Finding out who passed away in the Panhandle shouldn't be a chore. Honestly, it's one of those things you don't think about until you suddenly need to know. Maybe you heard a rumor at the grocery store. Or perhaps you’re looking for service times for a former neighbor. When you're searching for star herald obituaries today, you aren't just looking for names. You’re looking for a connection to the Scottsbluff and Gering community.
Most people just head to Google and hope for the best. Sometimes you get lucky. Other times, you’re stuck behind a paywall or scrolling through three-year-old notices that have nothing to do with what’s happening in Western Nebraska right now.
The Reality of Local Notices Right Now
Today is January 15, 2026. If you're looking at the latest updates, you'll see names that defined our local streets and businesses. For instance, the notice for Mary Ann Schwabauer was just published. She was 89. Her services are set for tomorrow, Friday, January 16, at the Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel.
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It’s these specific details—the "where" and "when"—that matter most.
The Star-Herald has been the paper of record for the valley for a long time. But the way we read it has changed. You've probably noticed that the physical paper doesn't land on every porch anymore. Most of the action is online now.
Why the "Today" Search is Tricky
Death notices don't always appear the second someone passes. There’s a lag. Usually, it takes a few days for the family to coordinate with funeral homes like Bridgman, Dugan-Kramer, or Reverence Funeral Parlor.
If you search for star herald obituaries today and don't see a name you expect, it’s probably just in the queue.
- Deadlines: The paper has strict cutoff times.
- Verification: Funeral homes have to verify the info before it goes live.
- Processing: Sometimes the digital upload happens hours after the print version is finalized.
Navigating the Star-Herald Digital Archive
The Star-Herald uses Legacy.com for its digital hosting. It’s a common setup. It basically means the "local" paper is powered by a massive national database. While that's great for reach, it can feel a bit clinical.
If you are looking for someone from a week ago, like Doris Jean Weitzel or Viola Arvilla Bulman, you’ll find them easily. Doris passed at 90 at the Mitchell Care Center. Viola was 92. These are long, storied lives. When you read these entries, you aren't just seeing a death date. You're seeing 90 years of Nebraska history.
Using the Search Filters Properly
Don't just type a name and hit enter. You'll get results from 1998.
- Set the location to Scottsbluff, NE.
- Filter by "Past 30 Days" if you want recent news.
- Check the "Newspaper" filter to ensure it’s specifically the Star-Herald.
It sounds simple. But honestly, most people miss these buttons and get frustrated when they see results for a different Scottsbluff in a different state.
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What it Costs to Share a Story
Submiting a notice isn't free. This is a common point of confusion. People think it’s a public service. In reality, it’s closer to a classified ad.
Currently, basic packages for the Star-Herald start around $75.00.
That usually gets you the text and a permanent spot on the website. If you want a photo—and you should, because people remember faces—it costs more. If you want a longer "life story" format, the price scales up. Most families find it worth the cost to ensure the community is informed, but it’s a budget item you have to plan for.
The Role of Local Funeral Homes
You don’t usually go directly to the newspaper. Places like Jones Mortuary or Colyer Funeral Home handle the submission for you. They have the templates. They know the deadlines. If you’re trying to DIY it, you might run into more red tape than you want to deal with during a hard time.
Beyond the Names: The Value of the Obituary
Obituaries are the first draft of local history.
Take Larry Eirich, whose notice appeared recently. He graduated from Gering High in 1960. He went to UNL. These details tell us about the migration patterns of our youth and the ties that remain even if someone moves to Colorado or Missouri.
When you look for star herald obituaries today, you're participating in a community ritual. You're acknowledging that someone who lived among us is gone.
Common Misconceptions
People think obituaries are legal documents. They aren't. They are tributes. Errors happen. If you see a typo in a loved one's notice, you can usually get it fixed, but you have to act fast before the print run.
Another thing? Not everyone gets one. It's a choice made by the family. If you can't find someone, it might be because the family chose a private service or used a different platform like social media.
Finding Recent Records Efficiently
If you're stuck, try these specific spots:
- The Star-Herald website directly (starherald.com) under the "Obituaries" tab.
- Funeral home websites: Often, they post the full text before the newspaper does.
- Social Media: Local community groups often share these links faster than Google can index them.
Actionable Steps for Finding Information
If you are looking for a specific notice right now, follow these steps to save time:
- Check the Funeral Home First: If you know which home is handling the arrangements (like Dugan-Kramer or Bridgman), go to their "Obituaries" page. It is almost always updated before the newspaper.
- Use Precise Dates: On Legacy.com, use the "Last 7 Days" filter to avoid being overwhelmed by older records.
- Search by Maiden Name: If you're looking for a woman and can't find her, try her maiden name or even just her first name and the town.
- Check the E-Edition: If you have a subscription, the E-Edition shows you exactly what the print paper looks like today, which is often more reliable than the search bar.
- Call the Newsroom: If you are truly stuck and need to know about a service happening "today," a quick call to the Star-Herald at (308) 632-9000 can sometimes get you a human answer if the website is lagging.
Finding star herald obituaries today is about more than just data. It's about staying connected to the Scottsbluff area and honoring the people who built it. Use the digital tools, but remember the local funeral directors are usually your best source for the most immediate, up-to-the-minute information.