Well, good news with the Morrill Fire update this morning. Firefighter hand crews are at work mopping up and cold trailing. Firefighters have been working the ground methodically on the Clear Creek Wildlife Management area to identify and extinguish any remaining heat sources that could threaten the line. The Clear Creek Management area was impacted during the fire's intense push to the east and south last week along with nearby Omaha Beach. The fire burned through an area of brush and cottonwood trees near the North Platte River. While the act of burning has stopped, the hard work of identifying and eliminating hotspots has been underway for the past few days. Crew members are working together, walking a grid, digging up any roots and stumps that show heat, and use water to extinguish the fire. They also use a method called cold trailing, in which a firefighter feels the soil or wood with the back of a hand to make sure the ground is cold and with no signs of remaining fire. Reports indicate that the Morrill Fire is now 98% contained.

You may remember us reporting on an accident that was a fatality near North Platte on I-80 last week on March 12th. We've received confirmation that it was a Scottsbluff man who was blessed and proud as the oldest member of Grace Chapel who has gone to be with the Lord after a distracted driver caused that fatal crash on the 12th. Our prayers and condolences to all the family and friends of Mr. Richard Nuss, 90 of Scottsbluff.

An important reminder, it is a state law now in Nebraska that you must move over when you see emergency vehicles. As always, please continue to yield to all emergency personnel.

Fire crews are not only out there in the wild, fighting fires, but they are also responding to local calls. Shortly before 1pm on March 16th, Scottsbluff Fire was dispatched to a possible structure fire in the 1300 block of East Overland. Engine 1 arrived on scene about 4 minutes after the initial page and observed a shed on fire next to a vacant trailer. Damages are estimated to be around $15,000 and no one was displaced as a result of the fire.

Dangerous fire conditions continue today through Saturday. A red flag warning is in effect Thursday for much of the Panhandle where critical fire weather conditions are expected. Afternoon highs in the upper 70s to mid 80s, humidity dropping near 10% and breezy west winds will create an environment where fires can easily start and spread. Avoid outdoor burning and use extreme caution with any potential ignition sources.

We're only into this 4 day stretch of record breaking warmth with new records already being set across the area. Scottsbluff hit a high of 83 yesterday to tie their 2017 record and Sidney broke their 2017 record of 79 degrees by hitting 81 yesterday.

Let's hope that our local Dairy Queen honors this. We are told it is free cone day. Today March 19th. Visit Dairy Queen Grill and Chill today to get your free cone. If it's true, tell them the scanner sent you. If it's not true, blame it on the internet.

According to other local news services circulating reports around the state, the Cottonwood Fire is at 78% containment and the Morrill Fire is now at 67% containment.

Do you know about Casa of Scotts Bluff County?

CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children. Yesterday, Casa of Scotts Bluff County had the honor of swearing in three incredible new Casa volunteers. We're all very grateful for their willingness to advocate for children in our community. This work truly changes lives. Casa wrote, we're looking forward to swearing in one more amazing volunteer very soon. Stay tuned.

Yesterday, Scanner traffic indicated a motor vehicle accident at South Beltline West and Avenue B in Scottsbluff. At least two patients were transported to Regional West Medical Center.

Don't forget about our Look Who's Hiring section on our webpage at PanhandleScanner.com. One of our favorite cooks in the Valley, Sharon at Memaw's Barnyard Eats, has an opening for a daytime dishwasher / kitchen support. Contact Sharon at Meimaw's today. If that position hasn't already been filled. Memaw's Barnyard Eats is located inside Sugar Valley Stockyards in Gering, Nebraska.

Do you love design? Have an eye for detail? Want a steady schedule with no weekends or late nights? Torrington Telegram is hiring a graphics designer. Create ads and promotional graphics for local businesses and special publications. Contact the Torrington Telegram today. Tell them you heard it on Scanner News.

Honey Butter Roasted Peacons Sweet Crunchy and Delicious. Find a recipe for those Honey Butter Roasted Peacons on our Facebook page at Panhandle Scanner.