Custer County Chief
‘It’s in all of our backyards’
According to the United Nations’ International Labour Organization, human traffickers victimize an estimated 27.6 million people worldwide. Within sex trafficking, 78% are women and girls and 22% are men and boys, with 92% being adults and 8% being...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Melham and CNMC announce integration
BROKEN BOW - In a significant step toward strengthening accessible, sustainable healthcare for the region, Melham Medical Center and Central Nebraska Medical Clinic (CNMC) have announced that CNMC has officially integrated into the Melham organization...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
A look back at news, July through December, 2025
Off-Broadway received a Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce GROW award to celebrate a new activities room. Wyatt Woodward was appointed as a Broken Bow Police Officer. Ribbon cuttings celebrated Chamber membership for Tobey Law and Luxury Advertisements in...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Creativity & fun on display at Ansley
ANSLEY - Mr. Aaron Wagner, social studies teacher and athletic director at Ansley Public Schools, has spent over 50 hours and $2,500 on the Lego display inside the school’s library window. Students and staff stop to marvel at all the detailed holiday...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
BBPD at full staff with officers’ graduation
At right, fellow officers were on hand to celebrate the graduation of the newest members of the Broken Bow Police Department. From left are Captain Chris Henderson, Chief Chris Anderson, Officer Jose Ambriz, Officer Wyatt Woodward, Sergeant Paul...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
More than $160,000 raised at The Great Gala!
See the Custer County Foundation press release on page A2 and view more photos at www.custercountychief.com. Above, Lori Cox of Sargent pumps her fist as she wins a round of “Heads or Tails.” The prize of $500 was eventually won by Saryn Cape of...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Fire in Arnold
Arnold Volunteer Fire Department Dec. 8, 2025 ARNOLD - On Dec. 8, 2025, at approximately 6:38 a.m., the Arnold Volunteer Fire Department was paged to a reported garage fire at 206 East 2nd Avenue, a single-family residence. Upon arrival,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Festival of Lights 2025
Despite the temperature sinking to 19°F Monday night, according to the National Weather Service, families still bundled up and poured into downtown Broken Bow for the annual Festival of Lights. Winter coats, puffy jackets and brightly colored mittens...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘Significantly safer labs’ at BBPS
This is the seventh and fiNAL ARTICLE IN A SERIES FOCUSING ON WHAT IS NOW AVAILABLE TO BROKEN BOW SCHOOL DISTRICT STUDENTS AFTER THE CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION. CHANGES HAVE IMPROVED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES AND INCREASED STUDENT SAFETY FOR STUDENTS....
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Moving Moroney Thank you Welcome Home
Above, the Dist 58 Moroney Schoolhouse is moved through the intersection of Hwy 2 and 9th Ave. in Broken Bow on its way from south of Merna to the Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway Visitors Center Tuesday. The one room building has been set on a...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Dr. Minnick to start new year with clinic in Blair
After 30 years in Broken Bow, Dr. David Minnick will be starting practice with a medical clinic in Blair. His final day with Central Nebraska Medical Clinic (CNMC) in Broken Bow will be Jan. 15. As Melham Medical Clinic prepares to purchase and run...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Home is where the heart is
ARNOLD - “It was just a beautiful day.” That’s what Alicia Hermsmeyer of Westerville stated about attending the Arnold fall housing tour on Nov. 1. Hermsmeyer along with her mom, Carrie Barber, took time to enjoy a mother-daughter day. She said, “I...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Sandhills Cattle tours Custer County
- The Sandhills Cattle Association covered Custer County last week for their Ranch Tour. Executive Director, Kami Freeman said “our goal on the tour is to connect a new customer with a producer they might not have known in the past.” That is exactly...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Happy 65th, BD!
Sixty-five years ago Becton Dickinson (BD) employees in Broken Bow went to work in a building with corrugated tin siding. On Oct. 16, at the company’s 65th anniversary celebration, Broken Bow Mayor Rod Sonnichsen said to BD employees, “You have come a...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
From the plains to the peaks
BROKEN BOW - When most people picture summer break, they think of rest, vacations and slower mornings. For North Park Elementary principal Malachi Behrens, summer looks more like miles of dirt trails and finish lines. While his students are spending...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
BROKEN BOW - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. “Early detection saves lives,” Kyle Kellum, CEO, Melham Medical Center, said. “Our team is committed to providing the highest quality imaging and compassionate care so that breast cancer can be...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Anderson named Police Chief
BROKEN BOW - “It is with great pride and anticipation we welcome Chris Anderson as our Police Chief,” Broken Bow City Administrator David Schmidt said at the Sept. 23 City Council Meeting. Anderson has 15 years dedicated to law enforcement, with seven...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Two houses struck in accident Driver seriously injured
“It sounded like a bomb. Boom!” That’s what homeowner Sharon Leibhart said of the sound when a vehicle struck her house just after midnight Saturday morning. Then she looked out the window. “I saw a car in my neighbor’s house,” she said. “I thought...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
BBPS renovations strike a new chord
This is the second in a series of articles focusing on what is now available to Broken Bow School District students after the construction and renovation. Learn how changes will have positive impact on Broken Bow students. This is what your “Yes” vote...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
No wind doesn’t mean no fun!
It rained Saturday morning of the Callaway Kite Flight and there was little wind all weekend, but that didn’t stop people from enjoying their time at Foster Field. At left, Jaxon McDaniel keeps his kite in the air as the rain dissipates. His parents...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Bow Ambulance service expands
Broken Bow Ambulance Service (BBAS) is proud to announce the addition of a brand-new ambulance, expanding the service to three fully Advanced Life Support (ALS) equipped units. This milestone reflects steady growth and a continued commitment to...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
State Poet to read in Broken Bow
LINCOLN - When you meet Jewel Rodgers, Nebraska’s State Poet, there’s this quiet confidence about her. She speaks with the kind of warmth that immediately makes you lean in—but when she reads her poetry, it’s like everything else in the room just fades...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
A lesson beyond textbooks
a world where textbooks and lectures often dominate the classroom experience, one local teacher has gone above and beyond to provide his students with a oncein-a-lifetime learning opportunity. Caleb tenBensel, the agriculture teacher at Broken Bow...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Chief Scott swears in officer for final time
BROKEN BOW - Thanks to the newest addition to the Broken Bow Police Department, the police force is now at 100% occupancy. Jose Ambriz was sworn into office at the July 22 city council meeting and was scheduled to begin the job July 23. Considering...
Read Full Story (Page 2)
BBPS Board addresses loss through fraud
- The Broken Bow School board addressed the loss of nearly a million dollars through fraud and welcomed a new school board member, Jennifer Jackson, at Monday evening’s Board meeting. During reports, Treasurer Amy Staples said, “As you know $1.8...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Three named BB Distinguished Alumni
Three individuals were named Distinguished Alumni for Broken Bow High School this past weekend - Bill Root, Dr. Charles Hircock and Dr. Bonnie Devish Hircock. After graduation in 1975, Root obtained his Bachelor of Education in Physical Education and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Heritage, fun and fireworks!
CUSTER COUNTY - It was a good weekend for getting out and enjoying community fun. Broken Bow held its city fireworks display Saturday, July 5, after heavy rains fell on the 4th. Heritage Days at Merna and Oconto Fun Days went on as scheduled, offering...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
INSIDE:
Part 2 of proposed federal budget cuts and local services; BBPS construction update and photos; Broken Bow FBLA in Anaheim and more!
Read Full Story (Page 1)
What do proposed federal cuts mean for some local services?
This is Part 1 in a twopart series on what might result locally from federal cuts. This is on libraries. Next week will be on museums. What would the effect be on local libraries if the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) CUSTER...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
All about the flag
Monday, June 16, final good-byes were said for Wayne Mills with a special flag tribute, Wayne was all about the U.S. flag. The World War II veteran died Wednesday, June 11, at the age of 99. After services at the United Methodist Church and time for...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Bringin’ the family to a BBQ
OCONTO - The 2025 Blowin’ the Doors off BBQ was a great success, both weather wise, food wise and attendance. Over 1,200+ individuals of all ages lined up for the food and good times. Families come early and make this an annual event. Groups of...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Arnold student gathers books for little ones
ARNOLD - When Arnold High School senior Eli Rogers first heard about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, he never imagined it would turn into what it has. Now, just a few years later, Eli and the NERDs are working toward a big goal: bringing the gift...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Memorial Day 2025 in Broken Bow
BROKEN BOW - The rain hitting the rooftop was the only sound Monday morning as a crowd gathered in the Veteran’s Memorial Building to recognize and remember those who are not here with us. Custer County’s Veteran Service Office Emory Haynes focused...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Mental health tops community concerns
BROKEN BOW - Accessible and affordable child care and housing remain as top concerns for Custer County, according to responses given at a community needs town hall meeting. The top overall concern is accessible and affordable mental health care. More...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Loup County graduates 9
Pictured at left is the Loup County High School Class of 2025. Front row, from left: Leyre Alonso-Zabalza, Madison Glidden, Marisa Richardson and Gracey Rodocker. Back row: Angel Estrada, Destynee Dilsaver, Micah Essman-Durant, Alexis Starr and Emmett...
Read Full Story (Page 4)
A-M seniors receive diplomas
MERNA - 12 students crossed the stage in the 2025 Anselmo-Merna graduating class May 3. Josiah Griffith was the Salutatorian with Valedictorian honors going to Makenna Miller. Jodi Miller, School Counselor, recognized the seniors who received...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
New officers for Broken Bow FFA
BROKEN BOW - Officers for the Broken Bow Chapter of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) were announced Friday, April 24, at the annual FFA Banquet. Nominated through a selection process consisting of a written application, teacher recommendations,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Easter on the Square!
BROKEN BOW - Despite chills in the air, children of all ages, some in winter coats and earmuffs, gathered in the Broken Bow Square for the annual Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by Custer Care. Children four and younger were invited to gather plastic eggs...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
McIntosh honored for 60 years
Ralph McIntosh, a Broken Bow resident, was recognized for 60 years of continuous membership of the American Legion. McIntosh, 93, was presented the certificate by Joe Kreycik, Commander Wood Lake American Legion Post 202, and Roger Wenquist, Commander,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Ready to go!
- It’s a project that has been in the works for 15 years or more yet work may actually begin this week. Custer County Highway Superintendent Chris Jacobsen said a representative with the contractor, Ramos Construction of Shelton, is on-site at the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Custer Christian Gala a success
BROKEN BOW - “What does it look like to be successful?” that was one of the questions Pastor Noah Tyler of Legacy Christian School in Holdrege asked at the Custer Christian School Gala. He was the featured speaker at the school’s first annual...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Celebrating business!
Pictured at right is Deb McCaslin of Broken Bow, Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year. McCaslin’s willingness to volunteer was cited on her nomination. BROKEN BOW - Deb McCaslin was named the Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Where to stop traffic in Broken Bow?
Where to place stop signs and how many are needed was the topic of most of the discussion at the March 11 Broken Bow City Council meeting. As of yet, the City Council has not taken action. Two public hearings have been held. The third and final...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Helping out Broken Bow Ambulance
BROKEN BOW - The City of Broken Bow has a new ambulance on order. It’s scheduled to arrive late May or early June. “It’s not even painted yet,” Emergency Department Head David Baltz said. For some, it may not seem like that long ago that Broken Bow...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Adamses of Broken Bow named 2024 NEBRASKAlander Honorees
LINCOLN - Bill Adams and Jerry Adams of Broken Bow were recognized as NEBRASKAlander Award Honorees at the March 1 Nebraska Statehood Day dinner in Lincoln. The annual event is hosted by the NEBRASKAland Foundation to commemorate Nebraska becoming a...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Doors opened to those without power
- In an unprecedented series of events, Broken Bow residents faced a devastating combination of extreme negative weather and a catastrophic explosion of the town’s power plant Thursday morning, Feb. 20. With temperatures plummeting to -32 degrees,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Local veterans receive Quilts of Valor
-The local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post hosted a pancake feed, coinciding with a Quilts of Valor ceremony. Bill Chalupa, a U.S. Army Veteran, enlisted in 1977 and was sent to Fort Knox for his basic training. He was stationed at Fort Bliss in...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
SJNSB recognizes outstanding volunteers
Friends and supporters of the Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway (SJNSB) gathered in Broken Bow to celebrate 26 years of promoting the 272 scenic miles of Hwy. 2 that wind through the Sandhills of Nebraska. In addition to a board meeting, the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Hueftle-Bullock visits Dist. 43 Senator in Lincoln
The Nebraska Press Association (NPA) held a Legislative Breakfast for NPA board members and state senators this past week. Donnis Hueftle-Bullock, General Manager, of the Custer County Chief is a board member and attended. What follows is her account...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Off-Broadway welcomes new administrator
Off-Broadway officially welcomed Felishia Brock as administrator at an Open House on Saturday, Jan. 25. Originally from Oklahoma, Brock has been with the independent and assisted living facility for four years. She started at the front desk, has been...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Friends of the Fair, friends of Chase
BROKEN BOW - Raising funds for the fairgrounds is the main goal of the Custer County Ag Society’s Winter Ball. Hand-in-hand with that goal this year was acknowledging Chase Christen and raising money for his children. Christen died in December while...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
What does that have to do with the price of eggs?
BROKEN BOW - Avian flu, inflation, supply and demand. It all has to do with the price of eggs at the grocery store. You just might want to brace yourself if you haven’t checked prices of eggs lately. A dozen large eggs can sometimes cost on the high...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Walking through the door no more
When you have reliable employees, you know they will walk through the work place door on time. You can count on them. For more than 7,000 days since January of 1997, David White walked through the doors of the Chief. David did not sell any ads or...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Two-term supervisor retires from board
BROKEN BOW - After eight years on the Custer County Board of Supervisors, Dwain Bryner is stepping down. He was recognized for his service with a plaque of appreciation and a reception Tuesday, Dec. 24. Asked to name something he is most proud of...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Broken Bow choir and band celebrate the season in song
At left, Broken Bow Band teacher Nestor Pelayo, left, joins students Jon Sanchez, Bryson Gonzalez and Arianna Vasquez (not pictured) in a performance of “Frost Roof” at the Holiday Notes concert Thursday, Dec. 19. Ava Page At right, Madden Kleeb at the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Custer County Foundation celebrates 20 years!
RILEE DAFFER Executive Director, Custer County Foundation - Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Custer County Foundation Gala and Auction Saturday night, the Emerald anniversary theme was BROKEN BOW front and center with emerald clothing and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Christmas for children in Oconto!
Above, children sing Christmas carols under the leadership of Cliff Badgley, left, and Dan Eggleston, second from left, at the Oconto Community Christmas Sunday, Dec. 8. The children are James Marshall, 9; MaKenna Eggleston, 9; Ledee Claflin, 7; Riggs...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
107 nativities on display at Custer County Historical Museum
School Band brought The Broken Bow High Monday night. Band music to the festivities grader Drew Longfellow, member and eighth Dan and Kristin Longfellow. above, is the son of makings Club had the The Optimist at the ready. of S’mores Smith, Mike...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
From cast offs to creative artwork
This is the first in a three part series on metal art by Litchifield art students. LITCHFIELD - When you spot a rusty saw blade, do you imagine a seaworthy snail? Do you envision an alligator when your gaze passes over an insulator? Art comes in many...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Good-bye, dirt!
Adams Land & Cattle (ALCC) has announced plans for a $200 million roller compacted concrete and anaerobic digester project for its south feedlot. The roller compacted concrete will replace all of their dirt pens south of Broken Bow. Plans also call...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Bow FFA member receives American degree
BROKEN BOW - Abigail Wiiest was one of 155 FFA members from the state of Nebraska to receive the highest level of FFA achievement - the American Degree. Fewer than one percent of FFA members across the nation receive this award. To achieve the...
Read Full Story (Page 2)
A soldier’s words
CUSTER COUNTY - Veteran’s Day began as Armistice Day after World War I. The day is designated to honor all veterans who have served in the U.S. military forces. This is different from Memorial Day. Observed on the last Monday in May, Memorial Day...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
BBPS Board to have new members, officers soon
BBPS Board Treasurer JB Atkins attends the Oct. 25 board meeting. The board will seek a new treasurer in January as JB Atkins is leaving the board after two terms. BROKEN BOW - It was a rather uneventful Broken Bow School Board meeting Friday, Oct....
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Multiple agencies respond to Dunning blaze on windy day
DUNNING - With extremely dry conditions, high temperatures and wind, a big scare came to the Dunning community Monday, Oct. 14. Midafternoon, a chain mover hay truck was traveling Highway 2 approximately four miles south of Dunning when the bales...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘That football saved my life’
BROKEN BOW Shauna Barker credits a football for helping her discover her breast cancer. Faith, family and friends are getting her through the recovery. About a year ago, Barker was playing football with three young men in Ansley. “They live across...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Tailgating for a cause!
BROKEN BOW - There were fun and games, laughs and prizes and even a Husker football victory. However, the heart of the Healing Hearts and Families fund raiser on Saturday had to be Shannon Murray and her eloquent talk. A former Broken Bow resident,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Flowers on the balcony - Part II
At left, is Yuliia’s Easter project while she and the children lived in Berlin after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. “The owner of that house loved gardening as much and I do ... I often helped her in the garden, taking care of the garden and house...
Read Full Story (Page 1)