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*On temporary print hiatus*
Our website will slowly start to be updated with stories as we ramp back up this Spring.
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 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.
As always, the community calendar is updated and published here. Will be updated soon. Bigger and better.
The June 26 e-edition is available below:
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.
Recent Stories (Updating more often soon! Maybe, if you can help us.)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
News, In Brief: June 26 – July 10, 2025
Briefs for the last two weeks of general interest news for the Spring Green, Wisconsin area.
Submit news/briefs to the editor at: editor@valleysentinelnews.com
Keep reading
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 readingLetters 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 readingArts & Culture, In Brief: June 26 – July 10, 2025
Briefs for the last two weeks of arts & culture for the Spring Green, Wisconsin area.
Submit news/briefs to the editor at: editor@valleysentinelnews.com
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