The Badger wrestling team ended its injury riddled season with a 16th place finish at state. “It’s not what we are used to, or what we wanted, but considering everything, it was not a bad performance. Individually, Valentine senior Chris Williams dominated his way to his third state title. Being a three time champ and a four time finalist obviously makes him one of the best ever in Valentine and the state for that matter. Chris has been the team captain, team leader, and lead by example. Chris does all the right things and that is why he has accomplished so much. Chris will wrestle for Northern State next year. All five of the other Badger qualifiers return next year. If you add in the kids that were injured it is easy to tell that the Badgers will be back in the hunt for a state title next season,” said Coach Shane Allison.

Nebraska is a biofuels powerhouse - the second and third largest producer of ethanol and corn, respectively, in the country. With 25 active ethanol plants and a capacity of more than 2.5 billion gallons, the importance of biofuels to our state economy cannot be understated. Biodiesel production in Nebraska has seen exponential growth as well. Thanks to innovation and technological developments, biodiesel production has grown from 25 million gallons in 2004 to 2.9 billion gallons in 2019. Ethanol has an economic impact of $5 billion in Nebraska, and in turn the industry directly employs more than 1,400 Nebraskans.

The VAAC is excited for our upcoming in-person, family friendly show featuring comedian Rex Havens. After last year, we could all use a little laughter. Rex will perform at the Valentine High School auditorium, Sunday, February 28, at 6:00 p.m.

North Central District Health Department (NCDHD) has been made aware of 20 new COVID-19 cases in the district since last reporting period on February 18, 2021: 3-Antelope, 0-Boyd, 1-Brown, 7-Cherry, 5-Holt, 0-Keya Paha, 1-Knox, 2-Pierce, 1-Rock.