Local News 

Standing room only at Valentine Elementary’s Veterans Day program
Standing room only at Valentine Elementary’s Veterans Day program

When you think of school concerts, you might picture winter or spring performances. But in Valentine, they go big for Veterans Day.

Sentencings in Cherry County child enticement and assault cases

Sentencings in Cherry County child enticement and assault cases

Two Valentine men have been sentenced in separate Cherry County cases involving child enticement and assault.

Plea deal reached in Sheridan County child abuse case

Plea deal reached in Sheridan County child abuse case

A plea deal has been reached in the case of a 25-year-old Alliance man who previously faced multiple child sexual assault charges in Sheridan County.

‘Bring our people back’: Healing through bison harvest on Rosebud Reservation

‘Bring our people back’: Healing through bison harvest on Rosebud Reservation

At Sinte Gleska University on the Rosebud Reservation, one unique program is helping feed the community while also strengthening cultural, physical and spiritual well-being.

Downtown Sounds artist B.J. Jamison wins national music award at Grand Ole Opry

Downtown Sounds artist B.J. Jamison wins national music award at Grand Ole Opry

Nebraska’s own B.J. Jamison won Artist of the Year in the Country Traditional/Classic category at the Josie Music Awards.

Suspect accused of hitting woman with vehicle, fleeing from law enforcement arrested near Chadron

Suspect accused of hitting woman with vehicle, fleeing from law enforcement arrested near Chadron

A suspect accused of driving drunk, hitting a woman with a vehicle, and fleeing from law enforcement was arrested Wednesday morning after a pursuit through Chadron.

Grass fire burns 500+ acres north of Thedford

Grass fire burns 500+ acres north of Thedford

A grass fire is contained on Tuesday evening after burning hundreds of acres of ranch land.

Sen. McKeon says he won’t resign following public indecency charge, calls incident a misunderstanding

Sen. McKeon says he won’t resign following public indecency charge, calls incident a misunderstanding

LINCOLN, Neb. — State Senator Dan McKeon of Amherst has issued a public apology after being charged with public indecency and facing calls from Gov. Jim Pillen to resign over an alleged inappropriate remark and gesture made towards a staffer during

Gift-giving for generations: Mother, daughter opening store in downtown Gordon

Gift-giving for generations: Mother, daughter opening store in downtown Gordon

For Jana Goranson and her daughter, Lauren, opening their new store, good to be HOME in downtown Gordon, isn’t just about selling gifts and décor. It’s about continuing a creative legacy that began a generation ago.

Suspected fentanyl, guns, and cash seized in OST DPS “Safe Homelands” Operation

Suspected fentanyl, guns, and cash seized in OST DPS “Safe Homelands” Operation

Suspected fentanyl, concealed guns, and a large amount of cash tied to drug trafficking are just some of the items Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety officials say they seized during a recent “Safe Homelands” operation.

Gordon principal receives award for excellence

Gordon principal receives award for excellence

A Gordon principal is being recognized for being an outstanding leader in Nebraska.

Team Buche Cares offers to help families affected by SNAP benefit disruption

Team Buche Cares offers to help families affected by SNAP benefit disruption

If SNAP funds are not released in South Dakota, Team Buche Cares will distribute $100 in grocery certificates per SNAP family household redeemable at Buche Foods and Buche’s Gus Stop.

Two arrested after vehicle and foot pursuit in Sheridan County

Two arrested after vehicle and foot pursuit in Sheridan County

Two people are facing charges after a vehicle pursuit Tuesday evening in Sheridan County.

McClenahan named October Chadron State Student of the Month

McClenahan named October Chadron State Student of the Month

Chadron State College junior Mallory McClenahan of Grant, Nebraska, is the Project Strive/TRiO Student of the Month for October.

Family restoring old Johnstown school to bring community together

Family restoring old Johnstown school to bring community together

When a school closes in a small town, the building often tells the story of what comes next. Some are given a second chance, while others crumble with time.

Chadron State College notes: Redden presents at national conference

Chadron State College notes: Redden presents at national conference

Assistant Professor of Business Dr. Caitlin Redden made a presentation at the Association for General and Liberal Studies Oct. 2-4, in Louisville, Kentucky.

Proposed Cherry County wind farm heads back to court in December

Proposed Cherry County wind farm heads back to court in December

A proposed wind farm near Kilgore is heading back to court in December as questions continue over the project’s permit status.

Trial underway in Cherry County District Court over alleged cattle neglect and losses

Trial underway in Cherry County District Court over alleged cattle neglect and losses

A trial in Cherry County District Court this week centers on whether a family who cared for an Elgin rancher’s cattle are responsible for losses and deaths within the herd.

New Pink Ladies chapter forms in Valentine and Rosebud area, hosting upcoming event

New Pink Ladies chapter forms in Valentine and Rosebud area, hosting upcoming event

A new chapter of the Pink Ladies Dart League is taking aim at breast cancer awareness and support in north-central Nebraska and south-central South Dakota.

Senator Storer addresses Trump importing foreign beef in weekly column

Senator Storer addresses Trump importing foreign beef in weekly column

Nebraska, the "Beef State," stands as a colossal pillar in the global agricultural landscape, with the beef industry providing the very backbone of our state's economy.

Potential Disruption to November SNAP Benefits Could Impact Panhandle Families

Potential Disruption to November SNAP Benefits Could Impact Panhandle Families

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits for November may not be available, potentially affecting around 3,600 households in the Nebraska Panhandle.

Judge allows McCook ICE facility to move forward as lawsuit continues

Judge allows McCook ICE facility to move forward as lawsuit continues

A judge announcing the plan to turn McCook’s Work Ethic Camp into an ICE detention center can move forward, at least for now.

Bank fraud suspect connected to western Nebraska cases arrested in Maine

Bank fraud suspect connected to western Nebraska cases arrested in Maine

The woman accused of committing bank fraud at multiple western Nebraska banks has been arrested in Maine, according to the Alliance Police Department.

Criminal impersonation, assault, disturbing the peace in weekly Valentine Police report

Criminal impersonation, assault, disturbing the peace in weekly Valentine Police report

Valentine police arrested seven people between Oct. 19 and Oct. 25.

Gordon man accused of sexually assaulting children

Gordon man accused of sexually assaulting children

Bond has been set at $250,000 for a Gordon man accused of sexually assaulting multiple children.

62nd scholastic contest deemed a success

62nd scholastic contest deemed a success

More than 950 high school students from Nebraska, Wyoming, and South Dakota took 1,478 tests in 39 different subjects Oct. 15 during Chadron State College’ 62nd Scholastic Contest on Oct. 15, 2025.

New partnership to help reduce Valentine’s stray cat population

New partnership to help reduce Valentine’s stray cat population

There’s now an easier way to help reduce the growing number of stray cats in Valentine.

Gordon couple celebrates granddaughter being crowned Miss USA 2025

Gordon couple celebrates granddaughter being crowned Miss USA 2025

Gary and Joyce Ruse watched from the audience in Reno, Nevada, as their granddaughter achieved what she’d dreamed of since childhood.

State board takes no action on proposed Valentine wellness center

State board takes no action on proposed Valentine wellness center

A proposal to help fund a new Valentine Wellness Center remains in limbo after the Nebraska Sports Arena Facility Financing Assistance Board chose not to take action during its Friday meeting.

From Antarctica to Springview: Welder returns home to fill a growing need

From Antarctica to Springview: Welder returns home to fill a growing need

Welding is a vital trade in rural Nebraska, but like much of the nation, the industry is struggling to find enough skilled workers.

Nebraska SMART Expands Statewide

Nebraska SMART Expands Statewide

The Nebraska State College System (NSCS) announced today that Nebraska SMART, its free virtual tutoring program, is expanding statewide, giving every K–12 student in Nebraska access to one-on-one academic support from trained college tutors.

Eight-man football looking likely for Gordon-Rushville

Eight-man football looking likely for Gordon-Rushville

According to Activities Director Darren Probst, updated student enrollment numbers will be presented at the next school board meeting.

Taser used at Merritt, drug arrest along Niobrara River among Monday’s Cherry County court hearings

Taser used at Merritt, drug arrest along Niobrara River among Monday’s Cherry County court hearings

From drug cases to assault and disturbing the peace, the Cherry County Courthouse in Valentine saw a busy Monday docket.

WMA to be renamed for Bassett native

WMA to be renamed for Bassett native

Bassett native Nick Lyman will be memorialized when the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission renames the Twin Lakes R.C. Wildlife Management Area in his honor.

Winner man sentenced to 25 years for child sex trafficking and pornography

Winner man sentenced to 25 years for child sex trafficking and pornography

A Winner man has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for child sex trafficking and producing child pornography.

Northwest Community Action Partnership Announces New Head Start Director

Northwest Community Action Partnership Announces New Head Start Director

Northwest Community Action Partnership (NCAP) has announced the appointment of Jennifer Henry as the new Head Start Director, effective immediately.

Expectations high for state's pheasant opener

Expectations high for state's pheasant opener

Those surveys showed this spring that the Panhandle and Southwest regions supported relatively high pheasant densities, and the Central, Northeast and Sandhills regions all saw increases in densities compared to 2024.

Hathshire Berkaway takes Brown County Commissioners to court over Long Lake property access road

Hathshire Berkaway takes Brown County Commissioners to court over Long Lake property access road

Hathshire Berkaway has filed a lawsuit against the Brown County Board of Commissioners over an access road dispute involving property near Long Lake.

Friends of the Niobrara Receives $50,000 Grant from the National Park Foundation

Friends of the Niobrara Receives $50,000 Grant from the National Park Foundation

Friends of the Niobrara is proud to share it has received a $50,000 grant from the National Park Foundation (NPF), the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service.

What to do about Sandhills nursing home shortage? Commissioner asks Sen. Storer

What to do about Sandhills nursing home shortage? Commissioner asks Sen. Storer

Nebraska is facing a growing nursing home shortage — a crisis hitting especially hard in rural areas like the Sandhills. According to the Nebraska Health Care Association, 16 nursing homes have closed across the state in the past four years.

American Samoan student finds belonging far from home at Chadron State

American Samoan student finds belonging far from home at Chadron State

For Chadron State College sophomore Kimo Tuivaiti, leaving the tropical shores of American Samoa for the Nebraska plains was both an act of courage and faith.

Gov. Pillen announces opening of McCook ICE facility at Sen. Ricketts steak fry

Gov. Pillen announces opening of McCook ICE facility at Sen. Ricketts steak fry

Governor Pillen announced the upcoming opening of the McCook ICE facility, repurposed from a former minimum-security prison

‘More than just a building’, Cherry County Hospital celebrates 50 years at current location

‘More than just a building’, Cherry County Hospital celebrates 50 years at current location

Cherry County Hospital is marking 50 years at its current location — and for many who work there, it’s more than just a job.

Drug arrest at Valentine City Park in weekly police report

Drug arrest at Valentine City Park in weekly police report

A 47-year-old South Dakota woman was arrested for possession of a controlled substance after Valentine Police responded to a welfare check at the Valentine City Park on Oct. 18 around 4 p.m.

Broken Bow first in Nebraska to use OneWeight ambulance scales for more accurate patient care

Broken Bow first in Nebraska to use OneWeight ambulance scales for more accurate patient care

Paramedics now use a new scale system with an accompanying app to get instant, precise patient weights and calculate medication doses.

Russian-born artist leads still life workshop in Valentine

Russian-born artist leads still life workshop in Valentine

Professional artist and instructor Yelena Khanevskaya, who grew up in Russia and now lives in Scottsbluff, led a hands-on still life workshop last weekend hosted by the Sand Painters Art Club in Valentine.

A little over $1 million needed before breaking ground on Cherry County Convention Center

A little over $1 million needed before breaking ground on Cherry County Convention Center

Plans for a Cherry County Convention Center are moving closer to reality, with about $2.25 million raised so far, including pledges.

Valentine community childcare facility project update shared with commissioners

Valentine community childcare facility project update shared with commissioners

With a shortage of childcare options continuing to affect many small Nebraska towns, including Valentine, Cherry County commissioners received an update this week on a long-anticipated community day care project.

New convenience store opens in Gordon, with plans to expand offerings

New convenience store opens in Gordon, with plans to expand offerings

A new convenience store is holding a soft opening in Gordon as it prepares to expand its products and services.

Board of Trustees Appoints Kupper as Chadron State President

Board of Trustees Appoints Kupper as Chadron State President

The Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State Colleges voted Monday to appoint Dr. Jodi Kupper as the next President of Chadron State College.

‘We’re doing it for her’: Valentine golf team heads to State, playing in honor of teammate

‘We’re doing it for her’: Valentine golf team heads to State, playing in honor of teammate

The Valentine Lady Badgers are competing at the state golf tournament, but this year’s trip means far more than a shot at a title

What’s next for Valentine’s airport? Construction aims to attract more aircraft

What’s next for Valentine’s airport? Construction aims to attract more aircraft

Construction is wrapping up on a new apron at Miller Field, the paved area where aircraft are parked, loaded, unloaded, refueled, and maintained.

Banners tied to white nationalist group found over Grand Island bridge

Banners tied to white nationalist group found over Grand Island bridge

Activists and city officials are speaking out after hate-filled signs linked to a white nationalist group were found hanging from a Grand Island bridge near the heart of the Hispanic business district.

Misunderstood and mislabeled: Uncovering myths of pioneer women’s "madness" on the Plains

Misunderstood and mislabeled: Uncovering myths of pioneer women’s "madness" on the Plains

Humanities Nebraska scholar Nancy Johnson recently brought her presentation, “Myths of Women’s Madness on the Plains,” to Valentine, sharing her research into how mental illness was viewed and treated during pioneer days.

Next step for possible wellness center in Valentine

Next step for possible wellness center in Valentine

A public hearing date has been set for an application seeking state funding for a proposed wellness center in Valentine.

Zoning permit fees may soon be increasing in Cherry County

Zoning permit fees may soon be increasing in Cherry County

Zoning fees could be increasing in Cherry County. On Tuesday, county commissioners discussed increasing the fees, which haven’t been adjusted in years.

Chadron State Scholastic Contest set for Oct. 15

Chadron State Scholastic Contest set for Oct. 15

Nearly 900 students from 32 high schools around the region will gather at Chadron State College on Wednesday, Oct. 15, for the annual Scholastic Contest, a tradition that recognizes the academic talents of high school students from around the area.

Planning for Cherry County’s future: Commissioners discuss comprehensive plan

Planning for Cherry County’s future: Commissioners discuss comprehensive plan

A key document that will help guide Cherry County’s future development, land use, and growth is nearing completion. On Tuesday morning, county commissioners spent several hours reviewing the proposed new Cherry County Comprehensive Plan.

A moose in Nebraska? Expert breaks down why it’s here, where it’s gone, and how often it happens

A moose in Nebraska? Expert breaks down why it’s here, where it’s gone, and how often it happens

“He’s covering a lot of ground over the course of less than two weeks,” said Luke Meduna, big game program manager with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Chadron State family day this weekend

Chadron State family day this weekend

Chadron State College’s annual Family Day Weekend returns on Friday, Oct. 10 and concludes Sunday, Oct. 12.

Man accused of pulling gun at Valentine bar faces multiple charges

Man accused of pulling gun at Valentine bar faces multiple charges

A 36-year-old homeless man is facing multiple felony charges after law enforcement say he threatened another man with a gun at a Valentine bar.

Senator Storer reflects on lessons learned from her late father

Senator Storer reflects on lessons learned from her late father

Senator Tanya Storer's dad passed away recently at the age of 86.

Medical Nutrition added to RHOP

Medical Nutrition added to RHOP

In early September, Medical Nutrition was added as the 12th option in Chadron State College’s Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP) partnership with the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC).

‘You Can’t Frown at a Sunflower’: Koelling Family welcomes visitors to annual Simply Sunflower Field Day

‘You Can’t Frown at a Sunflower’: Koelling Family welcomes visitors to annual Simply Sunflower Field Day

The Koelling Family Farm is opening their sunflower fields to the public this Saturday for their annual Simply Sunflower Field Day, offering tours, photo opportunities and bottles of cold-pressed sunflower oil.

Gordon man sentenced to prison on felony drug charge

Gordon man sentenced to prison on felony drug charge

A 51-year-old Gordon man has been sentenced to two to three years in prison for possessing drugs with the intent to distribute them.