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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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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.

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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

  • Magic on Friday Nights

    Magic on Friday Nights
    Moerke Cards 134 S Albany Street, Spring Green, Wisconsin, United States

    Magic the Gathering players are invited to Moerke Cards for casual games and trading all evening. This weekly gathering welcomes players of all experience levels each Friday.

    Free

  • Lone Rock Farmers Market

    Lone Rock Farmers Market
    Lone Rock Firemen's Park S Pine Street & W Exchange Street, Lone Rock, Wisconsin, United States

    A special Lone Rock Farmers Market at a special location for the 4th of July Celebration, featuring local artisans and farmers offering a variety of goods.

  • 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.

  • Blackhawk 4th of July Celebration

    Blackhawk Bethlehem Church S10174 County Road C, Sauk City, Wisconsin, United States

    Join us for an old-fashioned, alcohol-free, family-friendly, Christian community-sponsored celebration featuring rural hospitality! Organized by the Blackhawk Bethlehem Church, this is a wonderful day to spend with family and friends.

  • Arena Aces vs. Verona Cavaliers

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

    Cheer on the Arena Aces as they take on the Verona Cavaliers in a Home Talent Baseball Sunday League matchup at Arena Community Park. Full concessions will be available at the ballpark. Because Home Talent schedules are highly dynamic and responsive to weather or local changes, the game time and date are subject to change; please check the official event page or community Facebook group for the most up-to-date schedule verification before heading out.

    Free

  • Junkyard Kings at Cousin’s Bar and Grill

    Cousin's Bar and Grill 1000 Main Street, Plain, Wisconsin, United States

    High energy, fun duo with years of experience performing. Recently formed in 2023 and have had lots of fun ever since!
    Play a variety of Rock, Pop & Country, in Southern Wisconsin & Northern Illinois.

  • Dinosaur Dimensions Show

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

    Come face to face with realistic dinosaurs at the Library — closer than you ever imagined!

    Free

  • Sensory Explorers

    Sensory Explorers
    Kraemer Library and Community Center 910 Main St., Plain, WI, United States

    Dive into a new sensory station at every gathering as we journey through the world of dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures. Every session brings a new set of stations for children to discover and enjoy. While especially recommended for children 10 and under, everyone is warmly invited to join the adventure.

    Free

  • Prehistoric Terrarium Craft

    Sensory Explorers
    Kraemer Library and Community Center 910 Main St., Plain, WI, United States

    There's something magical about building a little world from scratch—especially when dinosaurs are involved! Join this hands-on terrarium workshop where you will create your own prehistoric scene, complete with beloved dino characters like a T-Rex, Triceratops, or Stegosaurus. Each kit includes all the supplies you need to bring a miniature ancient world to life, and you will head home with a charming mini Jurassic world to call your own.

    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.

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.

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