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Stifel

Jorgensen honored with hospitality award

Burbank resident Nor‑een Jorgensen is happy to share the beauty and histo‑ry of Blue Tin Ranch as it is more than just a home and a business. It is a dream. And also a source of joy that she shares with those who visit from near and far. On January 22, 2026, recogni‑tion of Jorgensen’s zeal for Blue Tin Ranch was on full display, as she received the Ruth Ziolkowski Outstand‑ing Hospitality & Customer Service Award.
Best Buddies builds inclusion at Dakota Valley

Inclusion, friendship, leader‑ship and camaraderie are all great things being perpetuated in Dakota Valley’s Best Buddies program. Only in its second year of existence, within the Pan‑ther school district, the program boosts solid numbers when it comes to volunteers and social interactions. Program advisors are Madison Kenney for the high school and Morgan Hinds for the Panther middle school. Both are educators in the special educa‑tion department (SPED) at Da‑kota Valley (DV).
Storyland Carnival debuts at DV

Dakota Valley’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), in conjunction with the Panther elementary school, hosted an event called Storyland Carnival on Thursday, March 19, 2026. From 5:30 pm to 8 pm, a love for reading and fun was brought to life.
Rasmussen, SD 4‑H take national runner‑up

Union County 4‑H member Regan Ras‑mussen returned from San Antonio with more than memories—she came home a national reserve champion. Rasmussen, the daughter of Mike and Trisha Rasmussen of Elk Point, represented South Dakota at the 2026 4‑H Family & Con‑sumer Sciences Nation‑al Championship, where the state’s Skill‑A‑Thon team earned second place nationally and third place in the Life Skills Assessment.
Building beds, building community

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Ironclad

Commissioners OK contracts, adjust property values

The Union County Commission moved quickly through a light agenda Tuesday, approving two property assessment appeals and authorizing contracts tied to upcoming county projects. Commissioners Kevin Joffer, Michael Dailey, Bob Ballard and Peggy Ustad opened the April 21 meeting at 9:30 a.m.

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DV brings home titles, officer post from state FBLA

South Dakota’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) held their state leadership conference on April 13-14, 2026 in Pierre, South Dakota. Justine Sponder, the Dakota Valley (DV) high school business teacher, accompanied a dozen Panther students to the state’s capital for the event.

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Elk Point to host Special Olympics Torch Run on May 11

Local law enforcement officers, Special Olympics athletes and community members will take part in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run in Elk Point on Monday, May 11. The event will begin at 11:15 a.m.

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Panthers post top scores in dual, shine at EPJ Invite

Golf swings were looking good for the Dakota Valley girls team on April 21, 2026 as they played well in their dual meet with Elk Point-Jefferson. Impressive scores were recorded by the Panthers. Sophomore Katie Betsworth shot 3 under par to lead her team. Claire Wiebelhaus had a 40 and Addicyn Sailer secured a 41. A 52 was shot by Skylar Anderson, Nicole Yang and Remy Probasco.

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Absentee voting now open in Union County as ballots arrive

Absentee voting for South Dakota’s June 2 primary election began Monday, April 27, after Union County received its ballots, the county auditor’s office announced.

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DV bats stay hot in two‑game sweep of Tri‑County

Two wins were secured by the Dakota Valley varsity baseball team versus the Tri-County Sundogs in mid-April. The Panthers were victorious by large margins in both contests as the bats were on fire and pitching was sound. Their opponents, the Tri-County Sundogs, consisted of players from Irene, Gayville, Volin, Wakonda, Hurley and Viborg.

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Betsworth shoots even par to lead DV to second place

Competition began for Dakota Valley (DV) girls golf on April 13, 2026 with a quadrangular meet at Beresford. Panther varsity and junior varsity (JV) golfers pulled out their drivers, irons and putters to play The Bridges at Beresford Golf Course.

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Dakota Valley board OKs staffing changes

The Dakota Valley School Board approved a series of staffing changes, contract actions and program agreements during its April 13 regu‑lar meeting, moving forward on preparations for the 2026‑27 school year.

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DV relay shatters school record in Hartford

Much success was had by the Dakota Valley (DV) track and field team on April 13, 2026 at the West Central (WC) Invite in Hartford. Even a slight weather delay could not slow down the Panthers as they cruised to top finishes and even a school record in the girls 4x100m relay.

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Library Week underscores NSC library’s impact

As National Library Week was observed na‑tionwide April 19–25, the North Sioux City Commu‑nity Library is being high‑lighted for its year‑round role as a resource for learn‑ing, technology access and community connection.

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