Sports

After having an exceptional regular season, Cherry County’s Garrett Shadbolt will be making his fourth appearance at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, NV, in early December. Shadbolt is seventh among the 15 bareback riding qualifiers with earnings of $168,261 and says it was his best regular season.

Hunters are reminded they may donate whole field-dressed deer to the Hunters Helping the Hungry program at 10 processor locations in Nebraska. The participating meat processors are: • Amherst – Belschner Custom Meats • Elmwood – Elmwood Meat Plant • Lindsay – Melcher Locker & Produce • Minden – Midwest Meat Company • Norfolk – R&M Meats • North Platte – Kelley’s Custom Pack • Plattsmouth – Meat Garden Butchery • Table Rock – Den’s Country Meats • Ulysses – The Butchery • Wahoo – Wahoo Locker LLC Hunters pay no processing costs for harvested deer donated to processors for this program.

The Sandhills Task Force is now accepting applications for the 2026 season of Sandhills Ranch Internships. This paid, three-month summer-long internship includes room and partial board as well as additional paid educational opportunities. Explore a career in agriculture through hands-on experiences in ranching, livestock production, and rangeland management. This is an excellent opportunity to gain skills and knowledge that can open doors to future careers in agriculture while building meaningful relationships.

The 2025 4-H year wrapped up on October 19, with the annual Achievement Celebration at the White Elephant Hall in Cody. After enjoying some yard games and a potluck meal with over 80 people in attendance, special awards were presented and top achievements for the year were highlighted.

1st-2nd 59-62 - Charlie Stec’s place is 3rd and has scored 15.5 team points. Quarterfinal - Charlie Stec (Valentine) won by tech fall over Easton Rookstool (Midwest Destroyers) (TF 17-0) Semifinal - Coyle Ascherl (Scottsbluff Wrestling Club) won by major decision over Charlie Stec (Valentine) (Maj 12-0) Cons.

Congratulations to the Valentine Middle School first quarter Badger Effort recipients! The Badger Effort Award is based on the school's character education. Students who demonstrate Character In Action (CIA), responsibility, accountability, honesty, empathy, and respect were nominated by their classroom teachers and staff.

The 2026 annual hunt - small game, fishing, fur harvest and state park entry permits are available online, at district offices and state park areas beginning November 15. These permits are valid January 1-December 31, 2026.

CK vs. Sioux County “On Friday, October 17, the Sioux County Warriors traveled down the highway to compete against Cody’s pride and joy: the Cody-Kilgore Cowboys.

Tuesday, October 28, the Valentine Lady Badgers won over the Kimball Lady Longhorns 3-1. MiaSherbeynwasaforcewith23 kills, followed by Ashlyn Hutchinson with 17.

Even though summer is over, don’t put away the fishing gear yet. There are plenty of opportunities for excellent fall fishing in Nebraska.