The rain came soft and steady across the Sandhills this past weekend-just enough to settle the dust and stir a little hope-while inside Valentine High School, another kind of rhythm carried on. Boots tapped, guitars strummed, and voices rich with experience rose up, telling stories of the West that still lives on in the hearts of those who gather each year.

The Living Christ Family parishioners gathered for a Passover Seder following the Holy Thursday Mass April 2, 2026. Organized and prepared by Kristy Opela from The Evangelist St. John Parish in Stapleton, NE, the guests sat at one of three beautifully set tables. Kristy developed the celebration based on the Jewish feast but added the experience of Christian faith and worship. The Seder is a beautiful reminder that our faith is rooted in the story of Israel, and that the Last Supper itself was a Seder meal.

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The Valentine Badgers competed at Ainsworth Tuesday, April 14, 2026. The top five finishers included: first place, Garrett Cumbow, 40; tie for second place, Westin Witte, 41; fourth place, Parker Wackler, 42; tie for fifth place, Tanner Two Strike, 43; and seventh place, Nash Hesse, 44.

The 4-H Communications & Expressive Arts Contest was held on April 6, 2026, at the Cherry County Extension Office. There were 18 participants competing in the different areas of speech, music, and talent. The judge for the music and talent portion was Shelly Parks while Ann Nieffer judged the public speaking. Mahaya Jones was the Emcee for the event.

For the past 34 years poets, musicians and storytellers have come from all over the country to share their talents and to celebrate the time honored traditions of our childhood heroes ~ The American Cowboy!