Mullen School District is dismissing School at 1:00 PM on Friday, Febr. 3rd.

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Paul Allen Joseph, age 60, of Wood, South Dakota, appeared before United States District Judge Roberto A. Lange on January 31, 2012. Joseph pled guilty to Felon in Possession of a Firearm. In September 1991, Joseph was convicted of a felony in the District of South Dakota. On or about the 11th day of June, 2011, Joseph was arrested for driving under the influence. At the time of the arrest, Joseph was in possession of a Ruger, 9mm pistol. A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for April 23, 2012. The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing.

Johnson also announced that a St. Francis, man charged with Abusive Sexual Contact was sentenced on January 31, by Judge Lange. Israel A. Left Hand Bull, age 28, was sentenced to three years in custody, five years of supervised release, a $100 special assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund, and he must register as a sex offender. Left Hand Bull was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 10, 2011, and pled guilty to the charge on November 1, 2011. In June of 2010, in St. Francis, Left Hand Bull engaged in sexual contact with the victim while the victim was incapacitated. Left Hand Bull was immediately turned over to the custody of the United States Marshal.

Officers with the Valentine Police Department conducted 57 traffic stops resulting in 1 alcohol related arrests and 3 alcohol related citations during the saturation patrols that began December 2, 2011 and concluded January 1, 2012.

Officers put in approximately 280 hours including overtime hours during this special saturation patrol enforcement effort with the help of more than $1,654.00 grant from the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety (NOHS).

The following statistics reflect the activity in an effort to curb alcohol related driving and related behaviors:

Arrests: 1 Driving Under the Influence, 1 Minor in Possession of Alcohol, 2 Criminal Trespassing, 3 Warrant Arrests and 1 driving while revoked arrest.

8 traffic related citations were issued along with 55 written warnings related to traffic violations.

The Cherry County Ag Society will host a volunteer appreciation supper on Janaury 29th at the 4-H building at the fairgrounds. The supper is to show appreciation for all those people who volunteer at the fairgrounds for such events as rodeos, horse shows, the demolition derby, county fair and the numerous other events that take place at the fairgrounds. According to Ag Society board member Jack Eitzen, it hard to say thank you to all the helpers during the events that take place at the fairgrounds. This supper is the Ag Societies way of making sure every one who volunteers is thanked. Serving starts at 6pm on the 29th for the beef supper.