News

Twenty-two years ago, on September 11, we woke up to the stark news that planes had crashed into the World Trade Center and a bit later, into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and then a plane crash in a field in Pennsylvania. That day is much like other days in our history that is marked by tragedy.

The Navy ’83 Ride Across America trip began August 23, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. in Whidbey, WA at Cliffside RV Park.

September 17-23 is National Child Passenger Safety Week, and on Saturday, September 16, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the Valentine Fire Hall, located at 224 S. Hall St., there will be a FREE car seat clinic. An appointment is not required but, recommended.

The Community Services Program at Northwest Community Action Partnership (NCAP) will sponsor a Drive Thru Mobile Food Pantry with the Food Bank of the Heartland on September 19, 2023 at the Cherry County Fairgrounds located at 120 S. Green Street in Valentine starting at 5:00 p.m. Please use the north entrance. There is no need to bring boxes volunteers will load the food in your vehicle. Any family in need is welcome to come.

ELVIS IS IN THE BUILDING! Joseph Hall is bringing his Elvis Rock N’ Remember tribute show to Valentine. The performance is Sunday, September 17 at 6:00 p.m.

It’s a Wednesday after school. Younger kids are arriving to the sound of joy and excitement. Across town, their older brothers and sisters are walking through the door at 6:00 p.m. In both places the volume of the noise rivals a gas-powered chain saw. They spend time sitting together with adults with snacks and meals. They talk about school and family and just things that young folks care about.

The Valentine PTA supports Valentine Community Schools, families, and teachers. We are a non-profit organization made up of volunteers that work to support our community’s students.

Fall is a great time to plant trees in the landscape. The soil is warm and air temperatures are generally cooler, creating a better environment for the tree and the gardener doing the planting. The cooler temperatures promote root growth which helps the tree establish a more robust root system before new growth begins the following spring.

Fall is a great time to plant trees and shrubs. There are many native, attractive, and incredibly drought tolerant trees and shrubs that can be planted. Plant trees with companion plantings that create an island of landscape. Trees help cast shade and block wind that reduces water evaporation from the landscape. And tree canopies help slow and capture rain so that less of it runs off into the street. Shrubs provide year-round beauty, wildlife habitat, screening, and space definition while reducing the amount of lawn to maintain.

Summer is a season to enjoy some fun in the sun, but it's imperative that people remember to take steps to reduce their risk for heat illness. Those measures should include efforts to hydrate and remain hydrated throughout the day. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that water will almost always help people remain hydrated even when they're working in the heat. But food also plays a vital role in preventing heat illness, as the CDC notes eating regular meals can help to replace the salt lost through sweat. It's also important that individuals avoid energy drinks and alcohol when spending time in the hot summer sun. Many energy drinks contain more caffeine than standard servings of coffee, tea and soft drinks, and excessive caffeine consumption can contribute to dehydration. The same can be said for alcohol, and the CDC reports that consuming alcohol within 24 hours of working in the heat can increase the risk of heat illness.