News

Having just observed Memorial Day on May 27, 2024, we will soon observe Flag Day on June 14 then Independence Day on July 4 of each year. There are numerous days set aside to honor those who have served in the military, but how many of us know the real meaning behind these days of observance or even when some of them are? Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while service in the United States Armed Forces. Although many groups and cities credit themselves for the establishment of the holiday, the Department of Veterans Affairs credit Mary Ann Williams with originating the idea of strewing the graves of Civil War soldiers, Union and Confederate, with flowers. Like every holiday, Memorial Day has become commercialized and has become a three-day holiday that basically commemorates the beginning of summer. But what about honoring those who served? What about renewing our patriotism and sincerely appreciating the sacrifices made on our behalf ?

It was time to come out and play, enjoy the beauty of Main Street on a stunning spring day, and to appreciate the art that was on display, Friday, May 24, 2024. The second annual Art Walk, sponsored by Broken Spoke Boutique, featured the Sand Painters Art Guild members either showing their art inside local businesses, or outside on the sidewalk working on their vision.

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) is currently accepting applications for the 2024-2025 Third District Youth Advisory Council and encourages high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to submit their applications by July 18.

Washington – U.S. Senators Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) released their statements regarding President Trump’s trial verdict: “Weaponizing our judicial system for political gain is beyond the pale. This trial and its outcome were carefully manufactured for political retribution—not equal justice under the law. President Trump’s critics believe they’ve wounded him, when in fact, they’ve only wounded our country. I expect this conviction will be appropriately overturned,” said Senator Fischer.

Incidents/Arrests On 05/19/2024 at 9:57 a.m., a dog was reported to be running at large in the 400 block of North Macomb Street. A 42 year old Valentine man was cited for dog running at large.

It is an annual task for the Friends of Niobrara, Inc., (FON) to cleanup cans, bottles, and assorted trash from the ditches of the Sparks River Road from Highway 12 down to Brewer Bridge. They try to schedule the cleanup the weekend before Memorial Day, which is traditionally the start of the season for the outfitters and river floaters.

Nikkia R. Rabago, Valentine.

Thursday, June 6 - Creamed hamburger w/biscuit, tater tots, peas, peaches. Friday, June 7- Taco salad, refried beans, mandarin oranges, cornbread.

CSC announces Dean’s List Chadron State College has announced the undergraduate students qualifying for the Spring 2024 Dean’s List. Students met the requirements for the Dean’s List by earning at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average.

Welcome to the Sandhills! The 2024 Sandhills Ranch Interns have officially started their summer internships. In its second year of the Sandhills Ranch Internship Program, The Sandhills Task Force has successfully connected 11 interns with key ranchers across Nebraska. The number of strong candidates applying for the program has been exceptional, and we are especially excited about the interns this year. We look forward to hearing all about their successful experiences.