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Oil platform in the Mediterranean. Submitted photo.

Oil platform in the Mediterranean. Submitted photo.

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Prism of prose

James By Clint Van Camp
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
I received a call this past week from Carolyn regarding her husband’s passing in Texas. I had worked with James in 1995 at the Unocal Oil Refinery on San Pablo Bay, right next to San Francisco Bay.
Zach Swanson and Eli Alanis, December Students of the Month. Photo by Jamie Rarick

Zach Swanson and Eli Alanis, December Students of the Month. Photo by Jamie Rarick

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The December DEA Students of the Month:

News Staff
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Zach Swanson, a Sophomore, is the high school student of the month. Zach is polite to and kind to everyone- adults and his peers.He is a tremendous learner and is always looking to challenge himself.
Calvin Helm and Austin Hoselton, November Students of the Month. Photo by Jamie Rarick

Calvin Helm and Austin Hoselton, November Students of the Month. Photo by Jamie Rarick

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The November DEA Students of the Month:

News Staff
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Calvin Helm, a pre-kindergarten student at Drayton Public School, is the elementary student of the month. Calvin is nice to others and always uses kind words to those around him. He can be both independent and get along with others, as well.Calvin is good at staying on task and getting things done.
Peyton Larson, Nulla Thompson, Mikala Mccoy, Jocelyn Vold, and Maia Hermanson shared a moment with Hunter Pinke following Thursday's visit. There was a good-natured rivalry before the evening's game against Hatton Northwood, where Pinke’s sisters play basketball. Photo by Jamie Rarick

Peyton Larson, Nulla Thompson, Mikala Mccoy, Jocelyn Vold, and Maia Hermanson shared a moment with Hunter Pinke following Thursday's visit. There was a good-natured rivalry before the evening's game against Hatton Northwood, where Pinke’s sisters play basketball. Photo by Jamie Rarick

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“No Bad Days”

Rebecca Davis
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Students in grades six through 12 gathered in the gymnasium at Drayton Public School on Jan. 8 for an assembly that was less about motivation and more about perspective.North Dakota native Hunter Pinke also spoke to elementary students earlier in the day in a separate assembly.
North Valley FBLA Front Row L-R: Anna Bjorneby, Laila Miller, Merideth Cole Back Row L-R: Gavin Hill, Paige Suda, Brody Boe, Tenley Lillemoen, Jaylesyn Anderson. Submitted photo.

North Valley FBLA Front Row L-R: Anna Bjorneby, Laila Miller, Merideth Cole Back Row L-R: Gavin Hill, Paige Suda, Brody Boe, Tenley Lillemoen, Jaylesyn Anderson. Submitted photo.

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Grafton community rallies to support new pool splash feature during Giving Hearts Day Early Giving

News Staff
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
For more than 70 years, Leistikow Park’s outdoor pool in Grafton has been the heart of summers for many in the region—serving as a place where children learn to swim, teens earn their first paychecks as lifeguards, and families gather to cool off and connect.
Valley News & Views

Valley News & Views

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AARP Fraud Watch Network scam alerts

News Staff
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Fake jobs, real lossesIf your New Year’s resolutions include finding a new job, workfrom- home opportunities may sound appealing. While many remote positions are legitimate, some aren’t what they appear to be.
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