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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.

The Badger wrestling teams have been off and running. The teams have participated in the O’Neill Invite, the Chadron/Gordon- Rushville Triangular, Rapid City Invitational, and the Valentine Invite. The team has had three consistent medalists with Deklin Titus, Jekhi Williams, and Parker Chavez.

Christmas Eve service at the Lakeview Church will be at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome! Congratulations to Jimmy Doyle, who received his Bachelors of Nursing degree in Rapid City last Monday.

We raise our children to be tough. To know the moods of the land and the worth of a day’s labor.

The North Central Nebraska RC&D recently hosted its annual paper shredding routes, drawing strong participation from community members eager to dispose of outdated records. The event offered individuals and businesses the opportunity to safely destroy paperwork on-site, helping prevent identity theft while supporting local recycling efforts. Stops were made in 11 communities along Highways 20 and 12, in Cherry, Brown, Rock, Holt, Keya Paha, and Boyd counties. In total, almost 12 tons of paper were collected, shredded, and sent for recycling.

From my Window According to the National Retail Federation, the average expenditure “per person” on this holiday season in the United States is $890.00 for gifts alone, while other sources - Nerd Wallet and Gallup estimates the amount to be $1,107.00 per person. These figures are significantly higher than years past due to general price increases and tariffs.

Our community is heartbroken at the word of the loss of Greg Hobbs, 72, of Maxwell, NE, formerly of Kilgore. Services will be held at the Valentine Berean Church on January 10, in Valentine. Cards can reach Ruthie at 24861 E. Slant Rd, Maxwell NE 69151.