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Stifel

Elk Point plans new playground

Lions Park will see major improvements this year as the City of Elk Point moves forward with a new playground and a dual‑purpose pickleball and basketball court, funded in part by a state recreation grant.
Kendall Hanson the voice of the Huskies

Kendall Hanson is the voice of the Huskies and a familiar face throughout the area. He grew up in the area and is a Husky high school alumnus. While many know him, even more recognize his tone and dictation from the countless EPJ livestreams he has called over the past few years.
When service is more than a job:

Occasionally in life, we encounter extraor‑dinary individuals who inspire us through their selfless service as public servants—people who act with relentless courage, sometimes even when their lives are on the line. Lisa Schenzel is among the ranks epitomizing that rare commitment whether serving in the military, law enforcement or assisting military vet‑erans in receiving their well-deserved compen‑sation from the country they served.
Lawmakers address key issues at Cracker Barrel

A three person political panel of Sydney Davis, Chris Kassin and William Shorma were in Elk Point on January 31, 2026 for a Legislative Cracker Barrel. The event was hosted by Elk Point’s chamber and held at The Nifty Nine, in Elk Point, from 11:30 am to 1 pm. Property taxes, teacher’s pay in the state, issues regarding past flooding, data centers and more were discussed at the event with the District 17 leadership members.
Strong turnout for first‑ever DV Spark Market

The inaugural event, organized by the Dakota Valley Parent‑Teacher Or‑ganization and presented by Peoples Bank, brought together K–8 students who spent weeks creat‑ing products, planning displays and learning the basics of running a small business. More than 75 students filled 50 booths, offering handmade items and creative goods to families and community members.

Ironclad

Speed limit reduced on Highway 105 as detour increases traffic near Dakota Valley schools

Drivers traveling to and from Dakota Valley schools are being asked to slow down and use extra caution after the speed limit on Highway 105 was reduced Thursday morning.

From panic to preparation

A moment of panic at home led an Elk Point mother to create a new special needs safety pro‑gram now being used by local first responders. Earlier this year, Kelli Kappenman discovered that the front door of her home was open and her son Thomas, who is on the autism spectrum, was no longer inside.

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A Message from Mayor Chris Bogenrief

A strong community does not happen by accident. It takes good people, steady effort, and thoughtful planning.

County awards $5.8M project work

The Union County Commission moved forward on a major courthouse and sheriff’s office expansion Tuesday while also approving a series of personnel changes, highway agreements and audit findings during a wide‑ranging March 31 meeting.

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Families shine at Daddy Daughter Dance

Dakota Valley’s prom was not the only formal affair in town on Saturday, March 28, 2026 as the Panther’s Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) also held their annual “Daddy Daughter Dance”. Approximately 230 people attended the fun event which took place in the Dakota Valley (DV) elementary school building.

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Statement from local partners on McCook Lake conditions and ongoing efforts

Representatives from the City of North Sioux City, Union County, the McCook Lake Association, and the McCook Lake Izaak Walton League are meeting regularly and working together to support the long-term sustainability and future of McCook Lake. This includes ongoing recovery efforts following the 2024 flood. These groups recognize the significant impact the flood has had on the lake and…

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Huskies sweep doubleheader, move to 3‑0

A trio of wins started the Elk Point-Jefferson (EPJ) softball season for spring 2026. It was a home opener victory for the Huskies, on March 30, 2026, versus Vermillion. Next it was a double- header on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the Sanford Diamonds in Sioux Falls. The doubleheader meant double the victories for EPJ.

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Troy Redler announcing candidacy for South Dakota House, District 17

My name is Troy Redler, and I am an‑nouncing my candidacy for the South Dakota House of Representa‑tives in District 17 for the 2026 election cycle. As a small business owner and father, I felt it was the right time to step forward and serve.

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Shorma shifts from Legislature to Union County race

William Shorma of Dakota Dunes said he will not seek re‑election to the South Dakota House of Representa‑tives and instead will run for the Union Coun‑ty Commission seat rep‑resenting District 1.

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Early voting starts April 17

Early and absentee voting for South Dakota’s June 2 primary election will begin April 17, giv‑ing voters more than six weeks to cast ballots ahead of Election Day. Voters may cast absen‑tee ballots in person at their county audi‑tor’s office during regu‑lar business hours.

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