Valentine, NE, March 5, 2026 March is Red Cross Month, and for more than 130 years, heroic American Red Cross volunteers have provided hope and urgent relief to families in communities across the country.

Hoebelheinrich credits much of his successtocommunity support and a simple piece of advice from his f i r s t friend when he moved to the area and Marty Jordan said, “If you keep making good products, people will come.” Building strong relationships with local businesses and programs across the county takes time ~ and the right ingredients. Jason Hoebelheinrich, founder and owner of Hoebe’s Smoke ‘N’ Meats, is doing just that by utilizing local products and, most recently, supporting the Valentine FFA Chapter’s Heart City Beef program.

Lastweek,NOAAWeathercalled for severe winter weather including three to eight inches of snow, along with gusting winds up to 40 mph. We’ve needed moisture in the area the entire winter season and were grateful when we got about an inch at Miller Field, in Valentine, Thursday, February 19.

The 2026 Heart City Bull Bash Livestock Judging Contest welcomed more than 200 youth and collegiate participants to Valentine on Friday, February 13, marking one of the largest turnouts in the event’s history. Held on a beautiful February morning, the contest brought competitors, coaches, families, and industry supporters together from across eight states for a day centered on education, agriculture, and sportsmanship.

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Born and raised in Valentine, Benson returned to the community after earning her degree with a desire to bring industry knowledge andprofessionalfinancialguidance back to the area she calls home. Over the past decade, she has built her career helping individuals and families make confident financial decisions through all stages of life.