News

Turkey hunting is serious business when you are 5-year-old Casey Miller! Apparently, during this hunting season, the 5-year-old’s mom — AKA me, Dana Miller — was NOT taking things quite as serious.

FEBRUARY 28, 2026 ~ MINDEN, NE — The Nebraska State Patrol Investigative Services Division, with assistance from the Kearney County Sheriff’s Office and Kearney County Attorney’s Office, is conducting a death investigation in rural Kearney County.

During the week of February 22 -28, the following arrests were made by the Valentine Police Department: • At 2:10 a.m., on February 22, a report of an intoxicated person at the intersection of 2nd and Main Streets lead to the arrest of a 21 year old South Dakota man on the charge of Procuring Alcohol for a Minor.

• March 4, Lakeview Christian Reformed Church. • March 11, Crossroads Assembly of God Church.

Bringing Back the Joy relationship and marriage conference Presented by Roger and Brenda Daum of Restoration Ministries, Cozad NE, at the Valentine Berean, Worship Center Registration is free. Sessions:

Lastweek,NOAAWeathercalled for severe winter weather including three to eight inches of snow, along with gusting winds up to 40 mph. We’ve needed moisture in the area the entire winter season and were grateful when we got about an inch at Miller Field, in Valentine, Thursday, February 19.

Hoebelheinrich credits much of his successtocommunity support and a simple piece of advice from his f i r s t friend when he moved to the area and Marty Jordan said, “If you keep making good products, people will come.” Building strong relationships with local businesses and programs across the county takes time ~ and the right ingredients. Jason Hoebelheinrich, founder and owner of Hoebe’s Smoke ‘N’ Meats, is doing just that by utilizing local products and, most recently, supporting the Valentine FFA Chapter’s Heart City Beef program.

Valentine, NE, March 5, 2026 March is Red Cross Month, and for more than 130 years, heroic American Red Cross volunteers have provided hope and urgent relief to families in communities across the country.

And the winner of the Vets Club soup contest is…… Amanda Gordon with her roasted white chicken chili! Coming in second was Brittany Benzings’ ham and potato , followed by Matt Benzings’ be cool chicken noodle and LeeAnn Wagner’s sausage potato in fourth! Thank you to the volunteers, servers, sponsors, soup makers and soup tasters! This was an outstanding contest!!

VALENTINE, NE — The Sandhills Prairie Refuge Association (SPRA) is pleased to announce a special Bluebird Box Check Field Trip taking place on Saturday, April 25, 2026. This hands-on event offers a unique opportunity for nature enthusiasts and families to witness local conservation efforts in action.