News

Honoring Cherry County’s rich agricultural history, the 2026 Cherry County Fair is now in the record books ~ but the lessons, memories and connections created during fair week will carry on long after the gates close.

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According to Sand Painter Art Club President, Joan Swim, 16 original art pieces were donated from club members for a silent auction during the Cherry County Fair. “A silent auction is a great way to help a cause and acquire original artwork,” Swim said.

Best of Show - David Dorsey, acrylic, For God and Country 1st Place - Joan Swim, oil, Weathered Grace 2nd Place - Ken Bennett, wire sculpture, Buffalo Skull 3rd Place - Madison Gambil, acrylic, Smith Falls Heart of Art Sponsored by Husker Hardware, acrylic, Cindy Brader , Snow Buffalo Betty Kime Founding Member Award, photography, Terry Kingston Blue Heaven ClaudiaBestolMemorialAward, Pat Schemmer, Water’s Edge, pastel Veronica Heelan Memorial Award, Anne Liebermann, watercolor, Sandhills Silhouettes Knispel Family Memorial Award, Chana Orton, acrylic, Hopper Homestead Doug Ballard Memorial Award, Bobbie Roshone, photo, Liberty in the Mist Certificate of Excellence, Pat Schemmer, pastel, Bearded Iris Certificate of Excellence, Mary Smith, pastel, Cruising the Coast Certificate of Excellence, Kim Hesse, pine needle vessel, Diamond Willow Certificate of Excellence, Kyle Hoyt, watercolor, Fall Breath Certificate of Excellence, David Dorsey, acrylic, Bull in China Shop Certificate of Excellence, Joan Swim, oil, Across the River Certificate of Excellence, Cindy Brader, oil, Mountain Air Honorable Mention,Joan Swim, oil, Norden Chute Honorable Mention, Anne Liebermann, watercolor, Wind Sculpture Honorable Mention,Madison Gambil acrylic Soft Skies Honorable Mention, Tariqa Liebermann, 2 pastel, DahliaDreams and Day Lilies Honorable Mention, Bobbie Roshone, photo, Tree of Life Honorable Mention, Terri Licking, photo, Heavenly Son Rise Honorable Mention, Patti Coslor, watercolor, Laundry Day Honorable Mention, Chana Orton, acrylic, Last Light Honorable Mention, David Dorsey, acrylic, Crossing the Cheyenne The judge for the show was Ned Day, art instructor at Sinte Gleska University..

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Jaycie Grace Cox of Valentine graduated from University of Nebraska at Kearney Friday, July 31, 2026. Cox earned an Honorable Mention, gpa 3.50-3.69, Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness..

Private boat launch services at Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area will provide the best access to Nebraska’s largest lake for the remainder of the season. Due to longstanding drought, water levels continue to drop at the irrigation reservoir in Keith County.

The 50th Annual Nebraska Youth Smallbore Silhouette Invitational will be September 26 at Pressey Wildlife Management Area in Custer County. This free event is open to youth ages 11 and older who can prove they have completed Hunter Education and have not graduated high school.

Heading into the back-to-school season, Nebraska Game and Parks state park areas are adjusting operating hours and some services due to a limited workforce. “We have had a tremendous and busy year in Nebraska’s state parks and recreation areas,” said Jeff Fields, state parks administrator.

Low water levels from drought and irrigation are limiting access to lakes in northwestern Nebraska. Joe Rydell, northwest district fisheries supervisor for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, has provided information about the following lakes in his region.