HOME

Advertisement

*On temporary print hiatus*
Our website will slowly start to be updated with stories as we ramp back up.

The next print edition is not scheduled at this time, in order to tackle build-out and admin. Shortly, we will publish online as stories are ready and we will publish bi-weekly email newsletter editions.

We owe an apology to our community and to our readers, we needed time to take care of ourselves and our staff, and we haven’t communicated that well and we are truly sorry.

Subscriptions will be credited to future print publishing. Refunds may be requested.

To manage your subscription use PayPal or email: editor@valleysentinelnews.com

Please do not dispute charges, shoot us an email and we can issue refunds.

Get our newsletter editions delivered directly to your inbox.

By clicking submit, you agree to share your email address with Valley Sentinel and Mailchimp to receive our newsletters, marketing, updates, and other emails from Valley Sentinel. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time. Want more options?

Processing…
Success! You're on the list.

See our newsletter archive here!

Logo of Valley Sentinel presenting the Spring Green area's Community Calendar
ALL NEW COMMUNITY CALENDAR LAUNCHING SOON!
NEW METHOD OF CALENDAR EVENT SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN!
An informational flyer about an internship opportunity at a volunteer local news source, highlighting various subject areas like journalism, social media, advertising, graphic design, and audio production.
WANT TO JOIN VALLEY SENTINEL AS A COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTOR? BOARD REPORTER? GRAPHIC DESIGNER?

Donate to support independent, community journalism today.

Donate
Logo featuring 'VS COMMUNITY CALENDAR' with a stylized 'VS' in black and white and 'COMMUNITY CALENDAR' in bold red and black.

Events

Events Search and Views Navigation

Event Views Navigation

Today

  • Sauk County Fair 2026

    Sauk County Fairgrounds 700 Washington Ave, Baraboo, Wisconsin, United States

    Experience a classic summer tradition at the annual Sauk County Fair! This week-long community celebration offers fun for the entire family, featuring an exciting carnival midway waith rides and games, local commercial exhibits, and live entertainment on the FAME Stage.

    Advertisement
    Free

  • St. Vincent de Paul River Valley Conference Summer Fundraiser Gathering

    Post House Garden 119 East Jefferson Street, Spring Green, Wisconsin, United States

    All are welcome to join the St. Vincent de Paul River Valley Conference for their Summer Fundraiser Gathering at the Post House Garden in Spring Green. This community event features live music by Janna and Lydia Johnson, paired with delicious food and drinks.

    Free

  • Arena Aces vs. Wiota Indians

    Home Talent Baseball
    Arena Community Park 239 Sharon St, Arena, Wisconsin, United States

    The Arena Aces host the Wiota Indians for a classic Sunday League Home Talent Baseball matchup at Arena Community Park. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy an afternoon of local sports with a full concession stand open on-site. Game times are subject to change based on league adjustments or weather; please check the official event page or community Facebook group for last-minute updates.

    Free

  • Buena Vista Lions Club Car & Motorbike Cruise

    Buena Vista Lions Club Car and Motorbike Cruise
    Buena Vista Bicentennial Park 33000 Fulton St, Gotham, Wisconsin, United States

    Cruise into summer with the Buena Vista Lions Club! Whether you are a car enthusiast ready to show off your ride or just want to admire a variety of classic, custom, and cool vehicles, there is something for everyone. This family-friendly event is open to all vehicle types. A concession stand will be on-site serving food and drinks throughout the cruise (cash only).

  • River Valley Film Club Presents: Movie Night at Slowpoke!

    Slowpoke Lounge & Cabaret 137 W Jefferson Street, Spring Green, Wisconsin, United States

    Join the River Valley Film Club once a month for a secret "hidden gem" movie night at Slowpoke Lounge & Cabaret. Movie titles remain under wraps until showtime.

    Free

  • Free Family Flick

    Free Family Flick
    Kraemer Library and Community Center 910 Main St., Plain, WI, United States

    Bring the whole family and settle in for a wonderful selection of free, family-friendly movies. Popcorn and lemonade will be available to make the experience even sweeter. Mondays starting at 1PM.

    Free

  • Classic Movie: Some Like It Hot

    Hillside Theater - Taliesin 6604 Hwy 23, Spring Green, Wisconsin, United States

    One of the most beloved films of all time, this sizzling masterpiece by Billy Wilder set a new standard for Hollywood comedy. After witnessing a mob hit, Chicago musicians Joe and Jerry (Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, in landmark performances) skip town by donning drag and joining an all-female band en route to Miami. The charm of the group’s singer, Sugar Kane (Marilyn Monroe, at the height of her bombshell powers), leads them ever further into extravagant lies, as Joe assumes the persona of a millionaire to woo her and Jerry’s female alter ego winds up engaged to a tycoon. With a whip-smart script by Wilder and I. A. L. Diamond, and sparking chemistry among its finely tuned cast, Some Like It Hot is as deliriously funny and fresh today as it was when it first knocked audiences out several decades ago.

    $10

  • The Broad’s Way ALFE Fundraiser

    Slowpoke Lounge & Cabaret 137 W Jefferson Street, Spring Green, Wisconsin, United States

    Join the community for a special fundraising performance of The Broad's Way—a spectacular celebration of musical theatre featuring brilliant drag artists and live singers, including members of American Players Theatre's core company. Hosted by the fabulous Regina Thorne-DuBois and featuring a variety of talented special guests, this is guaranteed to be an unforgettable night of music, laughter, and entertainment.

    $10

  • Summer Afternoon Storytime

    Summer Afternoon Storytime
    Kraemer Library and Community Center 910 Main St., Plain, WI, United States

    Dig into a summer of dino-mite adventures at the "Unearth a Story" Storytime series! Join us for a roaring good time as we dig up thrilling tales, unearth playful activities, and drum up a prehistoric beat. Little ones and their caregivers are invited to enjoy stories, songs, and fun dinosaur-themed activities all summer long. The event is designed for children ages 7 and under and their caregivers, but everyone is welcome to share in the fun.

    Free

  • Spring Green Recreational Soccer

    Spring Green Recreational Soccer
    River Valley Intermediate School 660 W. Daley Street, Spring Green, Wisconsin, United States

    Tuesday and Thursday evenings (weather permitting). Casual and fun community soccer play for teens and adults. Meet at the Intermediate School soccer fields.

    Free

Recent Stories

Community members line Highway 130/Oak Street during the annual Lone Rock 4th of July Celebration Parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a brief sprinkle during the morning, spectators stayed along the route to celebrate Independence Day and the nation’s 250th anniversary. Photos by Bonnie Stickel, Administrative & Calendar Coordinator. Submit your photos, art and illustrations to be considered for our cover photos to editor@valleysentinelnews.com.
Community

GALLERY: Lone Rock 4th of July Celebration Parade, Fireworks

The Lone Rock 4th of July Celebration Parade on July 4, 2026, attracted many spectators despite brief morning rain, as families celebrated Independence Day and the nation’s 250th anniversary. The festivities included a parade, food, live music, and a fireworks display at Fireman’s Park, culminating in a vibrant evening celebration.

Keep reading
by Valley Sentinel
A screen cap of the March River Valley School Board meeting at the Intermediate School. Image via the River Valley School District on YouTube.
Government

River Valley School Board approved staff raises twice in motions the record never squared, plans a June fix

The River Valley School District Board of Education approved a 3% wage increase for staff in March and April meetings. However, minutes record overlapping motions suggesting potential raises exceeding this. The district plans to clarify the discrepancies at their June 11 meeting, highlighting concerns over record accuracy and compliance with state law.

Keep reading
by Luukas Palm-Leis
River Valley School District Office
Opinion

EDITORIAL: River Valley School District should put its pay, budget into the rulebook

The River Valley School Board may have intended to grant fair raises, but its execution is a bureaucratic nightmare. Vague motions and hidden spreadsheets create confusion, leaving taxpayers in the dark. To restore trust, the board must codify compensation in clear policies, ensuring transparency in public finance.

Keep reading
by Valley Sentinel
Near historic flooding inundates the areas around the Wisconsin River. Pictured is the entrance and boat landing of Helena Lake between Arena and Spring Green underwater April 16. Photo by Bonnie Stickel, Administrative & Calendar Coordinator. Submit your photos, art and illustrations to be considered for our cover photos to editor@valleysentinelnews.com.
Opinion

On the Cover: Underwater

Like the Helena Lake sign, we have been underwater. The newspaper has been quiet due to health and operational challenges, but plans to re-tool and engage the community. Ongoing updates will be provided online, with hopes to resume print editions and newsletters as efforts progress. Community support remains crucial.

Keep reading
by Valley Sentinel
A view of the newly opened Spring Green Kwik Trip on April 16, shortly before opening. Photo by Bonnie Stickel, Administrative & Calendar Coordinator.
Business

A line before dawn: Spring Green welcomes Kwik Trip on Highway 14

On April 16, the new Kwik Trip in Spring Green attracted a crowd of around 40 patrons before its opening. Store leader Monica Wheaton expressed surprise at the enthusiastic turnout. The store’s design preserves its historic 1990s architecture designed by a Frank Lloyd Wright apprentice. A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for April 22.

Keep reading
by Taylor Scott
A sample of the April 1, 2025 Spring Election ballot in question for the Village of Arena. The Wisconsin Election Commission ruled recently that the ballot order for village trustee was unlawful. Document via WEC.
Government

Elections Commission rules Arena 2025 Spring Election was conducted with unlawful ballot order for village trustees

The Wisconsin Election Commission ruled that the Village of Arena’s April 1, 2025, trustee ballot was unlawfully arranged due to former Clerk DaNean Naeger’s failure to conduct a required second drawing after the primary. The ruling followed election complaints and resolved one of several similar cases against Naeger, who resigned amidst the controversy.

Keep reading
by Taylor Scott
The author, son-in-law Shawn and grandson Reif with Green Bay perch and pike caught this winter. Photo contributed by John Cler.
Opinion

Wandering the Driftless: In Pursuit of Perch

The author shares experiences fishing for perch in Wisconsin, highlighting the species’ decline in Lake Michigan and popular fishing spots like Green Bay. Despite challenges, the author finds joy in catching perch with family. A memorable encounter results in a trophy-sized perch, demonstrating Wisconsin’s quality fishing opportunities and community spirit.

Keep reading
by John Cler
The editorials that won Valley Sentinel first place in Editorial Awards.
Business

Despite abbreviated publishing year, Valley Sentinel earns awards from Wisconsin Newspaper Association

At the 2025 Better Newspaper Contest Awards, held by the Wisconsin Newspaper Association, Valley Sentinel garnered four awards despite a brief publication halt. Recognized editors and contributors showcased remarkable journalism in various categories, including editorial, general news, and advertising. The event highlighted local journalism’s crucial role in democracy and community engagement.

Keep reading
by Valley Sentinel
A screen cap of the January River Valley School Board meeting at the Intermediate School. Image via the River Valley School District on YouTube.
Government

River Valley School District considers reduced tax levy increase pending state-level inaction, cell phones banned in school

The River Valley School District Board has addressed various policy updates regarding cell phone usage and new course offerings during meetings in January and February. Meanwhile, the Wisconsin State Assembly adjourned without enacting necessary education funding reforms, leading to concerns about rising property taxes and budget pressures on local schools.

Keep reading
by Luukas Palm-Leis
Nicole Aimone, editor-in-chief, Valley Sentinel.
Opinion

Valley Sentinel editor-in-chief asked to write column for alma mater: Journalistic adventures after Royal Purple

Nicole Aimone, co-owner and editor-in-chief of Valley Sentinel, reflects on her journalism journey that began at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Royal Purple. She credits her extensive experience there for shaping her path, leading her to launch her own newspaper and mentor future journalists, emphasizing the importance of local journalism.

Keep reading
by Nicole Aimone
Our editors attend the Association of Alternative Newsmedia Publishers (AAN) convention in Madison in July 2025.
Opinion

READ THE INTERVIEWS: Valley Sentinel editors earn awards from Tiffany Shackelford Foundation, attend Association of Alternative News Publishers convention

In July 2025, Valley Sentinel editors Nicole Aimone and Taylor Scott received Shackelford Shines awards, enabling them to attend the Association of Alternative Newsmedia Publishers convention. They gained valuable insights on community engagement and digital strategies, prompting a strategic shift toward a more audience-centric model, enhancing their publication’s sustainability and impact.

Keep reading
by Valley Sentinel
Bill Lueders, president, Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council
Government

Your Right to Know: When transparency is disregarded

In Hazelhurst, a proposed ordinance discussion was postponed due to a typo. Meanwhile, significant violations of public openness occurred in St. Francis and Chippewa County, where media were obstructed from attending meetings and quoting witness testimony. These incidents emphasize the ongoing challenges public officials face in upholding transparency.

Keep reading
by Bill Lueders
Opinion

Letters to the Editor: June 26 – July 10, 2025

Letters submitted for consideration are subject to fact-checking and editing for space and clarity. Submissions must have a compelling, local community interest. Letters to the editor must fit within a 500-word limit, and include name, city and phone number. Phone numbers are for office use only and will not be published. Letters of a political…

Keep reading
by Valley Sentinel
More Stories

We care more.

Valley Sentinel is your independent, local news source covering arts & culture, outdoors & recreation, local meetings, events in our larger Lower Wisconsin River community.

In times like these, our community needs to come together.
So, let’s build community together.

Covering Arena, Lone Rock, Plain, Spring Green and the surrounding areas in Sauk, Iowa and Richland counties.

Subscribe