Local News 

Valentine police supervisor allowed to work with relative after council temporarily waives rule
Valentine police supervisor allowed to work with relative after council temporarily waives rule

The Valentine City Council has approved a one-time waiver to the city’s personnel policy, allowing a police supervisor to work with a relative within the department.

Homeschool, nonpublic students must take extra class to join Valentine Public School activities

Homeschool, nonpublic students must take extra class to join Valentine Public School activities

Homeschool and nonpublic school students who want to take part in extracurricular activities at Valentine High School or Middle School will now be required to enroll in two public school courses, instead of just one.

Wind farm update: Cherry County commissioners give BSH Kilgore 30 days to respond to investigation findings

Wind farm update: Cherry County commissioners give BSH Kilgore 30 days to respond to investigation findings

The developers of a proposed wind farm near Kilgore have 30 days to respond to a zoning investigation that found their permit expired and that all required conditions had not been met.

Citing safety concerns, Cherry County to replace two bridges with culverts

Citing safety concerns, Cherry County to replace two bridges with culverts

Two aging wooden bridges in Cherry County will soon be replaced with culverts, following a unanimous vote by county commissioners on Tuesday.

Mission man accused of stealing road grader and driving it to Valentine appears in court

Mission man accused of stealing road grader and driving it to Valentine appears in court

A 35-year-old Mission, South Dakota man accused of stealing a road grader from the Road Department in Mission and driving it across the state line to Valentine appeared in court on Monday.

Second hog confinement near Valentine more likely after judge’s ruling

Second hog confinement near Valentine more likely after judge’s ruling

A district judge ruled in favor of a planned hog confinement east of Valentine after Cherry County commissioners didn’t issue a conditional use permit (CUP) for the project.

Endangered missing advisory issued for Pine Ridge woman

Endangered missing advisory issued for Pine Ridge woman

Authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating a 69-year-old woman who was taken from a care facility in Pine Ridge without necessary medical equipment or medication.

Wind farm developers dispute Cherry County zoning investigation

Wind farm developers dispute Cherry County zoning investigation

The developers behind a proposed wind farm near Kilgore are pushing back against findings from Cherry County’s zoning administrator, arguing that a recent investigation into their project is inaccurate.

New Valentine fine art gallery brings color to cattle country

New Valentine fine art gallery brings color to cattle country

In a town better known for cattle than canvas, a new business is adding an unexpected splash of color.

Bertrand Days brings big crowds, bigger spirit to small-town Nebraska

Bertrand Days brings big crowds, bigger spirit to small-town Nebraska

Small-town spirit is alive and well this week in Central Nebraska as one community celebrates their annual Bertrand Days.

Zoning investigation finds Sandhills wind farm permit expired

Zoning investigation finds Sandhills wind farm permit expired

The Cherry County zoning administrator has completed her investigation into a long-debated wind energy project planned for the Sandhills near Kilgore—and has concluded that the project's permit has expired and key requirements were not met.

Project Strive: A legacy of student success and impact

Project Strive: A legacy of student success and impact

The eight programs under the TRIO umbrella were created under the Higher Education Act of 1965 to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Man arrested after stolen road grader found in Valentine

Man arrested after stolen road grader found in Valentine

A 35-year-old South Dakota man is facing charges after a stolen road grader was found in Valentine last week.

Pine Ridge teen sentenced in deadly shooting of juvenile

Pine Ridge teen sentenced in deadly shooting of juvenile

According to court documents, Poor Bear, the victim, and two other juveniles had been consuming alcohol and THC edibles, as well as smoking THC wax, on the night of the shooting.

Chadron State's Fisher places at FBLA nationals

Chadron State's Fisher places at FBLA nationals

Chadron State College student Mekenna Fisher of Hershey, Nebraska, placed in the top 10 in two categories at the national Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) conference May 31-June 2 in Dallas.

Driver seriously injured after crashing into tree in Valentine

Driver seriously injured after crashing into tree in Valentine

A 27-year-old woman suffered serious injuries after crashing into a tree late Wednesday night in Valentine.

Chadron State College hosts Youth Range Camp

Chadron State College hosts Youth Range Camp

Chadron State College hosted 22 high school students from across Nebraska at the 61st Annual Nebraska Youth Range Camp June 9-12.

Off to see the Wizard: Touring theater brings ‘Oz’ magic to Valentine

Off to see the Wizard: Touring theater brings ‘Oz’ magic to Valentine

The spotlight is shining bright on some young stars in Valentine this week. In many small towns, theater opportunities—especially for kids—are limited. But one traveling production is helping students take center stage and learn life skills along the way.

Eric Church to headline NEBRASKAland Days after Luke Bryan cancels due to illness

Eric Church to headline NEBRASKAland Days after Luke Bryan cancels due to illness

Country music superstar Luke Bryan has canceled his performance at NEBRASKAland Days this Friday due to illness, but a start-studded friend is stepping up to take his place.

Authorities discover 56 dead cows, puppy; Chadron rancher faces 57 felonies

Authorities discover 56 dead cows, puppy; Chadron rancher faces 57 felonies

A 29-year-old Chadron rancher is facing 57 felony charges after authorities discovered dozens of dead cattle and a dead puppy on his property.

Nebraska Economic Development director resigns amid workforce tour

Nebraska Economic Development director resigns amid workforce tour

K.C. Belitz, Nebraska's Economic Development Director, resigned after a year in the role, right after starting a workforce development tour.

Investigation into Sandhills wind farm nearly complete

Investigation into Sandhills wind farm nearly complete

For years, a proposed wind farm near the small town of Kilgore, Nebraska has sparked big debate.

Gordon launches events center project

Gordon launches events center project

A dusty building at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds in Gordon may soon become the center of celebration and economic growth in the area.

Wind farm investigation findings expected at Tuesday’s Cherry County Commission meeting

Wind farm investigation findings expected at Tuesday’s Cherry County Commission meeting

A key update in the investigation of a controversial proposed wind farm near Kilgore is expected Tuesday during the Cherry County Board of Commissioners meeting.

Teen charged for allegedly stabbing visitor at Wounded Knee Memorial Site on the Pine Ridge Reservation

Teen charged for allegedly stabbing visitor at Wounded Knee Memorial Site on the Pine Ridge Reservation

According to federal prosecutors, Raymond Eagle Hawk Jr. was intoxicated and panhandling in the cemetery parking lot on June 12 when he approached a 71-year-old Texas man and his wife, who had traveled to South Dakota to visit the historic site.

One dead after possible hit and run, authorities say

One dead after possible hit and run, authorities say

One man is dead today due to a possible hit and run early Thursday morning, authorities say.

New Mexico man sentenced after large meth seizure in Cherry County

New Mexico man sentenced after large meth seizure in Cherry County

An Alamogordo, New Mexico man has been sentenced to 14 to 24 years in the Nebraska State Penitentiary after authorities found six pounds, or three kilograms, of methamphetamine inside his vehicle along Highway 20 in Cherry County.

Alliance native finds purpose, passion in music education

Alliance native finds purpose, passion in music education

Music has always been more than notes on a page to Olivia Valadez. Music has been a lifelong connection to family, a source of personal strength, and now, a path to a career for Valadez who is helping others find their own voice.

Gun pulled on Valentine Main Street, man arrested

Gun pulled on Valentine Main Street, man arrested

A confrontation involving a gun on Valentine’s Main Street Monday evening led to the arrest of one man and an ongoing investigation.

Bond set at $1 million for man accused of sexually assaulting children in Sheridan County

Bond set at $1 million for man accused of sexually assaulting children in Sheridan County

A 25-year-old Alliance man is being held on $1 million bond after being charged with multiple felonies related to the alleged sexual abuse of children in Sheridan County.

Plea deal reached in high-speed chase case across Sheridan and Box Butte counties

Plea deal reached in high-speed chase case across Sheridan and Box Butte counties

A Custer, South Dakota man accused of leading authorities on a multi-county chase across snowy, ice-covered Nebraska highways has taken a plea deal.

Valentine Community Schools hires two new staff members, debates rural school

Valentine Community Schools hires two new staff members, debates rural school

Two more new faces will be greeting students at Valentine Community Schools this upcoming school year.

Valentine Police make arrests in stolen gun, assault cases

Valentine Police make arrests in stolen gun, assault cases

Valentine Police have arrested a 43-year-old Nebraska man in connection to a burglary and stolen firearms case reported earlier this month.

Brotherly bareback: Two Minden brothers both qualify for nationals in bareback riding

Brotherly bareback: Two Minden brothers both qualify for nationals in bareback riding

When Koltdyn Heath climbs into the chute, he knows one thing for sure—there’s no room for fear.

Coddiwomplers explore Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

Coddiwomplers explore Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

A group of Chadron State College students recently returned from an immersive adventure through Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, organized by the Coddiwomplers travel club.

Hotels full, restaurants busy: HS rodeo finals brings surge to Valentine economy

Hotels full, restaurants busy: HS rodeo finals brings surge to Valentine economy

As hundreds of rodeo fans pour into the Sandhills this week for the Nebraska High School Rodeo Finals, the town of Valentine is seeing more than thrilling competition—it's seeing an economic boost.

A nationwide protest will come to 12 Nebraska communities on Saturday

A nationwide protest will come to 12 Nebraska communities on Saturday

Saturday is an event filled day for the United States with protests, birthdays, anniversaries, and more.

How one cowgirl honors her mom’s legacy at the Nebraska HS Rodeo Finals

How one cowgirl honors her mom’s legacy at the Nebraska HS Rodeo Finals

The bond between a cowgirl and her horse is often hard to put into words. For Reagan Stracke of Stuart, Nebraska, that bond is deeply personal — and rooted in loss, love, and legacy.

Valentine After School Club to shut down for 2025-26 school year

Valentine After School Club to shut down for 2025-26 school year

Parents in the Valentine area will have one less place to take their kids after school in the 2025-26 school year.

Rodeo royalty: Queen competition kicks off Nebraska High School Rodeo Finals

Rodeo royalty: Queen competition kicks off Nebraska High School Rodeo Finals

Cowboy hats, Cinch jeans and confidence took center stage Wednesday as the Nebraska High School Rodeo Finals kicked off with a different kind of competition—one that crowns rodeo royalty.

Grocery store round-up program helps award eight additional scholarships in Cherry County

Grocery store round-up program helps award eight additional scholarships in Cherry County

A simple act of generosity at the checkout line is making a big difference for students in Cherry County.

Rapid City man sentenced for killing man on Pine Ridge Reservation

Rapid City man sentenced for killing man on Pine Ridge Reservation

A 32-year-old Rapid City man has been sentenced to just over ten years in federal prison after killing a man on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

Watch Cherry County Commission meetings from home as commissioners vote to video meetings

Watch Cherry County Commission meetings from home as commissioners vote to video meetings

You’ll soon be able to watch Cherry County Board of Commissioners meetings from the comfort of your home.

From Mexican cartel to South Dakota: Rapid City man sentenced for leading meth conspiracy

From Mexican cartel to South Dakota: Rapid City man sentenced for leading meth conspiracy

A Rapid City man was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for leading a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking operation connected to a Mexican drug cartel

News Channel Nebraska to televise the Nebraska high school rodeo state finals

News Channel Nebraska to televise the Nebraska high school rodeo state finals

VALENTINE, Neb. — News Channel Nebraska will showcase the state's top cowboys and cowgirls on the biggest stage.

NCN is televising the Nebraska High School Rodeo Association (NeHSRA) state finals live from Valentine on Saturday, June 14.

Valentine Police investigating burglary involving stolen firearms

Valentine Police investigating burglary involving stolen firearms

Authorities in Valentine are asking for the public’s help in solving a recent burglary that involved stolen firearms.

Hollywood meets the heartland: Gordon professional bull rider lands stunt role in new movie

Hollywood meets the heartland: Gordon professional bull rider lands stunt role in new movie

A real-life stuntman returned to his roots at the Gordon Theater for a special screening of the film he helped bring to life.

Commissioners to consider 2026 Nebraska mountain lion season

Commissioners to consider 2026 Nebraska mountain lion season

Staff will recommend a mountain lion season in the Pine Ridge, Niobrara and Wildcat Hills units, with adjusted harvest limits compared to the 2025 season.

2025 Sertoma 8-man football All-Star Classic rosters announced

2025 Sertoma 8-man football All-Star Classic rosters announced

The rosters for the 48th annual Sertoma 8-man football All-Star Classic have been revealed. 

Valentine auction house building sells to growing construction company

Valentine auction house building sells to growing construction company

Many auctions in the Valentine area will soon be held at different locations. Connot Brothers Auction is selling its building at 329 E 1st St to a growing construction business in Valentine.

State patrol warns of counterfeit pills after recent overdoses in southwest Nebraska

State patrol warns of counterfeit pills after recent overdoses in southwest Nebraska

In the last three days, there have been two overdose cases in the area.

No pool? No problem. Springview launches new splash pad

No pool? No problem. Springview launches new splash pad

Located right in the middle of town, the splash pad is more than just a way to cool off. It’s a symbol of what a determined small town can achieve when it pulls together.

State auditor notes rise in local government illegal activity

State auditor notes rise in local government illegal activity

Nebraska’s Auditor says he’s seeing a rise in improper spending in local governments all over the state.

PETA shows up, locals show out: Record day for Valentine BBQ restaurant

PETA shows up, locals show out: Record day for Valentine BBQ restaurant

PETA’s “Hell on Wheels” truck is making its way through Nebraska this week, aiming to get people to reconsider what’s on their plate—especially when it comes to pork.

As Nebraska reports first measles case in eight years, state contends with increasing religious vaccine exemptions

As Nebraska reports first measles case in eight years, state contends with increasing religious vaccine exemptions

On May 27, Nebraska confirmed its first measles case since 2017.

Nebraska counties speak out after being accused of non-compliance with the Department of Homeland Security

Nebraska counties speak out after being accused of non-compliance with the Department of Homeland Security

Six Nebraska counties in the Sandhills are standing up for their people as they are accused of being non-compliant.

Amid crisis, a growing skatepark aims to transform the Rosebud Reservation

Amid crisis, a growing skatepark aims to transform the Rosebud Reservation

Shank believes skateboarding can satisfy the same impulses that lead young people toward gangs or risky behavior—only with far fewer consequences.

PETA ‘Hell on Wheels’ truck coming to Valentine

PETA ‘Hell on Wheels’ truck coming to Valentine

PETA plans to park its mock pig transport truck outside of Bulldogger’s BBQ and other Valentine eateries that serve pork around noon on Sunday, June 1.

SD Attorney General Jackley announces DCI leading investigation into multiple inmate assaults at State Penitentiary

SD Attorney General Jackley announces DCI leading investigation into multiple inmate assaults at State Penitentiary

“Evidence suggests that the assaults are gang related, and they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. There are no injuries to prison staff," said Attorney General Jackley.

Measles case prompts updated vaccination guidelines in Sheridan and Dawes Counties

Measles case prompts updated vaccination guidelines in Sheridan and Dawes Counties

Because of the recent measles case in Sheridan County, the Department of Health and Human Services is updating vaccination recommendations for both Sheridan and Dawes counties.

Valentine realtor featured on national TV show joins Nebraska Realty

Valentine realtor featured on national TV show joins Nebraska Realty

A real estate agent in Valentine who will soon make her national TV debut has joined Nebraska Realty, the state’s largest independently owned real estate company.

Forest Service discussing fire restrictions in Cherry County

Forest Service discussing fire restrictions in Cherry County

The U.S. Forest Service is considering implementing Stage 1 fire restrictions on Nebraska’s National Forests and Grasslands, including in Cherry County.

Nebraska State Colleges Award Multi-Activity Scholarships

Nebraska State Colleges Award Multi-Activity Scholarships

Twelve high school students were awarded the Nebraska State Colleges Multi-Activity Scholarship during the NSAA State Soccer Championships, recognizing their involvement in school activities and athletics.

A forest of heroes: Nebraska trees planted to honor fallen service members

A forest of heroes: Nebraska trees planted to honor fallen service members

Wind and rain may have canceled this year’s Memorial Day ceremony in Valentine, but nothing could stop Kelly Hollopeter from remembering her son — or the sacrifice he made.

South Dakota Attorney General: Officer justified in using force during high-speed chase involving Norfolk man

South Dakota Attorney General: Officer justified in using force during high-speed chase involving Norfolk man

Cody Dittman of Norfolk is accused of leading authorities on a chase topping 100 miles per hour after officers attempted to stop him in connection to a firearms-related call in Pine Ridge.