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Our latest edition published April 18 and is available, free on newsstands in the area.
The next edition is scheduled to publish May 2.
As always, the community calendar is updated and published here.
The April 4 e-edition is available below:
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.
Recent Stories (Updating soon! Maybe.)
Village of Arena Board throws out police automatic aid agreement, replaces resident Public Safety Committee with majority board member committee
The Village of Arena Board of Trustees ended their automatic aid agreement with the Town of Arena, formed a new Public Safety Committee with mostly board members, and finalized a survey for residents to guide future decisions about police employment and budgeting. Trustee Melissa Bandell proposed rescinding the agreement based on Wisconsin Statute §66.0513. The…
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Sauk Prairie Healthcare no longer in-network for some area patients as system, Anthem are at odds over costs, reimbursements
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance holders at Sauk Prairie Healthcare Hospitals and Clinics will no longer receive in-network treatment as of April 1. Both parties blame the other for the contract termination, affecting 2,700 patients. Sauk Prairie urges patients to call their insurance company and offers options for continuity of care. Patients can still…
Keep readingArena Village Board reveals hours police have worked, debate rages over police budget, services
The Arena Village Board of Trustees held a special meeting on March 27 to discuss the future of the police force, including compensation and work performance. Officers resigned from full-time positions last fall, leading to debates on policing hours, administrative duties, and community support. The meeting also highlighted concerns about police services and the use…
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Lone Rock resident’s motorcycle national land speed record stands for an impressive ten years
Lone Rock resident Gary Ilminen set an AMA National Motorcycle Land Speed Record at the 2014 Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials, riding a 1974 Honda CB350F at 80.102 mph, which still stands a decade later. He attributes his passion for motorcycle racing to childhood idols like Burt Munro, and hopes to attempt another record in the…
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Valley Sentinel brings home awards from Wisconsin Newspaper Association banquet
Valley Sentinel shines at the 2023 Wisconsin Newspaper Association’s awards, taking home 17 awards. The publication’s exceptional work in editorial and advertising garnered recognition, with specific accolades for its front page, artistic photos, and newspaper promotions. Co-owner/publisher/editor-in-chief Nicole Aimone expressed gratitude to contributors and the community for their support.
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Public safety debate continues as Arena holds special meeting to ‘discuss continued employment of current police officers’
The Village of Arena Board of Trustees held a special meeting to discuss the employment of the police officers, sparking concerns and confusion among residents. The closed session meeting raised questions about the board’s control, authority and communication. Past legal disputes over police department funding further complicated the situation. Residents and the village attorney called…
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The (not so) Plain and Simple Correspondent: Alexander the Great
Arena native Alex Harrington, raised in a family deeply rooted in the River Valley, has been appointed WISC-TV Channel 3000’s chief meteorologist. Harrington’s passion for meteorology began at a young age, and after years of diverse experiences and hard work, he has achieved his dream job. He aims to inspire others to pursue their own…
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Two Crows Theatre Company—seeking to bring joy—heralds a return to the Spring Green community, announces play
Rob Doyle and Marcus Truschinski, co-artistic directors of Two Crows Theatre Company, celebrate the re-commissioning of the theater after the pandemic-induced closure. Their decade-long friendship and passion for storytelling have set the stage for intimate performances in Spring Green’s Touchstone Theatre. The company aims to provide a platform for emerging playwrights through The New Play…
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Citing ‘low morale’ due to village board Arena PD moves to part-time immediately after Arena police officer, DNR warden receive Life Saving Awards
The Village of Arena Police Department’s officers are transitioning to part-time positions due to low morale and conflicts with the Village Board of Trustees. Chief of Police Nicholas Stroik announced the shift, citing unjustified interference and non-supportive comments from board members. Despite the reduced hours, the department pledge to maintain the community’s safety, while acknowledging…
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