VALENTINE, Neb. -- A purchase agreement has been signed for a new movie theater in Valentine, according to Valentine Economic Development Director Mark Hagge. The location is the former Fresh Fire Ministries on Main Street that also used to be home to the previous Jewel Theater.

“It will hopefully bring some life back to Main Street. Growing up in Valentine, we used to walk to movies all the time. It will be nice for our kids to be able to create those same memories of going to movies with friends,” Heart City Theater Corporation President Danielle Arganbright said.

As News Channel Nebraska previously reported, a nonprofit has been formed to focus on opening a theater in Valentine. The previous, independently-owned theater closed five years ago.

“Valentine is in need of family-oriented activities, and a theater is a great way for parents and kids to head out for dinner and a movie,” Arganbright said.

The nonprofit Heart City Theater Corporation is currently fundraising to purchase and renovate the building.

"We're hoping to have a lot of community volunteers also help renovate the building because we will need a lot of elbow grease," Hagge said.

Hagge hopes to have the theater up and running in around 18 months, but that will require the community's help.

You can send donations to the Sandhills Area Foundation in care of the Heart City Theater Corporation. Hagge said that donors will be recognized inside the new theater.

If you would like to help, you can also reach out to a theater group member, including President Danielle Arganbright, Treasurer Jana Bitner and Secretary Jaime Eggert. Other members include Shelly Henderson, Chris Bitner, Jerilyn Colburn and Nadeane Allard.