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Stifel

WEL-Life celebrates Assisted Living Week

Residents and staff at WEL-Life in Elk Point marked National Assisted Living Week with a full slate of themed activities, family gatherings, and milestone celebrations from Sept.
Kistner honored for decade of service

Steve Kistner, a McCook Lake resident and Dakota Valley School District Board Member, recently received the Distinguished Service Award, from the Associated School Boards of South Dakota (ASBSD). It was an honor to recognize his decade of service. It was also a big milestone for Kistner as all ushered in the start of the 2025/26 academic school year.
Jones’ Food Center marks 30 years with gratitude, growth and community ties

Jones’ Food Center in Elk Point is celebrating 30 years of service this September, marking three decades of local ownership, evolving technology, and deep community connection. The store’s roots trace back to Tom Jones, who operated multiple grocery stores across southeastern South Dakota.
Fleurish Flower Farm to host two-day fall festival

Fleurish Flower Farm will celebrate the close of its u-pick flower season with a two-day autumn festival, “Fall Into Fleurish,” on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 20–21. The event will be held at the farm’s location at 47663 SD Hwy 50, just west of Elk Point, and will feature seasonal foods, live music, pumpkins, and one final stroll through the flower fields.
NEVER FORGET

It seems no matter a person’s age, he or she can always recall where they were on September 11, 2001 when hijacked planes struck the World Trade Center in New York City. The 9/11 terrorist attack, which also targeted the Pentagon, was an atrocity on the United States. What occurred when four commercial planes were overtaken by Islamist extremists, from the network known as al-Qaeda, was difficult to fathom even as it unfolded on live television. It now serves as a core memory for many.

Ironclad

Elk Point Chamber to host District 17 cracker barrel

The Elk Point Chamber is inviting the public to hear directly from their state lawmakers later this month during a Legislative Cracker Barrel scheduled as part of the 2026 South Dakota legislative session.

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County approves salaries, and appointments

The Union County Commission opened the new year Tuesday with a full reorganization session, approving 2026 salaries, confirming dozens of annual appointments and setting polling places for the upcoming election cycle during a wide‑ranging meeting at the courthouse. Commissioners Kevin Joffer, Mike Dailey, Bob Ballard, Tom Kimmel and Peg Ustad were present for the 8:30 a.m. meeting.

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A Message from Mayor Chris Bogenrief - Looking Ahead to 2026 and beyond

Panthers notch two decisive wins to start 2026

Panther boys basketball closed out 2025 with a win and began 2026 with another victory to set a good tone for the rest of the season. Dakota Valley played in the Parkston Classic on December 30, 2025. Then it was a long road the next week as the roster was in West River to face Lakota Tech.

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DV girls surge past MCM, HCC to remain unbeaten

Undefeated was how the Dakota Valley girls basketball team closed out 2025 and began 2026. On December 30, 2025 they beat McCook Central/ Montrose (MCM) in the Parkston Classic. Then they crossed the river to Nebraska on January 2, 2026 for another Panther victory. This time versus Hartington Cedar Catholic.

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Work continues along Sioux Point Road

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DV, EPJ leaders meet on state budget outlook

Dakota Valley hosted a quo‑rum on December 18, 2025 to talk about Governor Larry Rhoden’s annual state budget address. The South Dakota governor delivered his budget statements on December 2, 2025. Panther superintendent Garrett Schmidt was on-hand along with DV school board member Matt Thompson.

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Scouts collect Dunes trees for park mulch

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‘Flurries of Fun’ begins at library

Finding the best winter books for patrons is always on the agenda for the North Sioux City library, but it is especially true as they usher in the new year. With the kickstart to 2026, there also comes the “Flurries of Fun” reading challenge. Librarian Liane Welte and her staff are thrilled to be organizing this 8-week program. They have been promoting it since the fall and are working hard to…

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EPJ ties for 9th, earns five medals at MCM Invite

January 3, 2026 marked the 1st wrestling contest of the new year for the Elk Point-Jefferson Huskies. The team competed against over 20 schools in the McCook Central Montrose (MCM) Invitational. As a roster, EPJ finished tied for 9th with 81 points. Redfield also had 91 points.

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