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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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Recent Stories
GALLERY: Arena Yolanda Peterson & Mary Jones Memorial Celebration Parade, Fireworks
On July 18, 2026, the Arena community celebrated the annual Yolanda Peterson and Mary Jones Memorial Parade, featuring a parade along Sharon Street and a vibrant evening at Arena Community Park. Festivities included face painting, a BBQ, and a baseball game, culminating in a dazzling fireworks display, despite wildfire smoke.
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‘The coldest place with the warmest heart’: River Valley grad Shawn Eichorst comes home to lead Wisconsin Badgers
Shawn Eichorst, a Lone Rock native and River Valley High School Class of 1986 alumnus, was named the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s director of athletics on July 1, 2026. After extensive experience in college sports administration, he emphasized the importance of relationships and his commitment to education at his introduction on July 7.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
In times like these, our community needs to come together.
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Covering Arena, Lone Rock, Plain, Spring Green and the surrounding areas in Sauk, Iowa and Richland counties.