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*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.

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ALL NEW COMMUNITY CALENDAR LAUNCHING SOON!
NEW METHOD OF CALENDAR EVENT SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN!
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Events

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Today

  • Father’s Day Yoga at Twin Crix

    Twin Crix 6679 State Road 23, Wisconsin, United States

    Start your day with a feel-good yoga flow in the barn at Twin Crix Farm in Spring Green. This 45-minute, beginner-friendly class is the perfect way to kick off the week ahead with some fresh air in a beautiful setting. Farm trails are open before and after yoga for attendees who want to check out the farm or stretch their legs and enjoy the views!

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    $20

  • Solstice Tarot Readings with Kayle of Other Dust

    Hedge Meadow 140 South Winsted Street, Spring Green, Wisconsin, United States

    Come by the shop to celebrate the longest day of the year and have your cards read by Kayle Karbowski of Other Dust! Kayle will be cozied up in the tearoom offering first-come, first-served tarot readings. Order a drink and see what the cards have in store for you!

  • Monthly Acoustic Jam

    Monthly Acoustic Jam
    Spring Green General Store 137 S. Albany Street, Spring Green, Wisconsin, United States

    Bring your instruments or just your ears to the Monthly Acoustic Jam at the Spring Green General Store! Everyone is welcome to join in to play, sing, learn, or simply listen to live acoustic music. This community gathering takes place the third Sunday of every month. If you plan on grabbing a bite to eat while you enjoy the music, please note that the store's kitchen closes at 2:00 PM, and the store closes at 3:00 PM.

    Free

  • Prairie Restoration Tour – Grell Property (Lone Rock)

    Please join The Prairie Enthusiasts - Southwest Chapter for a tour of a privately owned restoration site. This property near Lone Rock, WI is owned by Marty and Mary Grell, who will be hosting the tour. This prairie and black oak barren survived by being a pasture and being too steep for crop farming. It is in a recovery stage from at least 100 years of grazing and is now fighting a constant battle with woodland encroachment. Brush and tree cover removal, followed by periodic burns, have been done since 1994.

    Free

  • Free Family Flick

    Free Family Flick
    Kraemer Library and Community Center 910 Main St., Wisconsin, 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

  • Yoga Flow Class

    Yoga Flow Class
    Kraemer Library and Community Center 910 Main St., Wisconsin, United States

    Discover peace and balance with a Yoga Flow class led by Judy Kraemer at the Kraemer Library. This session is suitable for everyone and is designed to enhance flexibility and strength, calm the mind, and improve posture and balance.

    Free

  • What we know about poverty: Trends, solutions, and local experiences

    Morrill Lecture Series
    Octagon Barn E4350 Horseshoe Rd, Spring Green, Wisconsin, United States

    Part of The 2026 Morrill Lecture Series: "A Revolution of Hope and Community," this event features J. Michael Collins, Associate Director for Training and Research at the UW-Madison Institute for Research on Poverty, who will share information on poverty-related trends and potential solutions identified through the Institute’s and others’ research. Loren Glasbrenner, River Valley School District Superintendent, and Joan Zahalka, a volunteer with St. Vincent de Paul, will also share their real-world experiences of poverty trends in our local community.

  • Summer Afternoon Storytime

    Summer Afternoon Storytime
    Kraemer Library and Community Center 910 Main St., Wisconsin, 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

  • The Creative Container

    The Creative Container
    Trillium Print Studio 133 N Lexington St., Spring Green, Wisconsin, United States

    The Creative Container is a fun, safe space where community, creativity, and self-expression interweave through drawing, painting, textiles, sewing, and beading. If you need a group of like-minded individuals to commune with and hold you accountable to start, continue, or finish a creative project, this is the place for you. Each session gathers with the intention to connect with others and heal your nervous system through the creative process. Bring your own project or use the provided materials to deepen your practice of active meditation.

    $20

  • Dig into Science: Science Activities

    Dig into Science: Science Activities
    Spring Green Community Library 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green, Wisconsin, United States

    Archeology, Paleontology, Geology, and Snackology—you name the science, and the Spring Green Community Library will explore it this summer! Join Youth Services Librarian Kate Franzmann on select Wednesdays to uncover fossils, explore a day in the life of an archeologist, build a dinosaur, and dive into lots of other STEAM-related fun. This program is designed specifically for children ages 5 to 15.

    Free

Recent Stories

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

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

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

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