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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.

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

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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.

Logo featuring 'VS COMMUNITY CALENDAR' with a stylized 'VS' in black and white and 'COMMUNITY CALENDAR' in bold red and black.
  • 35th Annual Sauk County Dairy Breakfast

    Windi Ridge Farm S5424 County Road G, Hillpoint, Wisconsin, United States

    Celebrate June Dairy Month at the 35th Annual Sauk County Dairy Breakfast, hosted this year by the Luxton Family at Windi Ridge Farm. The farm-style breakfast menu features pancakes, scrambled eggs with ham, sausage, cheese curds, yogurt, and Culver's frozen custard.

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    $10
  • 5th Annual Lion’s Den TKD Invitational Tournament

    River Valley High School 660 Varsity Blvd, Spring Green, Wisconsin, United States

    The Lion's Den Taekwondo Association hosts its 5th Annual Invitational Tournament at River Valley High School. Competitors of all levels will participate in Sparring, Forms, Weapons Forms, Breaking, and Kumdo Divisions. This year features new additions, including an Axe Throw Competition and a Push-Up Challenge, offering participants a chance to compete for a trophy and champion t-shirt.

    $5
  • Spring Green Farmers Market

    Spring Green Farmers Market
    Spring Green Community Library 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green, Wisconsin, United States

    The Spring Green Farmers Market operates year-round, rain or shine, offering the best in local produce and handcrafted goods. The market's mission is to support local farmers, food producers, and artists while providing a forum for a healthy community. Shoppers are invited to enjoy coffee, baked goods, and live music while browsing fresh items like flowers and vegetables. During the Summer Market (mid-May to mid-October), vendors gather every Saturday morning outside the Spring Green Community Library from 9am - 12pm.

  • Spring Green Letter Writing Society

    Spring Green Community Library 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green, Wisconsin, United States

    The Spring Green Letter Writing Society is bringing back the art of letter writing with a dedicated gathering at the library. Attendees can lean into the joy of sending and receiving mail by drafting a letter to a loved one, a penpal, or a total stranger. The library provides snacks and writing supplies—including a typewriter—as well as information on individuals who would love to receive mail.

    Free
  • Hoo’s Woods Raptor Program

    Governor Dodge State Park 4175 Highway 23 North, Dodgeville, Wisconsin, United States

    Experience an up-close encounter with some of Wisconsin's most impressive raptors. This educational presentation features live ambassador birds from the Hoo's Woods Raptor Center, including an eagle, owls, and a falcon. Naturalists will share insights into the birds' unique adaptations, hunting abilities, natural history, and vital roles within the ecosystem.

    Free
  • Monthly Bluegrass Jam

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

    The Spring Green General Store hosts its monthly Bluegrass Jam, a community tradition that has been running for over twenty-five years. All musicians, music lovers, and "cool cats" are welcome to join in or listen to the live session.

    Free
  • St. Luke’s Church Festival

    St. Luke’s Church Festival
    St. Luke Catholic Church 1240 Nachreiner Ave, Plain, Wisconsin, United States

    Saints Joachim & Anne Pastorate hosts the St. Luke's Church Festival kickoff. Attendees can enjoy an evening of live music by the Solstice Jazz Band, along with refreshments and light food. The community event takes place outside St. Luke Catholic Church.

  • SOLD OUT — Shitty Barn Session no. 362: Son Little // Tonina

    The Shitty Barn 506 E Madison St, Spring Green, Wisconsin, United States

    Shitty Barn Sessions presents a live performance featuring genre-bending artist Son Little and multilingual vocalist/bassist Tonina. Son Little brings a raw, expressive sound that fluidly moves between deep grooves and stripped-down intimacy, drawing from soul, blues, folk, hip-hop, and R&B. Joining him is Tonina, a Brooklyn-based artist who fuses jazz, folk, and Latin boleros, performing a multilingual repertoire in Sicilian, English, and Spanish.

    $40
  • Low Czars

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

    The Low Czars will perform live at the Slowpoke Lounge & Cabaret, bringing a 179-song repertoire rooted in power-pop, garage-rock, and R&B. Originally formed 20 years ago for a wedding, the rotating band plays an eclectic mix of covers ranging from well-known artists like The Who, The Kinks, and Cheap Trick, to more esoteric acts like Big Star, Guided By Voices, and Swamp Dogg. The core group features James Leaver, Larry Braun, Peter Fatka, Bob Koch, and Aaron Scholz. Admission is "pay what you can," with a suggested $10 contribution at the door.

    $10
  • Opening Night: As You Like It

    American Players Theatre 5950 Golf Course Rd, Spring Green, Wisconsin, United States

    Celebrate opening night of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It at the American Players Theatre, directed by Laura Rook. This delightful romantic comedy follows best friends Rosalind and Celia as they don disguises and escape to the Forest of Arden. There, Rosalind—disguised as a boy named Ganymede—meets Orlando and promises to teach him how to woo her. Staged in the outdoor Hill Theatre, the production offers an evening of romance, poetry, and a band of merry forest-dwelling misfits.

  • St. Luke’s Church Festival

    St. Luke’s Church Festival
    St. Luke Catholic Church 1240 Nachreiner Ave, Plain, Wisconsin, United States

    Saints Joachim & Anne Pastorate hosts the second day of the St. Luke's Church Festival following the 10:00 AM Mass. The community celebration features live polka music by Barefoot Becky & the Ivanhoe Dutchmen, alongside food, refreshments, kids' games and a bounce house.

  • Thank You Note Thursdays

    Thank You Note Thursdays
    Arcadia Books 102 East Jefferson St., Spring Green, Wisconsin, United States

    Arcadia Books invites the community to stop in during store hours to write and send a card to someone they love. The bookstore provides both postcards and stamps to encourage a dose of human connection.


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.

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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River Valley School District Office

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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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.

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

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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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.

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

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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The editorials that won Valley Sentinel first place in Editorial Awards.

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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A screen cap of the January River Valley School Board meeting at the Intermediate School. Image via the River Valley School District on YouTube.

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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Nicole Aimone, editor-in-chief, Valley Sentinel.

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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Our editors attend the Association of Alternative Newsmedia Publishers (AAN) convention in Madison in July 2025.

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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Bill Lueders, president, Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council

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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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…

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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.