Union County commissioners voted 4–1 on Tuesday to accept a $45,600 proposal from Michaels Fence to replace the failing fence around the fairgrounds track and grandstand. Commissioners Kevin Joffer, Bob Ballard, Tom Kimmel and Peggy Ustad supported the bid, while Commissioner Michael Dailey cast the lone dissenting vote.

Soloists, duets, trios and ensembles played in Dakota Valley’s Performing Arts Center on Thursday, March 19, 2026 for the “Night of Superiors” music concert. It was an evening full of band and choir performances. The goal of the concert was to recognize Panther students who had received the high rating of SUPERIOR at regional small group contests in 2026.

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The Dakota Valley School Board moved through a full agenda March 9, taking action on personnel changes, curriculum purchases and 2026–27 contracts while hearing updates on school safety, community events and the upcoming school board election deadline.

This year’s prom at Dakota Valley will be on Saturday, March 28, 2026 for Panther seniors and juniors, plus their dates. This year’s theme is “Masquerade Mystery”. The grand march is set to happen at 8 pm in the high school gym. It is a great opportunity for the general public to attend and take photos in addition to seeing attendees in their formalwear.

School parking lots, at Dakota Valley, were full as many attended the Panther’s annual “Donuts with Grown-Ups” event for the elementary and upper elementary students. Preschool through 3rd grade had a morning of frosted baked goods on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Students in 4th and 5th grade were able to invite their grown-ups to breakfast on Thursday, March 5.

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Dakota Valley High School has hired longtime college coach Shane LaDage as its next head football coach, bringing more than 15 years of experience across multiple collegiate programs to the Panthers. LaDage spent the past four seasons as head coach at Briar Cliff University, where he focused on building a strong team culture and developing players on and off the field.

An induction ceremony for Dakota Valley’s National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) was held on Monday, March 2, 2026 in the Performing Arts Center. Stacey Langley, the NJHS adviser, coordinated the event. Ella Greene and Aubrey Bird, Panther 8th graders, served as the masters of ceremony.

A Message from Mayor Chris Bogenrief Staying Connected Close to Home At times, the world beyond our community can feel heavy. Headlines move fast, national conversations grow loud, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by stories happening far from home.