Wacklers Win KVSH/Heartland Energy Christmas Light Tour

On Monday evening, the judges, spectators and KVSH staff boarded an Open Plains transit bus to tour the 2025 Christmas Lights in Valentine. There were about 8 vehicles that followed along and listened to the radio as our judges critiqued the entries one by one. After touring 10 locations spread across town, the judges scores were tallied to determine the winners.

1st place in this year’s light contest was also the winner from two years ago, Doug and Robin Wackler at 801 North Green street with 113 total points.  A close second place was Jackie Weinman on Elnora Drive with 109 points.  Coming in third place was Kelly and Tami Russell at 527 North Hugh Street with 107 points.  There were only 10 points separating the top 6 teams in the tight competition. Wacklers will receive the $100 first place prize from KVSH and our sponsors.  Weinman will get the $50 second place award.

Tall Tails Taxidermy awarded the “classic” display award to Greg and Angie Brown with “the Gingerbread House” on the 300 block of North Macomb St. Greg and Angie will receive $25.

Thanks to all of our sponsors and to all the entries that made the contest a great event. Heartland Energy, Open Plains Transit, Holmes Funeral Home, Sandhills State Bank, Dodi Osburn at Nebraska Realty, Sandhills Family Dental, Union Bank and Trust, and State Farm Insurance.