News

Congratulations to Katelynn and David Williams of Mitchell, SD on the birth of their daughter, Ava Grace, born July 27. Ava weighed 8 lbs and is 20” long. Happy grandparents include Ron and Becky Patton.

July 27, 2026 ~ Ainsworth, NE — The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) announced that U.S. Highway 183 (US183) and Nebraska Highway 7 (N-7) near Bassett will be renumbered on August 10, 2026.

During the week of July 19-25, two arrests were reported by the Valentine Police Department. • At 10:50 p.m.

New downtown artwork celebrates history, culture and community. More than just a splash of color now brightens the corner of Third and Main in downtown Valentine.

As the first stakes were driven into the ground at the Cherry County Fairgrounds, the colorful big top slowly began to rise against the wide Nebraska sky. Before long, children gathered with anticipation, peeking through the fence as another chapter of a timeless American tradition unfolded in the Sandhills.

The stars have always shined a little brighter over the Nebraska Sandhills. Each summer, that brilliance draws hundreds of astronomy enthusiasts to Merritt Reservoir for the Nebraska Star Party, where one of the darkest skies in the continental United States becomes an open air classroom. This year’s 33rd annual Nebraska Star Party welcomed approximately 370 preregistered guests, along with another 40 to 45 visitors who arrived throughout the week, proving once again that the Sandhills remain a premier destination for those chasing the cosmos.

I recently attended the funeral of one of my college buddies who passed way too soon. As I was reminiscing about our “glory days,” it suddenly struck me that nearly every wonderful memory I have of my buddy involves the outdoors. From camping under the stars in a National Forest in October without a tent (it snowed, and I nearly froze to death) to fishing at a reservoir in eastern Colorado to sitting around a campfire with our friends. Not a single fond memory involves video games or screen time!

The Sculpture Walk Across Nebraska (SWAN) is a cooperative public art initiative connecting Nebraska communities through a revolving outdoor sculpture program. Designed to inspire, entertain, and educate, SWAN transforms walkable downtown districts into open-air galleries while encouraging residents and visitors to explore local businesses, restaurants, and attractions.

Learn, paddle, and stay safe on the water Valentine, NE– Niobrara National Scenic River is pleased to announce the upcoming Water 101 series to help visitors of all ages learn the essentials of water safety and—if they choose—gain hands-on experience with canoeing and kayaking. Throughout the summer, Niobrara National Scenic River rangers will offer presentations on the basics of water safety at various locations along the river valley.

Have you noticed odd bumps or growths on your tree leaves this year? At first glance, they can look like a serious disease or insect infestation. Fortunately, appearances can be deceiving. In many cases, these unusual growths are harmless leaf galls. While they may make trees look a little unusual, they rarely threaten the health of established trees.