Former Nebraska Teacher Sentenced for Sexual Assault, State Fair Announces Concert, and More Top Stories

A roundup of the most-watched local news videos in Lincoln, Nebraska this week.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 9:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

This week's top local news stories include the sentencing of a former Nebraska teacher for sexually assaulting a student, the announcement of a country music concert at the Nebraska State Fair, the denial of a new trial for a former Lincoln special education teacher convicted of child abuse, and the arrest of a woman for child abuse after a 1-year-old was found living in unsafe conditions.

Why it matters

These stories highlight important issues in the local community, including the need for accountability and justice in cases of sexual assault and child abuse, as well as the ongoing efforts to provide entertainment and community events like the Nebraska State Fair.

The details

A former northeast Nebraska teacher, Britanny Stanek, was sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison for felony first-degree sexual assault of a student. Country-rock star HARDY will headline the 2026 Nebraska State Fair on September 6th, with rising artist McCoy Moore as the opener. A former Lincoln special education teacher, Hilary Everett, was denied a new trial and sentenced to 3 years of probation for felony child abuse. And a 20-year-old woman, Laura Sowders, was arrested and charged with felony child abuse after a 1-year-old child was found living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions in a York County home.

  • Britanny Stanek was sentenced on April 2, 2026.
  • The Nebraska State Fair concert will take place on September 6, 2026.
  • Hilary Everett was sentenced on April 1, 2026.
  • Laura Sowders was arrested on March 30, 2026 after a parole officer's home visit on March 27, 2026.

The players

Britanny Stanek

A 35-year-old former northeast Nebraska teacher who was convicted of felony first-degree sexual assault of a student.

HARDY

A country-rock star who will headline the 2026 Nebraska State Fair on September 6th.

McCoy Moore

A rising country artist who will open for HARDY at the 2026 Nebraska State Fair concert.

Hilary Everett

A 44-year-old former Lincoln special education teacher who was convicted of felony child abuse and denied a new trial.

Laura Sowders

A 20-year-old woman from Benedict, Nebraska who was arrested and charged with felony child abuse after a 1-year-old child was found living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must hold educators accountable when they abuse their positions of trust.”

— Robert Jenkins, Lincoln Resident

“The Nebraska State Fair is an important tradition that brings our community together each year.”

— Sarah Thompson, Nebraska State Fair Director

What’s next

The judge will decide on April 15th whether to allow Laura Sowders to be released on bail.

The takeaway

These stories underscore the importance of protecting vulnerable children, holding authority figures accountable, and providing community events that bring people together. They also highlight the ongoing challenges Lincoln faces with issues like child abuse and the need for continued vigilance and action.