News

There is a type of wetland found in the Nebraska Sandhills that holds mystery and wonder — fens. Unique and rare plant species make their home in this boggy and bouncy land. Formed over thousands of years, fens are an important part of our natural history and are critical in cleaning our air and water. But first, what makes a fen a wetland?

There were no arrests reported by the Valentine Police Department last week. During the week of May 3 - June 6, officers responded to 29 calls for service.

Butler Veterinary Clinic is pleased to welcome Dr. Natalie to its veterinary team. A mixed-animal veterinarian with a passion for both large and small animal care, Dr. Natalie brings enthusiasm, experience, and a deep appreciation for rural communities to her new role.

The 2026 Leo Brinda Unit #90 American Legion Auxiliary poster contest was a great success with 242 entries submitted. Area Veterans selected the top three in each class-age group) and the first place posters have advanced to state competition.

Day May 23, 2026 dawned sunny and perfect for the 63th annual Circle C Celebration in Cody, NE. Chosen as the most patriotic entry in the parade was Miller Angus of Cody.

Valentine, NE ~ May 28, 2026 — Sandhills State Bank has donated $5,000 to the Valentine Volunteer Fire Department, and donated $5,000 to the Kilgore Volunteer Fire Department in recognition of each of the department’s response during the historic fires of spring 2025. The donation is one of 20 awards totaling $100,000 being distributed to fire departments across Western Nebraska, funded in part through a matching grant from FHLBank Topeka's Community Assistance Recovery Effort (CARE) Program.

orms! She invites you to lean in and listen with her commanding voice that can be soft, low, and rise with power during heartbreaking prose. Jewel Rodgers is Nebraska’s Poet Laureate and was in Valentine during the fourth annual Art Walk.

Mountain climbers and explorers know, it’s not going out, it’s coming back. Most accidents occur on the descent. The Lewis and Clark expedition was no different, even though most of the trip back was spent floating with the current.

Valentine, Neb. — The Sandhills Area Foundation (SAF) invites the public to attend its annual Scholarship Reception on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Mid-Plains Community College. The reception will recognize this year’s scholarship recipients and celebrate the generous donors who make these awards possible.

A call came into the Valentine Fire Department of a fire on Smith Falls road, off Highway 12, Sunday afternoon, May 31, 2026. The VFD dispatched several rigs and called the following for Mutual Aid: Cody, Kilgore, Springview, Mission, Ainsworth and Wood Lake, along with the SEAT plane.