A new format for regional play in the 16U division for South Dakota VFW had Dakota Valley winning twice on Wednesday, July 28 and advancing to state. The Panthers had to win 2 out of 3 games versus their regional opponent in order to be a state qualifier. And they did just that in swift fashion.

Dakota Valley Athletic Director Bill Clements ran the 2024 fall sports meeting on Monday, August 5 in the school’s high school gym. He spoke to a large crowd about the upcoming autumn sports season.

The historic flood wreaked havoc on Dakota Valley School’s school grounds. The school board met to address the damages and ensure the safety of the students. In a special board of education meeting held on July 24, 2024, crucial decisions were made to repair the school grounds and ensure that the upcoming school year started on time.

A controlled blast will be conducted on the BNSF Rail Bridge over the Big Sioux River to demolish the bridge. During the blast, everyone within 1,000 ft is asked to remain indoors. The blast is scheduled for 7:00 a.m. on the morning of Friday, August 16. Remain indoors from 6:30- 7:30 a.m. All roads within this area will also be closed during the blast. Security will be at various checkpoints in the area. Please plan accordingly.

Per daily press releases, from North Sioux City, flood relief construction will look to slow down around McCook Lake as the community waits to hear back on the presidential declaration request. The slow down is being done in an attempt to get the most Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) aid available. Governor Kristi Noem submitted the request for a presidential disaster declaration on July 26.

Sports athletes and family members attended the Elk Point-Jefferson Fall Kickoff on Monday, August 5 to hear about what is ahead for the Huskies this school year and throughout the upcoming season. Superintendent Philip Schonebaum was the first speaker of the evening. He started the meeting with a discussion about having a good culture and embracing the EPJ school community as family.

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) reminds the public to remain vigilant when recreating on lakes around the state as harmful algal blooms (HAB) can develop rapidly and without notice during the warm summer months.

The Union County Board of Commissioners convened for their regular session on July 23, 2024, at the Courthouse in Elk Point, SD. The meeting, commencing at 8:30 a.m., was attended by Commissioners Michael Dailey, Kevin Joffer, Richard Headid, and Tom Kimmel.

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