THE HOT SHEETS: Nov 9, 2026

Pilot Celebrates Curb-to-Counter Remodel of North Platte Travel Center with $10,000 Donation to Local Organization

The Pilot travel center in North Platte has completed a major renovation as part of a nationwide investment in upgrading the company's locations. The location at 3400 S. Newberry Road underwent a curb-to-counter transformation through Pilot's New Horizons initiative, which includes more than $1 billion in improvements across its travel center network.

North Platte Regional Replaces Old Terminal With Updated Version Built for Growth

America’s Great Plains are a physical manifestation of the term wide open spaces. But the longtime terminal at Nebraska’s North Platte Regional Airport Lee Bird Field (LBF)? Not so much. Built nearly 75 years ago, the building’s cramped terminal was a vestige of a bygone era. The holdroom...

This Southwest Nebraska Cafe Pours Single-Origin Espresso And Bakes Cookies Worth A Detour

A small-town counter in southwest Nebraska pulls single-origin espresso bright enough to wake a whole county. Then it slides an Ultimate Grilled Cheese and a sugar cookie across the counter like that is perfectly normal. The lemonade is homemade, and so are the pastries. Daily specials rotate, so one visit...

Carousel of Homes tour approaches

Organizers are looking for a good turnout for the annual North Platte Carousel of Homes tour on Saturday, Nov. 21, produced by the Community Playhouse Guild. Last year, 636 people went on the tour, raising $13,500 for the playhouse. The tour will have six stops, featuring such homes as Eric...

Big-Game Trophies Have Watched Over Diners At This Nebraska Steakhouse Since 1933

A polar bear, a lion, and a whole room of glass-eyed trophies keep watch while you cut into a chicken fried steak. That’s the regular dinner crowd at one small-town steakhouse in western Nebraska. The place traces its roots to 1933. The current owner has run it for close...

End of the Line: Old Depot Vineyard and Winery Closes

After five years of welcoming guests to its historic railroad depot south of Brady, Old Depot Vineyard and Winery has officially closed its doors. The business held its final weekend of operation on Oct. 23–24, bringing an end to a gathering place known for Nebraska-made wines, wood-fired pizzas and its connection to local history.

Ribbon cutting marks completion of Freedom 250 Trail

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) - The Freedom 250 Trail held its grand opening and ribbon cutting Wednesday afternoon, marking the completion of a new south-side trail project. The trail is along South Buffalo Bill Avenue, just south of Walker Road. What the project includes. The Freedom 250 Trail covers about...

NEBRASKAland Days announces 2027 Viaero Summer Jam Concert Series Lineup

NEBRASKAland Days has announced the headliners for its 2027 Viaero Summer Jam Concert Series in North Platte. Koe Wetzel will headline Friday, June 25, with Jon Pardi taking the stage Saturday, June 26. Both concerts will be held at the Wild West Arena. Friday’s lineup will also feature country artist...

School district credit card charges: Bars, amusement parks, & placing a sports bet or two

The furor over higher property taxes in recent months has motivated some patrons of the North Platte school district to dig for more information about the district’s credit card charges. The more they look, the more concerned they get. They find thousands of dollars in questionable expenses. One of...

The Nebraska Steakhouse Where Ranchers Have Ordered The Same Hand-Cut Prime Rib Since 1956

A small-town bar in Nebraska serves giant homemade cookies right next to its prime rib. That pairing alone made me sit up a little straighter. The beef gets most of the glory here. Ribeye, chicken fried steak, and a hefty steak sandwich all share the spotlight with that famous prime rib.

Inbox: Gambling brings devastating consequences to vulnerable

Every day, we walk alongside individuals and families striving to overcome poverty, addiction, and crisis. While there are many factors that contribute to homelessness and financial hardship, we know that gambling can have devastating consequences for some of our most vulnerable neighbors. We are working to give a voice to...

Hotel bookings up ahead of Vice President J.D. Vance’s arrival

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) - Vice President J.D. Vance has not yet arrived in North Platte, but his planned visit is already filling area hotels. Hotels in the area report reservations are up ahead of Thursday’s event. A hotel manager said the hotel cannot share much information, citing security...

Pheasant Hunters Have Fueled Up On Homemade Pie At This Sandhills Nebraska Cafe Every Fall Since 1952

Raisin meringue pie. That’s the slice that keeps turning up on the menu talk at one small-town cafe, and I can’t stop thinking about it. Most bakeries quietly retired raisin pie decades ago, yet here it still holds its ground. The pie case is only part of the...

This Nebraska Quilt Shop Packs In So Many Designer Fabrics That A Quick Stop Isn’t Enough

One quilter planned an overnight stay around a single fabric shop. That shop sits in western Nebraska, and the detour apparently made perfect sense. The shelves carry Tilda, Charlie Harper, Figo, Cotton and Steel, and Ryan Blakely prints. There’s extra-wide minky, stacks of flannel, and wool project kits waiting their turn.

Gracie Thomas earns top-five finish as NCTA Ranch Horse Team puts learning into practice

CURTIS, Neb. — For Gracie Thomas, success in the show arena comes alongside a commitment to showing up in the classroom. The Agricultural Business major from Cedar Bluffs, Nebraska, earned fourth overall in the Collegiate Novice All-Around at the CSU Silver Jubilee, held October 16–18. Riding Who Whizbubadoe, Thomas finished among the top ten in all four disciplines against collegiate riders representing two-year and four-year institutions.

There Aren’t Many Places To Eat On This Lonely Nebraska Highway, But This One Is Worth The Stop

Three local families teamed up to open a restaurant at a lonely highway junction, and then they renovated it largely by themselves. That kind of story makes me hungry before I even see a menu. The kitchen turns out smoked prime rib, chicken fried steak, and a Swiss mushroom burger....

Legacy Zone opens in North Platte

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) - North Platte’s newest hangout for kids held its grand opening Friday. Legacy Zone features an air track sports court, an indoor playground, a toddler play area and a sensory room. Owner Janna Ryan said it’s a dream years in the making, built to keep...