News

A revised statute allowing some Nebraska landowners to kill damage- causing wildlife predators becomes effective September 2. Predators included in this statute are badger, bobcat, coyote, gray fox, long-tailed weasel, mink, opossum, raccoon, red fox and skunk.

LINCOLN – Congressman Mike Flood issued a statement following recent action by the European parliament imposing “restoration targets” on 20 percent of the European Union’s (EU) land and seas by 2030. Over the weekend, a New York Times profile detailed the stories of European farmers grappling with the fallout of EU climate policy.

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.

Cherry County 4-Hers had an excellent presence at the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island this year. Of special note, Ruby Shelbourn’s Quilt of Valor and Kate Cox’s modeled STEAM 2 outfit were featured in the 4-H Design Gallery which is the “Best of the Best” in the Exhibit Hall. One of Rylee Ward’s Visual Art Exhibits was chosen for the Loft Gallery 4-H Display on UNL East Campus for this fall. Kate Cox also received a special recognition for a STEAM level 2 sewn top.

Middle school students from all over the state of Nebraska are eagerly anticipating the upcoming Discovery Weekend from October 2729, a transformative event focused on providing deep discipleship opportunities for youth. This exciting initiative comes on the heels of the launch of a new youth group at Valentine Methodist Church, catering specifically to the spiritual growth and development of young individuals in our community.

My son is a Boy Scout. Hopefully, he will become an Eagle Scout like his dad, his grandpa, his uncle, and not to mention 11 of the 12 men that walked on the moon. Whether he does or not, it has been an honor seeing the program help him and other boys mature into responsible young men.

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.

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.

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.

We’ve enjoyed a beautiful summer, weather wise, and with the coming Labor Day weekend - the unofficial end of summer - greets us. But there’s still plenty fun things to do.