Steve Kistner, a McCook Lake resident and Dakota Valley School District Board Member, recently received the Distinguished Service Award, from the Associated School Boards of South Dakota (ASBSD). It was an honor to recognize his decade of service. It was also a big milestone for Kistner as all ushered in the start of the 2025/26 academic school year.

Fleurish Flower Farm will celebrate the close of its u-pick flower season with a two-day autumn festival, “Fall Into Fleurish,” on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 20–21. The event will be held at the farm’s location at 47663 SD Hwy 50, just west of Elk Point, and will feature seasonal foods, live music, pumpkins, and one final stroll through the flower fields.

The Dakota Valley School District Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, Sept. 8, addressing a full agenda that included staffing transitions, policy revisions, surplus declarations, and union negotiations. The meeting was held at 6 p.m. in the district board room and was called to order by Vice-Chairperson Matt Thompson. Board members Jessica Hanson, Andrew Nilges, and Emily Norby were present; member Steve Kistner was absent. Superintendent Garrett Schmidt and Business Manager Jill Sponder were also in attendance.

Jefferson Beer Supply, a Siouxland craft brewery, invites everyone to join in the fun and celebrate Oktoberfest with us Saturday September 20th from 12-6pm. This familyfriendly traditional German beer garden event features live original music, German food and drinks, Oktoberfest games, steins, and more- all while supporting a worthy cause.

Aiden Keenan, a recent graduate of Dakota Valley, received the honor of Eagle Scout on May 18, 2025. In order to earn this high achievement, a scout must advance through the ranks via the order of Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star and Life.

It seems no matter a person’s age, he or she can always recall where they were on September 11, 2001 when hijacked planes struck the World Trade Center in New York City. The 9/11 terrorist attack, which also targeted the Pentagon, was an atrocity on the United States. What occurred when four commercial planes were overtaken by Islamist extremists, from the network known as al-Qaeda, was difficult to fathom even as it unfolded on live television. It now serves as a core memory for many.

Never one to shy away from hard competition, the Panther dance team showed they could hang and defeat bigger Class AA schools on Thursday, September 4, 2025. Traveling to Mitchell to compete at the Corn Palace it was a day of flawless routines from the Panthers. The dance squad placed high in both their jazz and pom categories. They brought home 3rd place overall among a strong field of dance programs.

The North Sioux City Commission met in regular session Sept. 2, where members approved the first readings of two ordinances, reviewed library policy updates, and held a public hearing on a proposed rezoning at 600 Freedom Drive.

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