News

Attorney General Mike Hilgers joined Governor Jim Pillen to recognize January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Attorney General Hilgers stated, “Human trafficking is an abhorrent crime that happens in Nebraska, and Nebraska’s citizens, and its law enforcement community, must be vigilant in fighting against this scourge.

Valentine Police Department, Valentine Fire Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Law Enforcement Division, Cherry County Hospital EMS were all present as first responders to “light it up” for the return of Officer Jasmine Hoefs, Thursday, January 12, 2023! Valentine Police Department orchestrated a Welcome Home for Officer Hoefs, who was returning from Norfolk where she underwent many surgeries as she was critically hurt on the job after assisting a citizen who was having a medical emergency after Winter Storm Diaz.

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), a senior member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, released the following statement after Representative Jason Smith (R-MO) was elected by the Steering Committee to serve as Chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means: “I congratulate Jason on his election to lead the Ways and Means Committee. I also thank my colleagues across the Conference who supported me every step of this race. I am humbled by their support and trust, and more determined than ever to make them proud.

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after Governor Jim Pillen announced the appointment of former Governor Pete Ricketts to the United States Senate: “I congratulate Pete Ricketts on this well-earned appointment. Pete always fights for Nebraskans, and I know he’ll keep doing so in the Senate. As Governor, he led Nebraska through the COVID-19 pandemic in a way that prioritized the health, well-being, and future of Nebraska’s families, especially children. He is a steady, strong leader, and I know he – along with Senator Fischer – will continue to make us proud.”

Traffic has returned to Main Street, Highway 83. The detour signage has been removed and the detour on Cherry Street has been suspended. Traffic will be monitored and adjustments to traffic control; signs will be made as needed.

Incidents/Arrests On 01/01/2023 at 7:06 a.m., an officer responded to the 100 block of North Thatcher Street for a disturbance. A 23 year old South Dakota man was arrested for 3rd degree assault and 2nd degree criminal trespassing.

Human Trafficking Awareness Month Use this number if you suspect human trafficking!! LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen was joined by Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly, Attorney General Mike Hilgers, and State Patrol Superintendent Colonel John Bolduc for the signing of a proclamation declaring January Human Trafficking Awareness Month. The event highlighted Nebraska’s efforts in the last year to combat human trafficking in Nebraska including the adoption of a new human trafficking hotline from the State Patrol and the Attorney General’s 2022 Human Trafficking Report.

The Valentine City Council met for their regular meeting, Thursday, January 12 2023, in the City Library Meeting Room. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m., with the following in attendance: City Clerk Deanna Schmit, City Manager Shane Siewert, Council members Ross Brockley, Brad Arnold, Neil Wescott, Kalli Kieborz, and Kyle Arganbright.

Welcome Bridger Brion Wobig! He was born at Cherry County Hospital, January 6, 2023, and weighed 5 pounds 15 ounces, and was 19 inches long. His parents are Myriah and Austin Wobig of Merriman, and has a brother Ryder Wade, who is one and a half years old.

The Chamber of Commerce holds their annual Valentine’s Day Card Contest at the end of 2022. Everyone was invited to draw, sketch, or pen and ink the annual greeting that will be shared with many over Valentine’s Day, February 14. This year, Joan Swim was the winner with the above pen and ink Valentine, as well as the winner of $250.