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.
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 unsettling.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Spring Green’s Violet Palms unveil their new single “True Love Counterfeit,” blending nostalgia with matured lyricism ahead of their album launch. The track encapsulates bittersweet love, showcasing tight production and emotional depth. A testament to their evolving artistry, this release promises fans a resonant exploration of heartbreak, memories, and life’s unexpected twists.
It’s incredibly fitting that our cover this edition in print included a sign that reads: stop ahead. It’s important to note you don’t stop at a stop sign forever, it’s a momentary pause. Whether to think or to ensure your safety and sustainability, it’s a pause before you continue going down the road you were on (or perhaps you’re turning at that stop sign and trying something new?) .
It’s apt because our print edition needs to pause.