News

Valentine, NE October 2025 — TheSandhillsAreaFoundationand Valentine Cat Rescue are pleased to announce the execution of a formal pass-through agreement that will allow contributions made to support the Valentine Cat Rescue to be fully tax-deductible under the charitable status of the Sandhills Area Foundation.

Valentine, NE - Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. They don’t wear capes or special suits, and their badge of honor is the bandage that shows they gave the gift of life.

Every year since 1992, wreaths have been placed on veteran graves around the world on the second or third Saturday in December to honor those veterans by the Wreaths Across America organization. Sponsorships are provided by family, friends, businesses, and community members to honor these veterans.

With the retirement of Pastor Paul Nolting at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, a vacancy was left behind that was filled with Pastor Caleb Schaller, of Wisconsin. He and “the most beautiful woman in the world,” his wife Jennifer, moved to Valentine about three months ago.

The Class of 2027 held a wonderful Trunk or Treat Carnival at the VHS parking lot, Saturday, October 25, 2025. It was a perfect day for fun activities, costumes, and winning fun prizes! There was a small petting zoo, football, fishing, Mega Jenga, ring toss, roping, and more.

I am writing on behalf of the Sandhills Area Homeschoolers group to share a bit about the homeschool community we have here in Valentine, and the ways our students have recently engaged with local organizations.

Beef Showmanship Results Seniors Champion – Maysa Jones. Reserve Champion – Haxton Hoffman.

The 4-H and FFA Livestock Sale is a major highlight during the Cherry County Fair. Youth spend many hours working, feeding, showing, and fitting their animals in anticipation of the sale ring results. The Livestock Sale provides an opportunity for youth to earn money for future projects or contribute to a college fund. For older youth, it is an opportunity to start pursuing a career in the livestock industry.

4-H Textile Awards Champion Junior Shopping in Style Stylist – Adley Swanson. Reserve Junior Shopping in Style Stylist – Laramie Foster.

Stocker Feeder Show Results Heifers: Champion – Grace Luthy; Reserve Champion – Kaylee Luthy; Purple – Kyra Garwood Steers: Champion – Greyson Hollopeter; Reserve Champion – Adalin Wickman; Purples – August Wickman, Greyson Hollopeter; Blues – Kayleigh Harms, Sophia Harms, Hunter Harms Supreme Stocker Feeder – Greyson Hollopeter ReserveSupremeStockerFeeder – Adalin Wickman.