News

A few inches of snow was a welcome sight last week, and more moisture always welcome. Trees are starting to bud out, meadowlarks and robins are singing, and so many signs of new life and miracles this time of year!

by Pastor Terry Pflugrad Valentine, Gordon, and Hyannis Seventh-day Adventist Churches Have you ever been lonely? Of course you have. You and I live in a world that because of the existence of sin, we have been affected by its ravages, and without a doubt it has affected each one of us in many different ways. And one of those effects is loneliness.

by Paul Maunu Crossroads Assembly of God Church Five years ago, the world was going through a time of turmoil, which most people will not easily forget, and few would want to experience again. For many, Covid-19 brought negative change to their lives and carried a global impact. The effect from Covid-19 has been profound. In many ways life has changed and will never return to a pre-pandemic normal.

by Pastor Gary Smith Valentine Presbyterian Pastor Allistair Begg once preached about the thief on the cross: The man who hung next to Jesus during the crucifixion. Begg asked the congregation to imagine the confusion when the thief appeared in Heaven and was asked: By what means did he arrive in Heaven?

Cherry County resident Bobbi Johnson has been appointed as the new City Clerk after serving seven years as an administrative assistant for the local police department. A Navy war veteran, Johnson brings valuable public service experience to her new role.

“We haven’t done a play in two or three years,” said Director John Hanzlicek of the Valentine Players. “The synoposis of the play is Sarah Sweetflower comes back to Elbow’s Bend to open a bridal shop, after the notification of the death of her Uncle Tumleweed. Upon her arrival, she is met by Sly Scavenger and his accomplice, Miss Twinkle toes. Those two try and swindle Sarah Sweetflower once they find out about a possible gold mine.”

by Rev Antony Thekkekara, Pastor The Living Christ Family The Ritual Passover Meal (The Passover Seder Meal) This meal is purposely not like an ordinary meal - it is celebrated after nightfall, one-person (usually the father) acts as host, and eating is done in a reclining position. The children are actively engaged through questions and storytelling. A carefully structured sequence of prayers and songs are part of the ritual meal.

Arriving at the Presbyterian Church, bracing for the tom foolery known as April 1, I was taken back for just a moment. Our office manager, Kristi Bensen, was not sitting at her desk: the same desk and space she has occupied since September 15, 1997. Momentarily, I thought she was playing an April Fool’s joke. A heartbeat later, I remembered that Kristi retired after 27.5 years of service to the church.

The Sand Painters Art Club is hosting a show that features art that you have created of your pets. It is open to anyone, any age, any address.

Cherry County and surrounding communities currently have the opportunity to celebrate the 250th anniversary of an important patriotic event: The shot heard ‘round the world. Area folks are encouraged to take part in this kickoff event to begin celebrating our nation’s 250th anniversary.