News

February 2026 Survey Results at-a-Glance: • The region’s overall or Rural Mainstreet Index sank below growth neutral after two straight months above the threshold. • Three of four bank CEOs urge Congress to provide more financial support to farmers.

During the week of February 15-21, the following arrests were reported by the Valentine Police Department: • On February 16, a complaint in the 300 block of North Hall Street lead to the arrest of a 19 year old Nebraska man and a juvenile male on the charge of Burglary. • On February 18, at 5:25 p.m., a disturbance was reported near the intersectionof 5thandGovernment Streets.

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen has been appointed by President Donald Trump to serve on the Council of Governors, a bipartisan group of state leaders focused on strengthening state-federal partnerships in national security, disaster response, and military coordination. A meeting of the group was held Thursday in Washington, D.C.

• February 25, Berean Bible Church. • March 4, Lakeview Christian Reformed Church.

from the 25th annual Heart City Bull Bash celebrates 25 years of community and agriculture There was more than love flowing through the streets of Valentine on Cupid’s favorite holiday. On Valentine’s Day, the 25th annual Heart City Bull Bash once again transformed Main Street into the heart of the Sandhills, filling it with pens of bulls, horses, equipment, commercial displays, vendors, and activities that brought the entire community together.

Valentine, NE — Cherry County Hospital is proud to announce the receipt of a $947.25 donation to its Oncology Department following the annual Bomgaars Ladies Night event held this past fall. The event brought community members together for an evening focused on shopping and breast cancer awareness.

It was a special day for the Valentine CommunitySchoolsFoundation, this past Valentine Day, when they received a donation of $1,289.60 - proceeds from the Valentine Marathon, held here last summer. Marathon founder, Mark Gudgel, said, “I’m reminded of how special Valentine High School is every time I run into my classmates later in life.

Born and raised in Valentine, Benson returned to the community after earning her degree with a desire to bring industry knowledge andprofessionalfinancialguidance back to the area she calls home. Over the past decade, she has built her career helping individuals and families make confident financial decisions through all stages of life.

The Sand Painters Art Club has named local oil painter Joan Swim as the Featured Artist of the Month for February. A seasoned artist with a deep connection to the region, Joan specializes in rich oil compositions.

VALENTINE, NE — The Sand Painters Art Club and Valentine Public Library are the proud hosts of the Association of Nebraska Art Clubs (ANAC) Travel Show throughout the month of February. The exhibit showcases a premier selection of artwork from across the state, bringing Nebraska’s finest creative talents to the Sandhills.