Dakota Valley fell 5-2 at Freeman on Saturday, Aug. 15, but the Panthers showed clear improvement from last season.

With the start of the school year approaching, the Elk Point-Jefferson School Board locked in coaching positions, raised adult meal prices and reviewed facility up‑dates during its Aug. 10 meeting.

South Dakota’s new‑est historical marker was dedicated Aug. 8 at Elmwood Cemetery in rural Elk Point, where about 60 people gath‑ered for a ceremony that also rededicated the historic burial grounds.

A talented roster from Dakota Valley (DV) played hard at the junior legion state tourney, in Redfield, South Dakota, on August 7-9, 2026. Each of their 3 contests were determined by only a 1-run differential. Taking a tough 1st round loss, DV battled back through the loser’s bracket to garner 2 more wins. This meant they left Redfield with a 5th place state finish.

Beautiful weather and large crowds were present at the Adams Homestead Celebration on Saturday, August 8, 2026. This annual event is held to honor the anniversary of Ad‑ams becoming a state park which happened back in 1997. The event was free to the public and many from across the tri-state area at‑tended.

Strong play at the 2026 South Dakota Class B Senior Legion state tourney had Dakota Valley battling hard from July 31-August 4, 2026. The seasoned Panther squad played well on their way to a state runnerup finish. They showcased grit and talent after a 4-6 loss to Madison, in the 1st round, on July 31, 2026. However, Dakota Valley (DV) was not done in the double elimination tournament. The Panthers would go on a win streak that had them making it to the finals on Sunday, August 4, 2026.

The Panthers represent‑ed well at the Best Buddies leadership conference, on the campus of Indiana Uni‑versity, on July 17-19, 2026. Dakota Valley (DV) teacher and Best Buddies advisor Madison Kenney accompa‑nied six students from DV as they attended education‑al sessions and met peers from across the country. Students at the conference included: India Orr, Emily Olhausen, Payten Kono‑pasek, Tyce Emrich, Ian Weber and Logan Brandon.

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The Jefferson City Council accepted a res‑ignation Monday and ad‑vanced zoning updates while approving a hous‑ing study and addressing park equipment needs. Ward 1 Council Mem‑ber Mark LaFleur, who has served on the council for many years, resigned following a brief execu‑tive session at the start of the meeting.