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Recent Stories

Staghorn Sumac, a familiar plant and source of a great summer treat. Photo contributed by John Cler.
Opinion

Wandering the Driftless: Locally Sourced Lemonade

Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) thrives in the Driftless Area, known for its clusters and summer treat potential. Early settlers used its hollow stems for collecting maple sap. The plant’s seeds signal the making of “sumac lemonade,” a delightful drink rich in malic acid. Caution is advised for those allergic to cashews.

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by John Cler
Children pick up candy during the Plain Fire & EMS 3-Day Celebration Parade on Main Street/CTH-B in Plain on Sunday, July 26, 2026. Photos and videos by Bonnie Stickel, Administrative & Calendar Coordinator & Taylor Scott, Managing Editor. Submit your photos, art and illustrations to be considered for our cover photos to editor@valleysentinelnews.com.
Community

GALLERY: Plain Fire & EMS 3-Day Celebration Parade, Carnival

The Plain community celebrated its annual Fire & EMS 3-Day Celebration on July 24-26, 2026, featuring a vibrant parade with floats and local organizations. Afterward, attendees enjoyed Chicken BBQ at Plain Community Park, along with children’s activities and live music, marking a successful conclusion to the weekend’s festivities.

Keep reading
by Valley Sentinel
James Ridge & Colleen Madden, The Chairs, 2026. Photo by Michael Brosilow.
Arts & Culture

The Timely Review: ‘The Chairs’

American Players Theatre’s “The Chairs” is a surreal descent into absurdity, sparking a blend of horror and sympathy for two isolated characters teetering on insanity. Their bizarre coping mechanisms reveal the raw human need for connection. As they hallucinate an audience, the play urges us to confront our own unvoiced messages and existential regrets—compelling and…

Keep reading
by Patrick Michaels
Kenny Amble smiles at the camera as he joins other members of Ewing-Olson VFW Post 9336-Arena marching down Sharon Street in Arena to start off the annual Arena Yolanda Peterson & Mary Jones Memorial Celebration Parade on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Photos and videos by Bonnie Stickel, Administrative & Calendar Coordinator & Taylor Scott, Managing Editor.
Community

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.

Keep reading
by Valley Sentinel
Shawn Eichorst, a Lone Rock native and River Valley High School graduate, was named University of Wisconsin–Madison director of athletics on July 1, 2026. (Photo courtesy of UW Athletics)
Community

‘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.

Keep reading
by Taylor Scott
Community members line Highway 130/Oak Street during the annual Lone Rock 4th of July Celebration Parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a brief sprinkle during the morning, spectators stayed along the route to celebrate Independence Day and the nation’s 250th anniversary. Photos by Bonnie Stickel, Administrative & Calendar Coordinator. Submit your photos, art and illustrations to be considered for our cover photos to editor@valleysentinelnews.com.
Community

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.

Keep reading
by Valley Sentinel
Phoebe González, Triney Sandoval & Tracy Michelle Arnold, The Matchmaker, 2026. Photo by Hannah Jo Anderson.
Arts & Culture

The Timely Review: ‘The Matchmaker’, opening night

The experience of American Players Theatre’s “The Matchmaker” transforms from mere performance to exhilarating proximity, unveiling the raw energy of live theater. Up close, moments blur the line between actor and audience—their gaze locks, and unsettling truths unfold. It’s a vibrant reminder: theater isn’t just to watch; it’s a captivating dance of eyes and emotions.

Keep reading
by Patrick Michaels
As You Like It, 2026. Photo by Michael Brosilow.
Arts & Culture

The Timely Review: ‘As You Like It’, opening night

In a small town, a Tony Award showcases community excellence at American Players Theatre. The production of “As You Like It” shines with vibrant performances and stunning direction. Amidst quirky talent and lively music, the ghosts of Shakespeare blend with present artistry. Can a town of weirdos truly secure such acclaim? Absolutely.

Keep reading
by Patrick Michaels
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
A foggy morning proved to be successful, with a bird that came in behind the author. Photo contributed by John Cler.
Opinion

Wandering the Driftless: Spring Gobblers in the Driftless

The re-introduction of Wild Turkeys in Wisconsin has been successful, leading to a popular spring turkey hunting season. Despite challenges in securing tags and low success rates, enthusiasts enjoy the experience. The author shares memorable hunting moments, emphasizing the thrill of the chase and the beauty of the outdoors in the Driftless Area.

Keep reading
by John Cler
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
More Stories
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

  • 63rd Annual River Valley School Fair

    River Valley Intermediate School 660 W. Daley Street, Spring Green, Wisconsin, United States

    The 63rd Annual River Valley School Fair is a cherished small-town tradition, proudly standing as one of only three remaining school fairs in the state of Wisconsin. For over six decades, this event has brought together students, families, farmers, teachers, alumni, and neighbors to celebrate the unique aspects of their community. The fair features a massive variety of exhibits and showcases, including extensive livestock and animal displays. Attendees can also explore family farm displays alongside community entries in gardening and vegetables, food and nutrition (including canning), art, sewing, woodworking, decorated pumpkins, flowers, photography, and even robotics. Save the date and bring the whole family to celebrate this long-standing community gathering.

    Free

  • Friday Night Magic at Moerke

    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

  • 10th Annual Hill & Valley Exploration Tour

    10th Annual Hill & Valley Exploration Tour

    The 10th Annual Hill & Valley Exploration Tour is a two-weekend event highlighting rural living and agriculture across Sauk, Richland, and Juneau Counties. Participating locations include local farms, historic sites, artist studios, and rural businesses that open to the public for hands-on education and direct sales. Attendees can travel between various sites to learn about the small farm community, view local art, and purchase farm-fresh food and rural products. The tour takes place rain or shine, so participants are advised to dress appropriately for the weather and bring a cooler for perishable goods.

  • Queen of the Ridge

    5749 County Road H, Arena, WI 53503 5749 County Road H, Arena, Wisconsin, United States

    Grab your trail shoes and rally the girls for the second annual "Last Woman Standing" race hosted by Driftless Endurance. This ladies-only ultramarathon challenges runners to complete a 1-mile-ish loop—featuring at least 250 feet of elevation gain across a mix of single-track and grass trails—every 20 minutes until only one powerful female remains. To keep things interesting, the route changes direction every four hours!

    Free

  • 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.

  • Case Rose Lions Memorial Walk 2026

    Buena Vista Bicentennial Park 33000 Fulton St, Gotham, Wisconsin, United States

    Attendees are invited to participate in a community walk along the Pine River Trail to celebrate the life of Case Rose. The event aims to support childhood cancer awareness and share hope with the community and children affected by the disease.

  • Grow and Gather: Fall Foraging

    Taliesin Preservation | Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center 5607 County Road C, Spring Green, Wisconsin, United States

    Come explore Phoebe Point Trail and learn how to forage with Taliesin Preservation Kitchen Gardener, Abbie Lehman. The class will begin by discussing foraging basics at the base of the trail, followed by a moderate 1.1-mile loop to identify common autumn wild edibles. Participants will also discuss Frank Lloyd Wright’s connection to the Driftless region and how it inspired a culture of working with and learning within the natural environment.

    $35

  • Open Euchre

    Open Euchre
    Ewing-Olson VFW Post 9336 - Arena 514 Willow Street, Arena, Wisconsin, United States

    Join the Ewing-Olson VFW Post 9336 in Arena for Open Euchre! The games feature a $5.00 buy-in with 100% payback, plus $0.25 for euchres. There is no partner needed to play, so come on down and enjoy the game.

    $5

  • 10th Annual Hill & Valley Exploration Tour

    10th Annual Hill & Valley Exploration Tour

    The 10th Annual Hill & Valley Exploration Tour is a two-weekend event highlighting rural living and agriculture across Sauk, Richland, and Juneau Counties. Participating locations include local farms, historic sites, artist studios, and rural businesses that open to the public for hands-on education and direct sales. Attendees can travel between various sites to learn about the small farm community, view local art, and purchase farm-fresh food and rural products. The tour takes place rain or shine, so participants are advised to dress appropriately for the weather and bring a cooler for perishable goods.

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.

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