebraska Extension Announes Dates for Pesticide License Trainings

The Greendales will perform at Flyover Brewery in Scottsbluff on Saturday, Jan. 8 from 6pm - 9pm.&nbsp;

The Greendales will perform at Flyover Brewery in Scottsbluff on Saturday, Jan. 8 from 6pm - 9pm.&nbsp;

The Greendales to play in Scottsbluff

Alliance, NE – The City of Alliance Landfill’s loose fill pit and construction/demolition area is pausing operations for January 6th, 2026, and is anticipating to be intermittently closed over the next few days – weeks due to dangerous wind speed. This is for safety measures to ensure no one is injured.

For any questions, please contact the City of Alliance Landfill at (308) 762-2705.

By City of AllianceAlliance, NE – The City of Alliance Landfill’s loose fill pit and construction/demolition area is pausing operations for January 6th, 2026, and is anticipating to be intermittently closed over the next few days – weeks due to dangerous wind speed. This is for safety measures to ensure no one is injured.For any questions, please contact the City of Alliance Landfill at (308) 762-2705.

Alliance Landfill Intermittently Pausing Specific Operations Due to Wind 

Box Butte Commissioners Meeting Jan. 7 Agenda

By Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District

The Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District (UNWNRD) is seeking a director to fill a vacancy on the board. The position will represent subdistrict 5 which encompasses western Dawes and northern Sioux Counties and was previously held by Al Rasmussen who passed away Dec. 12, 2025. The appointed applicant will serve until January 2027. The position will be up for election in 2026 and again in 2028.

Written letters of interest will serve as the application and must be submitted by January 15, 2026. Applicants must reside in the subdistrict as well as being a registered voter.

The UNWNRD is an eleven-person board serving Box Butte, Dawes, Sheridan and the northern 2/3rds of Sioux Counties. The district is made up of five election subdistricts with two representatives and one at-large director. Directors typically serve four-year terms. Board meetings are held in Chadron on the second Thursday of the month. Directors receive $70 per diem and reimbursement of mileage and other expenses while conducting NRD business.

Interested individuals should submit the letter of application to Patrick O’Brien, General Manager, Upper Niobrara White NRD, 430 East 2 nd Street, Chadron, NE 69337. For more information feel free to contact the UNWNRD at 308-432-6190.

By Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767374482841.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District (UNWNRD) is seeking a director to fill a vacancy on the board. The position will represent subdistrict 5 which encompasses western Dawes and northern Sioux Counties and was previously held by Al Rasmussen who passed away Dec. 12, 2025. The appointed applicant will serve until January 2027. The position will be up for election in 2026 and again in 2028.Written letters of interest will serve as the application and must be submitted by January 15, 2026. Applicants must reside in the subdistrict as well as being a registered voter.The UNWNRD is an eleven-person board serving Box Butte, Dawes, Sheridan and the northern 2/3rds of Sioux Counties. The district is made up of five election subdistricts with two representatives and one at-large director. Directors typically serve four-year terms. Board meetings are held in Chadron on the second Thursday of the month. Directors receive $70 per diem and reimbursement of mileage and other expenses while conducting NRD business.Interested individuals should submit the letter of application to Patrick O’Brien, General Manager, Upper Niobrara White NRD, 430 East 2 nd Street, Chadron, NE 69337. For more information feel free to contact the UNWNRD at 308-432-6190.

Subdistrict 5 Vacancy Announcement

Loaded Dice will perform at the Elks Lodge in Scottsbluff on Dec. 31. The concert starts at 8:30pm - 12:30pm. There is a cover charge to attend.&nbsp;

Loaded Dice will perform at the Elks Lodge in Scottsbluff on Dec. 31. The concert starts at 8:30pm - 12:30pm. There is a cover charge to attend.&nbsp;

Loaded Dice to play in Scottsbluff

&nbsp; Keep Alliance Beautiful will be picking up their regular curb side routes on Tuesday, Dec. 23, rather than Wednesday, Dec. 24 for the holidays.&nbsp;

By Keep Alliance Beautiful&nbsp; Keep Alliance Beautiful will be picking up their regular curb side routes on Tuesday, Dec. 23, rather than Wednesday, Dec. 24 for the holidays.&nbsp;

Keep Alliance Beautiful announcement on holiday curb side recycling

Christmas Services in Chadron 

Details on First Day Hike at Chadron State Park

Box Butte County Meeting Agenda, Dec. 22

Jessi Laine to play in Scottsbluff, Kimball 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765561490201.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765561502809.jpeg" alt="Photo by Kalin Krohe.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Kalin Krohe.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>

Shon Townsend Band to perform in Bayard 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765562598966.jpeg" alt="The concert will take place at Prairie Winds Community Center.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The concert will take place at Prairie Winds Community Center.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765562951070.jpeg" alt="Photo by Kalin Krohe." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Kalin Krohe.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Randy Burghardt to perform in Bridgeport 

Jessi Laine to play in Scottsbluff

ALLIANCE, Neb. – The City of Alliance Landfill’s loose fill pit and construction/demolition area will be closed Dec. 9 due to dangerous wind speed. This is for safety measures to ensure no one is injured.

By City of Alliance<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/10/1571965688810.png" alt="City of Alliance" />
 <figcaption>City of Alliance</figcaption>
 </figure>ALLIANCE, Neb. – The City of Alliance Landfill’s loose fill pit and construction/demolition area will be closed Dec. 9 due to dangerous wind speed. This is for safety measures to ensure no one is injured.For any questions, please contact the City of Alliance Landfill at (308) 762-2705.

Specific Landfill Operations Closed Due to Wind Speed in Alliance

Chris Brenning will play at Scott Free Brewing Company in Gering on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 5pm - 7pm.&nbsp;

Gabriel the Brute will perform on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 4pm - 6pm.&nbsp;

Chris Brenning will play at Scott Free Brewing Company in Gering on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 5pm - 7pm.&nbsp;Gabriel the Brute will perform on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 4pm - 6pm.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764955074972.jpeg" alt="Photo by Kalin Krohe.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Kalin Krohe.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>

Chris Brenning, Gabriel the Brute to play in Gering 

Avid to perform in Scottsbluff

UPDATED 12/3/25:&nbsp;Northwest Rural Public Power District, along with Nebraska Public Power District, have rescheduled their power outage in Hay Springs for next week, Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 10pm - 12 midnight MT.

************************************************************

COLUMBUS, Neb. – A planned outage is scheduled for electric customers in Hay Springs Wednesday, Dec. 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. MT, to allow for work at a substation in the area.

The outage is being conducted so crews can conduct needed maintenance at the substation. “We know outages are not convenient, and we appreciate the patience of the impacted customers while the work is completed,” said NPPD Account Manager Jennifer Branson. “The work will help ensure reliable service to area customers, and crews will be working hard to complete the work in a safe and efficient manner.” 

NPPD works closely with impacted communities to schedule any planned outages. NPPD will notify impacted customers prior to the planned outage, and customers can call 1-877-ASK-NPPD if they have any questions. 

By Northwest Rural Public Power District<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764625912144.jpg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATED 12/3/25:&nbsp;Northwest Rural Public Power District, along with Nebraska Public Power District, have rescheduled their power outage in Hay Springs for next week, Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 10pm - 12 midnight MT.************************************************************COLUMBUS, Neb. – A planned outage is scheduled for electric customers in Hay Springs Wednesday, Dec. 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. MT, to allow for work at a substation in the area. The outage is being conducted so crews can conduct needed maintenance at the substation. “We know outages are not convenient, and we appreciate the patience of the impacted customers while the work is completed,” said NPPD Account Manager Jennifer Branson. “The work will help ensure reliable service to area customers, and crews will be working hard to complete the work in a safe and efficient manner.” NPPD works closely with impacted communities to schedule any planned outages. NPPD will notify impacted customers prior to the planned outage, and customers can call 1-877-ASK-NPPD if they have any questions.

UPDATE: Planned Outage for Customers in Hay Springs Dec. 10

Announcements