Happy Mother's Day...Prepare for the Cherry County Hospital Foundation's Fund Raiser

There's still time to get your swing perfected for the Cherry County Hospital Foundation's annual  Golf Tournament Fund Raiser that will be held at the Valentine Golf Club on Highway 12. You have until June 20, 2012, in fact. The Tournament will have a shot gun start at 10:00 a.m. with a four person scramble. Registration will be from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. and the cost per team is $300.

They're still accepting donations for the raffle. 

The proceeds for the tournament will be used for a Bone Densitometer Unit for the Cherry County Hospital.

There is an inclement weather date scheduled for June 27.Call Kurt at 402-376-2088 to register or to donate to the tournament. The golf tourney is limited to the first 20 teams.
A trip to the golf course might be something your mom might like. May 13 is Mother's Day...something to consider.

And a word from one of our sponsors Valentine's  Niobrara Lodge:

Call your mom it's Mother's Day this Sunday, May 13!

Vacation Planning for the second annual Andrew Claymon Memorial Fishing Tournament

It's May and time to definitely begin thinking about your Vacation. Planning a vacation is going to surge up the adrenaline, a count down to the day, and bring about a thrill of exhilaration!

Here's a few things that are new and haven't been advertised on Sandhills Western Vacations Web site. The first is about the second annual Andrew Claymon Fishing Tournament that will be held on June 9, 2012. It's an opportunity for adults and youth to team up and catch fish. Of course, there's always bonding moments, and memories of a day out on Merritt Reservoir, surrounded by the Sandhills of Nebraska.

Andrew's mother, Joni, shares how the fishing tournament began:

Andrew was a 15 year old energetic, athletic and happy freshman in high school. He was playing on the high school basketball team, lifting weights, snowboarding, hunting, fishing, learning how to drive and hanging out with friends. In early December 2008, Andrew noticed some weakness in his left arm. On December 31, 2008, after returning from holiday break at his grandparent’s house in Nebraska, Andrew had a MRI of his spine. The MRI revealed a large tumor in Andrew's epidural space of his spinal column. The tumor started at the base of his brain and ran about halfway down his spine - 8-10 inches long. The tumor had filled the space where the spinal fluid runs and was compressing his spinal cord. Instead of going to a friend's New Year's Eve party at the local bowling alley, Andrew was taken to Children's Hospital in Denver to begin the battle of his cancer, chordoma. Chordoma is extremely rare in children as on average there are only 5 children diagnosed annually in the entire country. It was discovered that the cancer had also metastasized to both of his lungs and many of the vertebrae of his spine.


Andrew at Merritt in June 2008; six months prior to him being diagnosed with cancer (he still has his hair).

In early January 2009, Andrew started an intense 54 week chemotherapy plan, as well as, 5 weeks of radiation to his entire brain and spine. While still on chemotherapy treatments, a CT scan on December 7, 2009, revealed a large inoperable mass in his right lung that had spread systematically to his blood and lymphatic systems, Andrew was given 6 - 12 weeks to live. Andrew instead lived for 7 months and lived greatly. He went on several duck hunts, pheasant hunts, ice fishing in North Dakota, bass fishing on Falcon Lake in south Texas where he caught his largest bass ever and spent every day living his life as fully as possible.

Andrew had always dreamed of having his very own fishing boat so we bought him a boat and took it to his favorite lake, Merritt Reservoir, in early April and spent as many days as he could in his boat on the lake fishing. He also wanted to get “his dream job" at the bait shop at Merritt Reservoir. We moved to Merritt in mid-May and lived out of a camper so Andrew could work his dream job. He was able to work for 3 weeks in May and early June before the need for oxygen and pain medications prevented him from continuing work.


This is Andrew at Merritt in May 2010, about 6 weeks before he died.

Scans on June 2, 2010, revealed the cancer spreading to numerous places in his body and the doctors said that it was absolutely astounding that he was able to work and fish and not be in extreme pain. Andrew was determined to continue living in a camper with his family on the shores of Merritt Reservoir and fishing when he was able. Five days prior to his death on July 5, 2010, it was time to leave his favorite place on Earth, Merritt Reservoir. We moved Andrew to his grandparent’s home in Arnold, NE, where he bravely told his close friends and family good-bye and peacefully went to Heaven.

A few days prior to Andrew's death, his mother was talking to him about ways that he might want his memory kept alive after he died. Andrew had fished in a youth/adult fishing tournament at Lake McConaughy the past six years. His mother asked him what he would think about his family organizing and hosting an annual youth/adult fishing tournament at Merritt Reservoir in his memory. His eyes lit up and he said, "that would be cool".

That was all it took. On June 12, 2011, at Merritt Reservoir, we proudly hosted the innaugural Andrew Claymon Memorial Fishing Tournament and the second annual will be held on June 9, 2012, again at Merritt Reservoir. We plan to have this be an annual event in memory of our boy who loved to fish.

This tournament is a non-profit event with all of the sponsorship funds and entry fees going back into the tournament in the form of expenses and prizes. Our primary goals are Andrew's memory, a fun
day at Merritt Reservoir and youth fishing.

Here are the rules and regulations for the tournament:

The second annual Andrew Claymon Memorial Fishing Tournament will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2012 at Merritt Reservoir. The team format is youth/adult; youth 17 years or younger as of June 9, 2012, and adult 18 years or older as of June 9, 2012. Fishing hours will be from 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. One team per boat and no spectators are allowed in the boat. A rules meeting/tournament dinner the night before at the Merritt Reservoir cabins/restaurant area and an awards ceremony immediately following the tournament at Beeds Landing boat ramp area.

The cost for entering the tournament is $60.00 and includes entry into the tournament, 2 tournament t-shirts, 2 hats, dinner on Friday night and a prize for every youth fisherman! Online entry is available atwww.andrewclaymonfishing.com or a mail in entry form can be sent to you by contacting Joni Claymon at jclaymon@vail.net or 970-926-1013. Teams will be “numbered and released to fish” based on the order that the entry forms are received.


Many of the tournament participants posing for a group photo.

There will be two age groups for prizes: 10 and under, and 11 to 17, with prizes and trophies going to the top three in each age group based on "total heaviest catch" of all allowed species. The prizes for top three in each age category are numerous and include one or more prize(s) from the prize table (value ranges from $10 - $40 per prize), cash, gift cards to Cabela's, etc.

Trophies will be awarded for "heaviest" fish in four categories - walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass - and an "overall heaviest fish" trophy from all allowed species. Every youth participant gets a prize from our prize table which consists of prizes for all age ranges that focus on outdoors, fishing, camping, etc.


Lexie, Andrew’s cousin, is sitting on Brian, Andrew’s brother. There's lots of fun to be had at Merritt Reservoir.

The following species are allowed to be caught and included in the "total weight caught": bluegill, crappie, perch, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and northern pike. No catfish, muskie, carp or drum are allowed in “total weight caught”. All Nebraska state 2011-2012 fishing regulations (bag, possession and length limits) will be enforced.

One of the highlights of last year’s tournament was the participation of two team members from the University of Nebraska Husker Bass Anglers fishing team. Before cancer took his life on July 5, 2010, Andrew Claymon had planned on attending UNL and being a member of this fishing team.


Husker Bass Angler team members from L to R: Jeff Brokaw and Noel Scott with the team of Adam and his son Dylan Naslund of Cody, NE, who won the random drawing to fish with the Husker Bass Angler team members the next day. They also won second place in the 10 and under age group.

Last year was a drawing from all youth participants and the winner of the drawing won a fishing outing for several hours on Sunday with these 2 team members. The same drawing will be held again this year in addition to the following drawings:

· Package 1 night cabin and 1 day guided fishing at Merritt – donated by Andrew’s grandparents, Jim & Sherry Davenport

· 1 day guided fishing trip for 1-4 people on Merritt Reservoir with John Nadolski – donated by John Nadolski

· Guided parent/child kayak trip with Kayakjak’s Outfitters, Benklemen, NE – donated by Marty Hughes

· Book a medium cabin for 1 night; get 1 night free at Merritt Trading Post Resort – donated by the John Bauer family

· Free fish mount with Niobrara Valley Taxidermy, Adam Naslund – donated by Adam Naslund



Third place finishers in the 11 – 17 age group, Brianna and John!!!

Please join us on June 9, 2012 at Merritt Reservoir for a fun day of fishing, great prizes and awards, the enjoyment of watching kids fish and their love for the outdoors; all in memory of Andrew. Sponsored by Cabela’s, Cherry County Visitor Promotion Board, Arnold Insurance Agency, Beshaler Gravel, Colorado Walleye Association, John Nadolski Fishing Guide Service, Jordan’s Sports Bar and Cafe, Merritt Trading Post, Mills Hardware, Nebraska Walleye Association, Pinnacle Bank, Winner’s Circle Auto Center (Ryan Porter), Young’s Marine and the Claymon and Davenport families.


We'll learn about the second fun event that will be taking place here in the Sandhills...stay tuned and get your swing perfected!

Shop Hop across Nebraska - including Valentine!

If you didn't know about the Nebraska Independent Fabric Shops "SHOP HOP", you only have a few more days to hit the bunny trail! The Shop Hop officially began April 19 and will continue through April 29. Thirty-eight shops participate in what is now the 14th annual event with the theme of "Quoteable Quilts Cover Nebraska."

If you like fabric, travel, and quotes...there's a pass-port waiting for your name. Actually the pass-port allows you to collect points from the various shops which are turned in at the end of the event and a lucky winner's pass-port will be drawn for a $500 and $300 gift certificate.
But that's only if you earn 50 points or more...if you earn all 83 points, you'll receive even more goodies - like next year's Shop Hop bag, a $10.00 gift certificate and a chance to win a $100 gift certificate.

Guess who is a three pointer? The Quilting Cupboard in Valentine. A little off the dusty trail, but so worth  the stop.

Actually Kathy and Ray Nance of Crete took vacation time to visit all of the stores.
They began Saturday morning and stopped at Syracuse, Auburn, Pawnee City, Beatrice, Hebron, Hastings and headed back home for the night.

Sunday was reserved for the Lord and attending church.

Monday morning they hopped back on the trail and began in Kearney, Holdredge, Arapahoe, McCook, Cozad, North Plate, Ogallala and spent the night in Gering. That was one long day... and a lot of points!

And so it was, early this morning, Tuesday, April 24, they went to Hemmingford and took the long drive to Valentine...more points!

Ray said he and his wife enjoy their time together. They have a Kindle and read to each other in the car and will be celebrating their 35th anniversary next month.

This is their first year to attend all of the quilt shops, and each one has a different FREE pattern they give away to shop hoppers. While Kathy is getting patterns for herself, Ray is picking them up for his mother who is also a quilter.

Kathy has been quilting for the past eight years and is now finding ways to use up her scraps. Meanwhile, Ray enjoys Civil War quilts. He is also a chaplain at Tabitha in Crete. He found some scripture panels and will be doing a little sewing himself, but said he's going to be at it for a few days. "Kathy could get it done in no time."

Kathy said there's no better quilt than a finished quilt!

In addition to the free quilt patterns from each store there is a pattern that shows how they  can be turned into a huge quilt, or do a little something different like Quilt Cupboard store owner Susan Stec did - she turned hers into a wall hanging, "In the crazy quilt of life, I'm glad you're in my block of friends," which is pictured at the top of the page.

This is her second year participating in the Shop Hop and she truly enjoys it. There are skinny bolts for sale at 30 percent off - if you buy the entire bolt.

There are snack galore, and included in this year's shop hop bag was a water bottle to keep hoppers' energy level up over the 12 day period.

The Valentine Chamber of Commerce also put together a goodie bag for visitors to the Quilting Cupboard that has some useful items - a pen from Union Bank (to write out all those checks for fabric); and coupons and discounts from Cedar Canyon Steak House, The Ark Christian Books and Gifts, Country Fabrics and Crafts, Janine's Emporium, Quilting Cupboard, Plains Trading Company, Cherry Blossom Paperie, Nails by Becky, Auntie D's Gift and Coffee Shop, Flower Land, Fashions, Rosebud Casino Miche Bags by Berniece Rhodes and Copacetic. Valentine welcomes all the hoppers!!!

Ray said the variety of the quilt stores along the way are all completely different. "No two have the same quilt materials. It has a theme, it could be western with modern or brights, or laid back with Civil War - it's a different character and I enjoy the character the shops take on."

Kathy pokes her head in and says, "Hey...wanna pay?" And off they go to their next destination, Ainsworth.

Since this is Susan's second shop hop it will be interesting to see if more than 170 people - how many came last year -  take the time to earn MORE points and visit a unique shop. It might seem batty to drive all that way, but you're visiting a unique city that really does welcome you with wide open arms.
And as you head for your next destination,  depart knowing you now belong to a new crazy block of friends!

Vacation Planning...

It's mid March, the birds are back, trees starting to leaf out, and the bulbs are blooming...ALREADY!



Above, is a yellow finch, and below is a red finch. Welcome back little ones and thanks for your spring song!




This is a maple tree just shooting out its buds.

You know what that means...time to get the boats cleaned out, motors checked (gas and electric), and swap out the ice fishing poles for the real poles.

The folks at the south refuge say the fish are biting and are doing a pretty good job of it. They have a map that shows all 72,000 acres of the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge. Call Refuge Manager Mark Lindvall for the availability of the maps at 402-376-1889. Remember, the refuge lakes only allow electric motors. http://www.fws.gov/valentine/

The maps have information on all sorts of things, like: the location of all 30 lakes, contours on some of the lakes, the windmills, the pasture numbers, some of the vegetation as well as all the roads. The map size is 24x36 inches and encompasses all 72,000 acres of the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge. Hunters and hikers will find the map useful as well. The cost of the map is $10.00 plus shipping.

The Grouse blinds will be set up soon, hopefully by April 1. It's quite a show those grouse put on to find a mate. While there's no hunting during this season, it's a show photographers really enjoy. Call Mark Lindvall to reserve a blind.

Merritt Reservoir also has open water ready for you to drop a line. Have you made any of your camping reservations yet? It is that time of year to begin thinking of warmer weather - even though we've already set several record high temperatures for March.

Here's some enjoyment at the Mill Pond last Friday. This could be YOU! 

With two poles in the water, his pup near by, and record setting warm temperatures Friday, you can understand the joy his face reveals.

 Also full of joy are these geese who are playing up and over with one another.

 Can you even imagine finding a frog sunning itself... in MARCH???? The record high reached was 84 degrees.

The sky was filled with beautiful gold tones that night. Don't let another sunset without thinking about your Sandhills Western Vacation plans.

Love from the Heart City - Valentine, Nebraska

So you want to show your special Valentine how much you care? There's still time and it won't cost but a couple stamps and a little bit of your time and it sure is a romantic thing to do.

Buy or make a Valentine's card and address it to your special someone - or someone(s) - think family members here. Put some colorful stickers on the inside and outside and make it look lovely. When everything is addressed and stamped and ready to go - put them in a large envelope and mail the whole thing to Cupid's Mail Box at: P.O. Box 201, Valentine, NE 69201.

Cupid will take these special declarations of love and put his own stamp on the outside of the envelope. 

Then Cupid will take the cards for your special loved ones over to the Valentine Post Office where they will cancel the stamp with special sentiments from Valentine, Nebraska, the Heart City!
The Chamber of Commerce also hosts a Valentine's Card contest that begins in December and one lucky winner is chosen from among the entries. Their artwork is made into a card and printed by Valentine Midland News and Printing; you can see the card pictured above right. This year's winner is David Dorsey of Newport, NE. These Valentine's Cards can be purchased through local businesses in Valentine as well as the Chamber of Commerce who can be contacted by calling 402-376-2969.

Cards can also be sent directly to the Valentine Post Office where they will use their own set of cachet's on the outside of the envelope. Cards will be sent in the same manner as with Cupid's Mail Box, addressed to the recipient with proper postage inside a larger envelope addressed to Valentine Post Office, Valentine's Day remailing, 239 N. Hall Street, Valentine, Nebraska, 69201-9998.

Some folks like to have their Valentine's cancelation on February 14th, others like them to be cancelled and mailed back to be received by the recipient on February 14th. There's not a lot of time left, so get your cards ready. To make the envelopes even more sentimental, use the USPS LOVE stamp!

These beautiful cards are from the Cherry Blossom Paperie in Valentine and are on display at the Valentine Post Office. Remember, odd shaped, oversized, or embellished cards will require EXTRA POSTAGE. If you're not sure, put on some extra postage just to make sure they reach your loved one!

So you have a special someone(s) and you can show that love by mailing your Valentine's Cards through the City with Heart, Valentine, Nebraska, and take advantage of Cupid's Mail Box or the folks at the Valentine Post Office.
What a non-fattening, budget minded, creative way to show your loved one how much you care!

Valentine's Day in the Heart City - No BULL!

There are many activities planned for the weekend before Valentine's Day to celebrate this holiday of love.
Sounds like a lot of bull? Not really, but we're headed in that direction with the annual Bull Bash, February 11, 2012. Valentine's Main Street is blocked off with bulls and equipment vendors lining the street. There is the 4-H Luck of the Draw - buy some tickets and you may be lucky enough to win that prize.

 The curly headed Herefords are a favorite.

 The Bull Bash is a place fit for royalty even.

 Ranchers discuss the best genetics and qualities for cattle production.

 Pens of Angus, Charolais, Maine-Anjou, Hereford, and Limousin, line Main Street. The City puts out Welcome flags for the exhibitors and visitors to the annual Bull Bash.

There's enough equipment to have any man drooling just like a woman in a shoe store!

A look at the many different items that have been donated for the 4-H Luck of the Draw. What would you like to be lucky enough to win?

Will you be lucky enough to attend? Check back and see some more sights of the annual Bull Bash that will be held February 11, 2012, rain, snow or sunshine!!

Happy New Year and Valentine's Day!

We're half way into a new month, and just slightly into a new year ... here's hoping 2012 is going to be a fabulous year for you and yours. We're just about a month away from Valentine's Day...that day set aside to show family and friends how much you love them. Of course, you can always tell them.

But why not show them. If you're looking for someplace secluded, spend your weekend in a cabin nestled in the Sandhills at the Double R Guest Ranch. Call toll free at 866-217-2042 to book your retreat. They're open year-round and you and your loved one can gaze at the stars with an unobstructed view. No...not the stars in each others eyes....the stars in the heavens above - doesn't that sound romantic? There's a 1908 sod house one room school house that can be explored...among other things.

While there hasn't been any snow on the ground, here is what it could look like at the Double R Guest Ranch should the white stuff make an appearance.

Photos courtesy of Double R Guest Ranch. This is a very historical location and a place where you can make history as well. Call Double R Guest Ranch to make arrangements for a fantastic Valentine's Day get-away at 308-546-2314, or go to www.sandhilldoublerranch.com.