The combat sport, and a highly practiced martial art, of judo has been popular with some high schoolers in the area. So popular in fact, that Eston and Bella Monical, from Dakota Dunes, traveled to judo’s birthplace of Japan this past summer. The siblings are both brown belts and they visited the Asian country accompanied by their mom Wendy.

The Dakota Valley School District Board of Education approved a district-wide data center upgrade and appointed Andrew Nilges as the ASBSD Delegate Assembly Member. It reviewed department updates and more than $1 million in expenditures during its regular meeting Oct. 13.

.

The Union County Board of Commissioners approved a $240,021 budget supplement, accepted a resignation, and reviewed preliminary courthouse expansion plans during its regular meeting Oct. 14.

It was an early call time for the Panther marching band on Friday, October 3, 2025 as they traveled to Menno for their 2nd competition of the season. Seventeen schools competed at the 2025 Menno Band Day event. Dakota Valley was there along with Tea Area, Howard, West Central, Pierre, Parkston, Mount Vernon, Scotland, Centerville, Alcester-Hudson, Wessington Springs, Yankton and more.

The North Sioux City Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment approved multiple development requests during their September 24 and October 8 meetings, including a new drive-thru restaurant, a Kwik Star convenience store, and several zoning variances along River Drive.

A long-running legal dispute over a proposed canal near McCook Lake reached its conclusion Sept. 25, when the South Dakota Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of developer Michael Chicoine and his company, Dakota Bay.

The North Sioux City Commission approved multiple planning and zoning actions, launched a senior meal program, and discussed land acquisition strategies during its regular meeting Oct. 6 at City Hall.

.

The Brule Go-Getters 4-H Club started its new year with a new slate of officers and a renewed commitment to community service. Keely Steinbrecher was elected president, joined by Amelia Mannon as vice president, Tyson Freeman as secretary, Addilyn Barker as treasurer, Naomi Handshaker as photographer and Jamarius McBride as chaplain.