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A bright community Christmas

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Local veteran tells uncensored story in “Good Night, Vietnam”

Robert Lawrence remembers the war not only for the battles he survived, but for the stories he wasn’t allowed to tell. Now living in McCook Lake, the former Army broadcaster has published Good Night, Vietnam, a memoir that confronts censorship, deception and the personal toll of America’s most divisive war.
Patil works to combat litter, donates locally

It is the holiday season of giving and Kshitij Patil, a Dakota Valley sophomore, has gone to great lengths recently to make an impact at the local level. Patil has helped the environment and made gains to combat littering as he donated money and collected trash in Sioux City. He also recently made a significant dona‑tion to help those in need of food and support in the local area.
EPJ delivers standout storytelling, theatre

South Dakota’s state oral interpretation festival, for high schoolers, was held on December 5-6, 2025. The event took place in Watertown and Elk Point-Jefferson was represented at state by Carter Heckathorn, Austin Clercx, Jaxon Vande Vegte, Lexi McDermott and Stella Bonnema. All of these pupils punched their tickets to state after qualifying at regionals in November.
A Message from Mayor Chris Bogenrief - A Year of Progress

As 2025 comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made this year.

Ironclad

DV announces 2026 prom court for‘Masquerade Mystery’ dance

This year’s prom at Dakota Valley will be on Saturday, March 28, 2026 for Panther seniors and juniors, plus their dates. This year’s theme is “Masquerade Mystery”. The grand march is set to happen at 8 pm in the high school gym. It is a great opportunity for the general public to attend and take photos in addition to seeing attendees in their formalwear.

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Swatek earns Wrestling Hall of Fame spot

South Dakota’s state wrestling tournament is always a memorable experience. And this year was something special for Dan Swatek of Elk Point. In addition to watching his son, Luke, win 5th place in the 150 pound weight class, Swatek was inducted into the South Dakota Wrestling Hall of Fame on February 28, 2026.

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Big turnout for ‘Donuts with Grown‑Ups’

School parking lots, at Dakota Valley, were full as many attended the Panther’s annual “Donuts with Grown-Ups” event for the elementary and upper elementary students. Preschool through 3rd grade had a morning of frosted baked goods on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Students in 4th and 5th grade were able to invite their grown-ups to breakfast on Thursday, March 5.

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Fish fry crew keeps plates and spirits full

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DV taps LaDage to lead Panthers football

Dakota Valley High School has hired longtime college coach Shane LaDage as its next head football coach, bringing more than 15 years of experience across multiple collegiate programs to the Panthers. LaDage spent the past four seasons as head coach at Briar Cliff University, where he focused on building a strong team culture and developing players on and off the field.

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NSC awards Northshore Drive bid

The North Sioux City Commission approved several development actions Monday, including multiple final plats in the Union Crossing project and a $3.7 million contract for reconstruction of Northshore Drive.

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Crusaders shine in 4A tournament run

Bishop Heelan girls basketball competed in the Iowa Girls High School state tournament on March 3-5, 2026. The Heelan Crusaders entered the tourney as the #1 seed and with an undefeated record. Three players on the roster are from the local South Dakota area, they are: Melina Snoozy, Ella Otten and Kennedy Bainbridge.

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A Message from Mayor Chris Bogenrief

A Message from Mayor Chris Bogenrief Staying Connected Close to Home At times, the world beyond our community can feel heavy. Headlines move fast, national conversations grow loud, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by stories happening far from home.

Marx, Neiman take top honors at first ‘Mr. EPJ’ contest

SeniorsMasonMarxand Tanner Neiman brought home honors from the first ever “Mr. EPJ” contest held on Monday, March 2, 2026. In pageant style fashion, eleven Huskies competed in a runway walk, interview and talent show all in an effort to win the crown. Marx was named “Mr. EPJ” and Neiman won “Fan Favorite”.

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Huskies bow out in first round of Region 4 play

Postseason play began for the Elk Point-Jefferson (EPJ) boys varsity basketball team on March 2, 2026. In South Dakota, the Huskies have fierce competition in region 4 for Class A. As a 6th seed, EPJ traveled to Vermillion to go up against a tough Tanager squad in their 1st round of regional play.

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