News

Monday, May 12, traffic control was placed to close Highway 83 North (West 4th Street) between the city streets of Cherry and Highway 83 to Edna and Highway 83. Vehicle traffic will be restricted and will not be able to cross at Cherry, Wood, and Victoria Streets.

We are thrilled to welcome some amazing new—and newly returned—businesses to the Valentine Chamber of Commerce! Let’s give them a big Heart City hello! • 201 – Owned and operated by Mitch Elliott, this cozy spot serves up a handcrafted menu that’s small but mighty! Swing by and taste what’s cooking today—you won’t regret it! • Bull Market – Welcome back, Robert and Lacey Joseph! These two never stop bringing bold, fresh ideas to Valentine, all while giving back through volunteerism and community spirit. We’re so lucky to have them! • Ward Plumbing & Heating – Dependable service and quality appliances, now powered by new owners Jeremy and Stacy Stec.

There is a kind of hush that falls over the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge when the sun begins its slow descent and the prairie exhales. In that golden hour of May, the sky turns to honey and shadow, and the land stretches out like a lullaby. It was in this stillness that I took the photograph.

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen has issued a new executive order stipulating that central and western Nebraska remain under a burn ban. Conditions in that half of the state are still very dry. Burning is prohibited through midnight May 10 due to the potential wildfire risk.

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen has revised a burn ban to allow fire chiefs discretion in granting burn permits to irrigation districts so that they can continue to clear vegetation from ditches. Other than that exception, burning remains off limits in central and western Nebraska until midnight on May 10.

For 50 years, Father Lou Nollette has been serving the Lord’s sheep, in many towns of Nebraska to pilgrimages in Rome and Fatima. “It started in the house next door.” He motions out the window of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Nenzel. “That’s where we would have daily Mass with Father Carl Ferris. I was an alter server. I’d serve Mass and go home for breakfast then go to the grade school across the street.”

Kids and fishing. What could be a better combination? On Saturday, May 3, 2025 the Nebraska Game and Parks, in association with the Nebraska Walleye Association put on a free Kids Fishing Day at the Valentine Fish Hatchery Pond. This has been an annual event for a number of years.

Valentine, NE – Lace up your hiking boots and bring your binoculars! The Sandhills Prairie Refuge Association (SPRA) is excited to invite the community to check the Bluebird Nesting Boxes at Fort Niobrara NWR Saturday, May 17, 2025. Come discover the wonder of bluebirds with us! The Sandhills Prairie Refuge Association warmly invites everyone, especially children and families, on a fun guided tour. Join us as we explore our bluebird nest boxes and share the special experience of seeing these beautiful birds, maybe even near their nests!

Nebraska Game and Parks is extending the temporary ban on campfires at Nebraska state park areas and wildlife management areas in central and western Nebraska through May 10. This is in alignment with the executive order issued April 29, a precautionary measure to reduce wildfire risks.

The Sparks NE Spurs Cowboy Fast Draw Club hosted their Cinco DeMayo shoot at their clubhouse on May 3 - 4, 2025 in Valentine. Approximately 30 shooters from the states of Nebraska, Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa and Kansas attended this event.