News

From my Window While looking at some old family photos, my granddaughter asked, “Why are all those women dressed up? Is this at a wedding?” I explained that they were not dressed up, as that was the way everyone used to dress. The photo was similar to those we all have of our elders showing women and girls always wearing dresses.

Joy and sorrow mixed this past week as the community is happy to welcomeDanielandAmberSmith’s new baby, and friends mourn and celebrate the life of long time neighbor, Gene Lurz. Colton Jeremiah Smith was born February 9, 2026 in Sioux Falls to Daniel and Amber Smith.

A beautiful Bull Bash weekend! How many days like this have we had in the past 25? The Miller family of Cody also enjoyed a beautiful day for their annual bull sale in Valentine on February 15. Sympathy is extended to the Marty Ostransky family on the passing of his father, Martin, in Gretna, NE this past weekend..

LINCOLN, NE – Nebraska’s tourism industry is reaching new heights, generating $4.6 billion in GDP and ranking sixth nationally for sector growth. Last week, more than 250 stakeholders at the Tourism Conference in Lincoln heard firsthandhowinnovativeprograms and out-of-state marketing are fueling success for both rural communities and urban centers alike.

A month after taking office, Gov. Jim Pillen stepped to the mic, flanked by lawmakers and leaders from Nebraska nonprofits, and announced an initiative close to his heart: State money to support mentorship programs.

02/12/2026 - LINCOLN, NE — With dry conditions persisting across much of Nebraska, forestry professionals are encouraging residents to prioritize watering trees to reduce stress and prevent long-term damage to community landscapes.

During the week of February 8 - 14, the following arrests were made by the Valentine Police Department: • On February 14 at 12:55 a.m., a traffic stop in the city park lead to the arrest of a 26 year old South Dakota woman for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

• February 18, St. John’s Episcopal Church.

VALENTINE, NE — The Sand Painters Art Club and Valentine Public Library are the proud hosts of the Association of Nebraska Art Clubs (ANAC) Travel Show throughout the month of February. The exhibit showcases a premier selection of artwork from across the state, bringing Nebraska’s finest creative talents to the Sandhills. Leading the exhibition is local artist and Sand Painter Art Club member David Dorsey, who earned the prestigious Best of Show award for his acrylic painting, Barn Swallow.

Candidates filing for the Primary Election as of February 10, 2026 are as follows: Neil Wescott, City of Valentine Councilmember, 4 year term MaxwellRenning,CherryCounty Sheriff, 4 year term Brad Arnold, City of Valentine Councilmember, 4 year term Barry D. Lancaster, Nenzel Village Board,4yearterm-GENERAL Jessica Dawson-Coyle ,Valentine Community Schools - Board of Education Member, 4 year term Erick Wickman, Cherry County Sheriff, 4 year term Kathy Hammond, Cherry County Treasurer, 4 year term Andrew C. Johnson, Cherry County Public Defender, 4 year term Gregory Gass, Valentine Community Schools - Board of Education Member, 4 year term Eric A. Scott, Cherry County Attorney, 4 year term Timothy A. Hanson, Cherry County Surveyor, 4 year term Henry Brown, Merriman Village Board,4yearterm-GENERAL Timothy J. Nollette, Nenzel Village Board,4yearterm-GENERAL Incumbents - currently in office - have until February 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. to file for office.