Tuesday April 14 2026 - Scanner News

An interesting fact on this day in history, 1700 JC Penny stores were opened by 1959, but it was on this day, April 14th, JC Penny opened its first store in Wyoming, and it spread to Nebraska soon after that. For an interesting collection of newspapers chronicling this store, and even how you could buy a home through the JC Penny catalog at Julie's Antiques up on the walls, she has several old newspapers displaying the store ads. Go check it out, it's a Julie's Antiques in Gering.   For Nebraska sports fans, the Huskers are proud to announce that Pryce Sandfort has decided to return next season. The former Iowa star led the Huskers to the Sweet 16 this past season, but the Huskers eventually fell to Iowa in the tournament. But he's coming back next year, and so is Braden Frager. Good luck next year Huskers.   Nebraska's Medical Cannabis Commission continued to face emotional testimony from patients and advocates frustrated with what they described as a slow and restrictive rollout of the state's program on Monday. With 70% of Nebraska's voting clearly to legalize medical marijuana in Nebraska in 2024, the state has still failed to form a commission to regulate it.   And in Ag News, a big victory for families. President Trump has virtually eliminated the death tax. Now individuals can pass along $15 million worth of assets tax-free, up to $30 million for a couple. It won't eliminate all death tax, but it is a huge victory. For more on this, visit our news page at Panhandle Scanner, or on the Ag News, visit Harvest USA Report. Both programs which are heard on this station.   (SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb.) -- On April 12 at 7:23 p.m., the Scottsbluff Fire Department responded to a fire alarm at The Village after multiple smoke detectors were activated. Engine 3 and Engine 1 arrived to find moderate smoke in the hallway, prompting a second alarm and automatic aid from the Gering Fire Department.   During the incident, crews determined that a motor in one of the HVAC units had overheated, causing smoke to spread into the hallways and nearby rooms. The affected unit was isolated and shut down, allowing occupants to safely return to their rooms.   In total, Engine 1, Engine 3, Tower 1, Scottsbluff 2, and Gering 30 responded, with 12 personnel on scene for approximately two hours.   Additional assistance was provided by the Regional West Maintenance Crew, Regional West Security Team, and Scotts Bluff County CERT. We appreciate their support and cooperation.