Valentine Middle School held their annual Veterans Day program, Friday, November 10, 2023. Those who attended were asked to share veteran names and branches they served. At another table, they were asked to share a card of thanks - all of which were taped to the wall for everyone to see as they exited the program.

The wreath laying for Wreaths Across America is held annually on the second or third Saturday of December. Each of the balsam bouquets on each veterans wreath represent ten special qualities: Their faith in God, their love for each other, their strength, work ethic, and character, their honesty and integrity, their humility, their selflessness and modesty, their ambitions and aspirations, their optimism for America, their concern for the future, their pride in their duties.

Valentine Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Dean Jacobs gave the youth lined up at First and Main their instructions before launching his final Kiddie Parade. Kids were to head down to the Valentine Public Library, then come on back and begin Trick-or-Treating at the downtown businesses. As the countdown was over, kids rushed to the end of the parade route eager to begin their candy collection. More photos on page 5.

Valentine-The Valentine Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that they will once again have a contest to determine the artwork for the official valentine from Valentine for the year 2024. All artists are welcome to compete for the honor that has become an annual tradition. The winner of the contest will win $250 in prize money as well.

The Niobrara Council was proud to accept the Quiet Parks International Trail award for the Niobrara National Scenic River, Friday, October 20, 2023. The ceremony was attended by Niobrara Council members, Nebraska Tourism officials, and the general public.

The Cherry County 4-H Fair Shoot Off was held August 4-5, 2023. Trap and .22 Rifle Silhouette was shot in Cody on Friday evening and all other disciplines were contested at the Cherry County Fairgrounds on Saturday. The Shooting Sports Committee consists of Archery Instructor Adam Naslund, Rifle Instructor Jason McNare, and Trap Instructors Tyler Peterson, Mike Murphy, and Toby Heinert.