News

Lincoln, NE – The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced that it is submitting a request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expand the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Healthy Choice Waiver to include candy as an ineligible purchase. Once approved, the restriction will take effect November 1, 2026.

During the week of April 19 - 25, the following arrests were made by the Valentine Police Department: • On April 23, at 1:00 a.m., a suspicious circumstances report at the Cherry County Fairgrounds lead to the arrest of a 25 year old Nebraska man for the offense of Procuring Alcohol for a Minor. • At 8:00 p.m.

More Than Half of Bankers Report Recessionary Economic Conditions April 2026 Survey Results at-a-Glance: • The overall RMI dropped below growth neutral for the third consecutive month. • More than half of bankers reported that their local economy was in a recession.

Regret is a universal currency, but it gains interest with age. The missed chances we brushed off in our 20s, the tough conversations we dodged in our 30s, the adventures we swore we’d take “next year” – they tend to grow louder as the decades roll on. To understand which “what ifs” linger most sharply, Choice Mutual, a life insurance agency that specializes in final expense insurance, surveyed 2,000 over sixty-five-year-olds, and asked them to look back with honesty, a little humor, and the clarity that only hindsight delivers.

The Sparks Cemetery Board annual meeting will be held May 12, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., at Cherry Hills Estates. Please plan to attend if you have an interest in, or would like to consider being an officer or board member.

KBR Rural Public Power will be conducting a planned power outage on April 29, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

For the past 34 years poets, musicians and storytellers have come from all over the country to share their talents and to celebrate the time honored traditions of our childhood heroes ~ The American Cowboy!

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen issued a proclamation to ensure that Nebraska National Guard resources are ready and available to respond to wildfires, should they be needed. High winds, low humidity and dry conditions continue to be a concern and could produce conditions that would endanger Nebraskans and damage public and private property.

VALENTINE, NE — For Mary Mercure, the Sand Painter Art Club isn’t just an organization; it’s a living legacy. Named the club’s Artist of the Month for April, Mary is currently celebrating a remarkable 40 year journey with a group that has become the heartbeat of the local arts scene.

OMAHA, NE, March 25, 2026 — Food Bank for the Heartland is partnering with Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica) to host a free Mobile Pantry in Valentine, Nebraska, on Wednesday, April 29, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., or until food runs out. The mobile pantry will take place at the Cherry County Fairgrounds 4-H Building, located at 120 S. Green Street.