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Panther Pride on display at DV open house
The Dakota Valley school district hosted their open house on Thursday, August 14, 2025. The middle school and high school were open for students and families to visit, meet teachers, find classrooms and allow students to practice their locker combinations.
DDCID advances levee repair
Only board members Janet Finzen and Bill Shorma were absent for the regular meeting of the Dakota Dunes Community Improvement District (CID) on July 21, 2025. Ken Beaulieu, Scott Wetz, Julie Shanafelt were present along with CID attorney Darrell Jesse, CID Manager Andrew Tramp, Finance Officer Katelyn Irby and resident Larry Wiese.
Introduction to new teachers at Elk Point-Jefferson
Elk Point-Jefferson is pleased to welcome Kaitlyn Tassler to the elementary school as a new 1st grade teacher for the 2025/26 school year. The Leader-Courier reached out to Tassler with a questionnaire so all in the community could get to know her better.
EPJ kicks off school year with open house
Students and their families could stop by the Elk Point-Jefferson school from 3 pm to 7 pm for this year’s open house on Thursday, August 14, 2025. Grades 6th through 12th were encouraged to attend as all get ready to usher in the 2025/26 school year. Families with students in junior kindergarten through 5th grade received email notifications in order to set up their own visits with teachers.
DV boys soccer opens season with gritty road performance
The Panther boys high school soccer team started off the fall season on Saturday, August 16, 2025 with an away match versus the Freeman Academy Bobcats. It was a close contest that had Dakota Valley leading at the half by a score of 2-1. However, their opponent made some adjustments in the 2nd half to overcome the deficit and take the lead. The Panthers were handed a loss by a score of 3-5.
Jorgensen competes on reality show
A local face is getting national attention as Burbank resident Kelley Jorgensen competes for $750,000 on the CBS reality hit show “Big Brother.” In its 27th season on the air, Jorgensen is among several other houseguests living together in isolation from the rest of the world. Challenges, prizes, alliances and strategies are in play throughout the competition as houseguests are voted off the show…
Little Free Libraries spark connection, curiosity
A simple wooden box filled with books has become a symbol of connection, curiosity, and community in Elk Point, thanks to the efforts of local resident and teacher Vanessa Norby. What began as a summer inspiration has grown into a wellloved fixture in town. A year ago, Norby installed her first Little Free Library in the front yard of her home at 110 Cedar Court. Since then, the small structure…
Buffalo chips, pie and pioneer spirit at Adams
In honor of the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve becoming a state park in South Dakota, a celebration was held on Saturday, August 9, 2025. Visitors flocked to the landmark to step back in time and enjoy the historical atmosphere. This has become an annual event and marked the 28th year for Adams being a state park.
