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Panthers show their smarts at first South Dakota Civics Bee

The first ever South Dakota National Civics Bee regional competition was held in downtown Sioux City, on April 7, 2026, with multiple Panthers competing. Held at the RE/MAX City Centre, and hosted by the Dakota Valley Business Council, students were quizzed on their knowledge of government and history in front of a crowd and three judges.
A Message from Mayor Chris Bogenrief

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

Ironclad

Legion, VFW donate $1,000 at EPJ Educators Rising Bingo fundraiser

On May 1, EPJ Educators Rising hosted a Bingo fundraiser at the American Legion Post 134 in Elk Point. More than 100 community members attended the event, creating a fun evening while showing strong support for local students.

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Huskies split busy stretch with sweep of Tri‑County

Elk Point-Jefferson played a lot of baseball to end April and start the month of May. A doubleheader versus the Tri-County Sundogs happened on April 30, 2026. The match-up resulted in a pair of Husky wins. Tough games versus Scotland/Menno and Canton on May 2, 2026 had Elk Point-Jefferson (EPJ) on the losing side. More fierce play continued on Monday, May 4, 2026 against Beresford.

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Area students honored among South Dakota’s top 1 percent

Several area high school seniors were recognized April 27 as part of the top 1 percent of South Dakota’s Class of 2026 at the 36th annual Academic Excellence Recognition luncheon. The event, hosted by Gov.

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Elk Point-Jefferson stacks medals, PRs in strong week

Fast finishes and top marks were recorded by the Huskies in track and field on April 28, 2026. Elk Point-Jefferson (EPJ) was at the Dakota Valley Invite, in North Sioux City, where the Husky squad looked strong in multiple events.

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Commissioners raise speed limit on County Road 23

Union County commissioners raised the speed limit on a por‑tion of County Road 23, approved a zoning change in Dakota Dunes and moved forward on several ma‑jor highway projects during their April 28 meeting.

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County approves courthouse reno bid

On March 31, 2026, the Union County Commission‑ers accepted the low bid of $5,780, from “L&L Build‑ers based in Sioux City, IA. The commission voted unanimously to accept the bid. The bid will cover renovations and additional square footage to the exist‑ing Union County Court‑house. The bid also covers renovations and additional square footage to the Union County Sheriff’s Office. The current…

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Historic brick kiln undergoing restoration

The Union County Historical So‑ciety is continuing restoration work on the county’s historic brick kiln, a 19th‑century beehive kiln believed to be one of the earliest brick‑making sites in South Dakota.

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Masquerade magic fills the gym at EPJ

Masquerade Ball was the theme for Elk Point-Jefferson’s prom on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Huskies in 11th grade and 12th grade, plus their guests, were dressed in formal attire for a fun evening. Justin Clercx, the activities director at Elk Point-Jefferson (EPJ) served as master of ceremonies.

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Elk Point kicks off phase 2 of Country Club Estates

A crowd was observed on the south end of Pheasant Road, in Elk Point, on Thursday, April 23, 2026. The large gathering occurred at 10:30 am. All were present for the ribbon cutting ceremony to honor Elk Point’s city council approval of the second phase in regards to Country Club Estates. John Curry, Principal of Elk Point Investments, was on-site as were many local officials, community members,…

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Panthers compete hard in tough road game at Madison

Dakota Valley softball faced top-ranked Madison on Monday, April 20, 2026 in an away contest. The game went 7 innings, but had the Panthers on the losing end by a score of 3-9. Senior Annie Bourne started in the circle and had 2 strikeouts for DV. Junior Emma Barnett pitched in relief and also had 2 Ks.

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