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Remember when........

30 Years Ago From the Valentine Midland News, July 31, 1996 Volunteers Return to Work on Smith Falls Walkway — Between 70 and 100 volunteers returned to Smith Falls to begin the second phase of a project first launched three years earlier. In August 1993, members of the Casper Yost Chapter of the Telephone Pioneers of America built the first section of a handicap-accessible walkway leading to the Falls. The second phase extended the pathway from the base of the valley to Smith Falls and continued downstream to the site where the State of Nebraska planned to construct a bridge over the Niobrara River. At the time, visitors had to wade across the river or use a canoe to reach the Falls.

Leave it to our government to outlaw sliced bread

This series is complementary from your friends at the Nebraska PressAssociationandOwenMetals Group. You’ve heard it all your life: “It’s the best thing since sliced bread.” The invention of the commercial bread slicer was a genuine life-changer, and it remains the historic town of Chillicothe, Missouri’s chief claim to fame.

From old tires to a lasting tribute: Veterans bench nominations open

What happens to the thousands of tires collected during North Central Nebraska RC&Ds tire amnesty events? Many of them get a second life. This year, Champlin Tire Recycling, which hauled away and recycled the tires collected at the amnesty events in Springview and O’Neill, generously donated two park benches made from recycled tires to the North Central Nebraska RC&D.

SPRA invites families and four-legged Friends to June Hike to Buffalo Bridge at Fort Niobrara NWR

VALENTINE, NE — The Sandhills Prairie Refuge Association (SPRA) is excited to host a community guided hike on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge. The June Hike to Buffalo Bridge offers a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to explore the Wilderness Access Foot Trail and witness the stunning beauty of the Niobrara National Scenic River.

Cody Kilgore’s Quarter 4 Honor Roll

A Honor Roll 6th: Nathan Burchfield, George Moreland 7th: Gunner Ford 8th: Ainsley Adamson, Fiora Moreland, Carson Walkling 10th: Lilly Ravenscroft, James Walkling 12th: Kynzee McConaughey, Kaden McNare, Kayleigh Ravenscroft, Makynna Tucker, Elliah Wolff A-B Honor Roll 6th: Liam Johnson, Finn Moreland, Brooklyn Nollette, Leadie Robinson, Grace Simmons. 7th: TC Ford, Isabella Hendrix, Brigs Wobig.

The 2026 Inductees of the Nebraska Sandhills Cowboy Hall of Fame

John Ravenscroft September 25, 1948 John Ravenscroft was born on September 25, 1948, in Lincoln, NE, to Willis and Marjorie Ravenscroft. Shortly after his birth, he was brought home to the Nebraska Sandhills, where his family was working on the Bill Stetter T-O Ranch alongside Olin, Francis, and James Ravenscroft.

Decoration Day tradition lives on at Mount Hope

As Memorial Day weekend approached, volunteers gathered at Mount Hope Cemetery on National Poppy Day with a shared purpose to honor the fallen and ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten. Rows of graves were carefully adorned with crosses, red poppies, and American flags, creating a moving tribute to the men and women who gave their lives in service to their country.

Miss Poppy crowned on National Poppy Day

Beneath the waving flags and spring sunshine at the Cherry County Courthouse on National Poppy Day, a new generation stepped forward to carry on a timeless tradition of remembrance. Family, friends, and community members gathered to crown the 2026 - 2027 Valentine area Little Miss Poppy royalty, kicking off MemorialDayweekendwith patriotism and purpose.