News

Many years ago, I bought a pickup that proved interesting. I saw pictures of it and when I went to buy it the lighting in the shed was dim and I thought it was blue and grey. I was delighted the next morning to realize in the daylight that it was actually silver and black (if you know, you know). Isaiah 9:2 references a people that were in darkness seeing a great light and a few verses later in the sixth verse the prophet speaking of Jesus says, “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

The Magi were searching for Christ. When they found him, they worshipped him and offered him gifts. Millions of people have followed in the footsteps of the Magi and come to Christ. We count ourselves among those fortunate millions. Let us open our hearts and minds to encounter Christ during this Christmas.

A tree removal project beginning at Merritt Reservoir aims to restore prairie habitat in areas choked by undesirable trees. Revitalizing the grassland will benefit plant and animals and open spaces for hunting, fishing, birdwatching and hiking.

We rejoice in remembering our Savior, Jesus Christ. He was born in humble circumstances.

A few weeks ago while traveling, I struck up an impromptu conversation with two long-haul truck drivers while we shared strong coffee and sandwiches definitely not approved by the American Heart Association. The conversation shifted from challenges in the transportation industry these days to family plans for Christmas. Both men told me that they did not have family nearby and that for them Christmas Day is just another day on the road, although they did mention they usually found time to listen to Christmas music and find a place to have a nice meal and an early end to the day of driving.

As Christmas approaches here in Valentine, and throughout the Sandhills, I’m reminded how deeply this season speaks to the rhythms of rural life. Having lived in a larger city most of my life, I’ve learned that we understand seasons a little differently here in the Sandhills— calving and branding, haying, long winters and welcome springs. We know what it means to wait, and we know what it means to hope.

KEARNEY – With rolling Sandhills, winding rivers, towering bluffs and colorful prairies, Nebraska’s landscapes offer endless opportunities for reflection. That idea is at the heart of this year’s Nebraska Emerging Writers and Artists Contest, which invites high school students across the state to explore Nebraska’s Land, Nature and Memories through original writing and artwork.

The Badger Effort Award is based on the school’s character education. Students who demonstrate Character In Action (CIA), responsibility, accountability, honesty, empathy, and respect were nominated by their classroom teachers and staff. Congratulations to the Valentine Middle School second quarter Badger Effort recipients!

VMS HIGH HONOR ROLL second quarter Fifth grade Ryan Adams, Claire Arganbright, Lincoln Arnold, Maggie Arnold, Spencer Beebout, Trey Benson, Cam Brashears, Zane Christiansen, Duke Daugherty, Zaccary Driving Hawk-Hodder, Bryan Fischer, Margaret Fischer, OakleiHawthorne,HenryJohnson, Tylinn Kills The Enemy, Camille King, Lauralee Krueger, Brynna Kruger, Orion Markley, Brynlee Sweeney, Evan Moosman, Scott Moser, Blake O'Kief, Lilly Oakes, Harper Osnes, Etson Qualley, Kaylee Reikofski, Adley Swanson, Cameron Wackler.

LINCOLN, NE Dec. 17— The Nebraska Extension will host the “Calculating Annual Cow Costs Webinar Series” in January and February. Knowing annual cow costs is the foundation for evaluating and making management decisions that can improve profitability for a cow-calf enterprise.