News

Join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in marking America’s 250th anniversary by participating in the Outdoor Nebraska 250 Mile Challenge. This free, year - long initiative encourages Nebraskans to complete 250 miles of outdoor activity to promote physical and mental well-being through fun, noncompetitive adventure outdoors.

Every year, we treat Christmas like something fragile. We wrap it in schedules and sentiment.

The 82nd Coronation Hearts in Wonderland is set to crown its royalty on Sunday, February 1, at at 5:30 p.m., at Valentine High School. Royalty candidates and participants have been chosen from the Valentine Community Schools K-12th grade.

Two EMT members were recognized for a collective 25 years of service. Jocille Brinda was recognized for 15 years and Bobbie Roshone was recognized for 10 years.

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.