News

Come the first Monday of September, many children and their parents start to face the reality that school, if it hasn’t yet started, is about to begin again. That’s because Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer. But there is much more to this holiday than barbecues and the notion that fall is right around the corner.

Approximately 60 people attended the Coffee and Conversation meeting held Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at Mid Plains Community College. Several entities including: Nebraska Department of Economic Development, 1898 & Co., plus experts who deal with nuclear power, Dan Beuman and Roman Estrada with NPPD were available to answer questions, and explain about the 16 communities - of which four, then two - will be selected to have what is called a small modular reactor or SMR.

The Valentine Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome two new members to our community — Craig Beman Fine Art Gallery and Heart City Rocks! Craig Beman Fine Art Gallery Located at 411 N. Main, this gallery is owned and operated by Craig and Peggy Beman.

Valentine Community Schools has five new faculty members and a new nurse for the upcoming school year. Let’s meet them! Krista Schoonveld Krista Schoonveld will be teaching third grade.

New Cody-Kilgore hires for the 2025-2026 school year are Ken McGinness, Riawna Reimers, and Trinity Szakacs. Let’s hear from these new teachers! Trinity Szakacs Trinity Szakacs will be a second grade teacher.

The Sand Painters Art Club recently hosted a captivating Open Art Show at the Cherry County Fair in Valentine, NE. The event drew a crowd of art enthusiasts eager to appreciate the diverse talent on display. This year's show featured 55 pieces of art from 21 different artists, showcasing a wide range of styles and mediums. The judging for the show was expertly handled by Valentine HighSchoolart teacher, Victoria Schwab, who faced the difficult task of selecting winners from the impressive collection.

The Class of 2000 is pictured back row L to R: Holly Critchfield, Kyle Arganbright, Randy Kluender, Brady Dunkel, Josh Dean. Front row L to R: Angie Anderson, Melinda Solan, Ramzi Hynek, Carisa Van Horn, and Michelle Garwood.

The Class of 2005 are pictured, back row, L to R: Timber Burge, Nathan Stec, and Joe Hesse. Front row, L to R: Justina (Schipporeit) Burge, Jade (Colburn) Swihart, Lyn (Ausdemore) Stec, Roni (Graham) Beauclair, Jami (Hockenbary) Qualley, Morgan (Dillion) Arnold.

Summer is winding down, and families are gearing up for a new school year. This season brings a lot of changes, and it's a great time to build or refresh energy-saving habits at home.

The Class of 1960 are pictured back row, L to R: Bob Goodwin, Cherryl Lovejoy, R.J. Wolfe, Carol Hansen, Ruby (Lurz) Luttrell, Jack Eitzen, Ray Weigers, Carol Kennedy, Jim Hoffman, Edith (Perrin) Everson, Steve Kreuck, bob Beel, Gerald Grooms, Julie Richardson, Bill’s wife.