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Valley News & Views

Valley News & Views

From the pastor’s desk

Leroy Aufenkamp
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Jesus said there are two roads down which men travel in life. “You can enter God's kingdom only through the narrow gate....the road is narrow,” is one road. The other “is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose the easy way”.This highway is broad and leads to hell” (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT).
Valley News & Views

Valley News & Views

Card of Thanks

News Staff
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
The Drayton Ambulance Service would like to thank the following for their memorials and donations:JOYCE TUTTLE MEMORIAL Peter and Marie Anderson LYNN FREDRICKSON MEMORIAL Renae Fredrickson Family Shirley VanCamp Ann Severtson Todd and Meridith Gozdal Peter and Marie Anderson LINDA STASKIVIGE...
Oil platform in the Mediterranean. Submitted photo.

Oil platform in the Mediterranean. Submitted photo.

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

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

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

“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.

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.
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