News

This sportsman’s paradise is ready for fishing regardless of the season! This autumn the water levels are down, revealing pristine, super sandy beaches with the “occasional” cocklebur at Merritt Reservoir. Ainsworth Irrigation District Manager Lance Philben said the reservoir had been drained to an elevation of 2,930.59 this year. “Our starting elevation was 2,946.0. That means Merritt was down 15.41 feet. In 2022 it was down to 2,930.38 so it was an identical year. Historically 2012 was the lowest elevation at 2,926.65; 2,923.0 is as low as we are allowed to take the reservoir.” With the drought conditions, irrigation was essential for crops. “Merritt holds around 75,000 acre feet and we released 74,000 acre feet to crops in the district this year. We are guaranteed 84,949 acre feet per year in our contract with the Federal Government. The water travels through 52.8 miles of concrete canal and waters 35,000 acres through 140 miles of earth ditch around the Ainsworth, Johnstown, and Long Pine areas,” Philben said. With the irrigation season done, and harvest on going, the reservoir is beginning to fill again. “The Snake River and Boardman Creek fill Merritt and good inflows are what give us the ability to release that much water and not completely drain the Dam.” Philben estimates Merritt to be filled by Thanksgiving. A drive through the many campsite areas reveal that this mild autumn is a great time to recreate at Merritt and still catch plentiful fish. Pictured above is the shoreline at the end of September, at left, the end of October. Enjoy our pristine, sandy shores!

Members of the Cherry County Veterans Memorial Committee are hosting a dedication, Monday, November 11, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. The dedication is being held on Veterans Day for the newly placed Korean and Vietnam Memorials and will be in front of the Cherry County Justice Center. Everyone is invited to attend. “Over the eight years in the making - I’m really proud of our area people, especially the CCVMC members,” said organizer and CCVMC member Don Nelsen.

The Nebraska Department of Roads recently moved into their brand new 27,000 square foot facility at 89954 Highway 97. The shop features 20,000 square feet, and the rest of the space is used for offices, storage, and a large meeting room with lockers. “It has been a lot of years in the making,” said Maintenance Superintendent Dennis Connot of the $8.2 million building which sits on 20 acres.

Veterans are invited to hear Nebraskan Clarence Williams’ letters written during WWII The Valentine Area Arts Council would like to invite ALL veterans and community members to our upcoming performance on Sunday, November 10, at 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Valentine — Donated blood is a lifesaving gift most healthy people can give. The community is encouraged to donate blood Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at St. Nicholas Catholic Church to help those who have been seriously injured and need blood products to help them recover. It’s the blood already on the shelves that helps save lives.

Incidents/Arrests On 10/18/2024 at 1:45 a.m., an officer responded to the 100 block of West Highway 20 for a disturbance. A 35 year old Valentine man was identified as the suspect.

With Election Day coming up and only 66.8 percent of the voting-age population having cast ballots in the 2020 presidential election, WalletHub released its report on the Most and Least Politically Engaged States in 2024, as well as expert commentary, to identify where Americans are making their voices heard the most. The more engaged voters are, the better chance they have to impact future economic and social issues.

M enus Cody-Kilgore Schools Daily breakfast at Cody and Kilgore: cereal, toast, fruit, juice and milk. Daily lunch at Cody and Kilgore: salad bar, relish tray, bread, fruit and milk.

The Nebraska Extension will host a Pasture Lease Workshop from 1:30-3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 5, at the Sheridan County Extension Office, 800 S. Loofborrow Street, in Rushville. The latest trends in cash rental rates, lease provisions, and grazing land considerations will be presented.

Cattle producers can maximize the productivity of their farm ground while improving soil health by grazing cover crops. Producers can learn more about the benefits of cover crop grazing and practical management strategies to optimize productivity from both University educators as well as producers during the 2024 Cover Crop Grazing Conference.