When the house is getting decorated for Christmas, that’s the time the announcement goes out for the art for the annual Valentine’s Day card from Valentine. “The winner this year is Madison Kelber,” said Dean Jacobs, executive director of the Valentine Chamber of Commerce.

Coach Shane Allison said, “The Badger wrestling teams both competed in Columbus this past weekend. The weekend was highlighted by Will Sprenger and Ashton Lurz both winning championships. Both wrestlers beat guys who were ranked #2 in their class. Ashton beat three ranked opponents on his way to a title. Although we are not where we want to be yet, I can see this team being right in the mix by the end of the year. The girls competed as well. Emma Richards took home third place honors beating several ranked opponents along the way.”

Friday, January 7, 2022, the Lady Badgers hosted the Lady Mustangs and won with a score of 54-43. Scoring by quarters: Valentine - 6, 17, 12, 19 = 54 Gordon-Rushville - 13, 9, 13, 8 = 43 Lead scorer and Max Preps Player of the Game was Kailee Kellum with 21 points.

Many of you may already know Ryan McSweeney as the football coach, or the Youth Activities Director, but this former Marine is more than fun and games. He’s now an officer with the Valentine Police Department and has been in this role for the past nine months.

Welcome Keiko Elizabeth Black Bear! She is the 2022 New Year’s baby, born to Melissa White Horse of Mission, SD, and Benjamin Black Bear IV of Rosebud, SD. Keiko was named after her aunt, and was born January 4, 2022, at Cherry County Hospital.

If you hadn’t noticed, Valentine Chamber of Commerce’s Dean Jacobs has been all over Mother Nature to get some ice on Merritt Reservoir for their annual 2022 Cork Thornton Memorial Ice Fishing Tournament.