Donations continue to come in for the Heart City Theater Group and their effort to have a new community ran theater up and running in Valentine by late Spring or early Summer. On a recent telethon on KVSH Radio, they raised $81,000. If you have not had the chance to drop off your donation, you can do that at KVSH radio or at Union Bank and Trust in Valentine. If you would still like to make a tax deductible contribution, checks can be made to Heart City Theater Group.
KVSH recently learned that the Pestel Foundation, a local entity, has reportedly agreed to contribute another $80,000 toward the project. A gauge of how much money has been raised so far is located in the window of the site on Main Street.
The building has been purchased, so when the money is raised, they will start with demolition and reconstruction of the theater which is proposed for about 100 seats.
Roland Charles Pestel moved to Valentine in 1919. Throughout his life, Mr. Pestel was affectionately known as “Rollie.”
Rollie worked for his father at the Red Front Mercantile. Rollie retired from the Red Front when his father sold it to C. H. “Cork” Young in 1981. Following retirement, Rollie devoted his time to his beloved local organizations. Rollie Pestel was known throughout the area as a wealth of knowledge regarding Valentine and Cherry County history. His knowledge was frequently shared with other local historians, and he enjoyed visiting with anyone regarding memories of their families and the growth of Valentine.