by Pastor Andrew Utecht Our Savior Lutheran Church God created life to be enjoyed! I thank God that He wants us to enjoy life, and even encourages us to do so! Life is a joy! Every day something new. Every day new challenges.

Darkened overcast skies made for a cozy feel, with sputters of moisture coming later in the day for Sunday’s Holiday Preview 2023. Valentine Chamber of Commerce President Deanne Holmes Monroe said, “Holiday Preview plays an important role in Valentine.

Plans have been put into place for this year’s Valentine’s Heart of Christmas Celebration marking its eighth year, set to occur on Shop Small Town Saturday, which is Saturday, November 25. The parade will be held on the newly updated Main Street.

Even though the time has fallen back, Economic Development, along with partners: Valentine Chamber of Commerce, Cherry County Tourism, City of Valentine, Valentine Area Arts Council and Sandhills Area Foundation, are looking forward to a new Creative District.

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.