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Orion has always been my favorite constellation and with the SeeStar S30, it is most definitely my favorite to photograph! Orion is 1,344 light years away and is 24 light years across! A light year is the distance light travels in one year, which is about 5.88 trillion miles! The Orion Nebula, also called M42, is included in a very large system called the Orion Molecular Complex and includes several other nebulae. (astrobackyard.com) This nebula in the photograph can actually be seen without a telescope.

Cherry County Attorney Eric Scott, has announced that in Cherry County District Court on Thursday, January 22, 2026, the following sentences were issued: • Cynthia Poorman, age 53, of Saint Francis, South Dakota, appeared and was sentenced to 4-8 years in the Nebraska Women’s Correctional Facility of York, for the crime of First Degree Assault. Sherayne Herman, age 28, of Valentine, Nebraska, appeared and was sentenced to 8-16 years in the Nebraska Women’s Correctional Facility of York for the crime of First Degree Assault.

30 years ago From Midland News, January 31,1996 Enjoying the Polar Bear Open.......caption under the picture: The weather cooperated Saturday, Jan. 27 for the Polar Bear Open at Merritt Reservoir. Gerald Keech putts the ball into the hole, while teammate Jim Butler looks on. Fourteen. three-person teams participated in the event. The results were: The Polar Guys - Cold Day in Hell - Bill Weller, Toby Miller and Jon Davenport - 29. BKW Jim Butler, Gerald Keech and Hugh Wilber - 30. The Polar Mix - Mighty Ducks - David Nelsen, Gordon Nelsen and Jim Nelsen - 31. Deer Park Rangers - John Michalek, Sr., John Michalek, Jr., and Lisa Michalek - 33.

Cherry County, NE – 1/9/2026 – Cherry County is alerting residents and businesses that they should plan ahead when submitting time-sensitive mail following a recent clarification by the United States Postal Service (USPS) regarding postmarking practices.

Resolution #2026-01 Abandonment of 908th Road WHEREAS, the County Board of Cherry County, Nebraska, has deemed it in the public interest of the citizens of Cherry County, Nebraska, that the road described as allows to wit: That part of County Road 908th Road, formerly road No.9, lying between Sections twenty-four (24) and twenty-five (25), Township Thirty-five (35) North, Range Twenty- nine (29), West of the 6th P.M. in Cherry County, Nebraska.

KEARNEY – More than 600 students from 100 high schools across the state will participate in the annual Honor Band and Choral Clinic at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Presented by the UNK Department of Music, Theatre and Dance, the event provides advanced musical instruction and performance opportunities for outstanding band and choir students.

Perfect Attendance awards

BROOKINGS, SD (01/23/2026) - More than 4,100 students were recognized for their outstanding academic performance over the fall 2025 semester at South Dakota State University by being named to the Dean’s List.

My sincere apologies to the Stoeger family! In last week’s edition of the Valentine Midland News, I had said Rock River band played a tribute to Doug, when it fact it should have said Gary. My deepest apologies and condolences.

Jan. 22, 2026 (WAYNE, Neb.) – Wayne State has launched a Master of Science in Education (MSE) degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs, which will open for professionals wishing to advance their career in Fall 2026. The new program was approved by the Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees at its January 15 meeting in Lincoln.