November 18 kicked off practice sessions for the Panther girls basketball team. There are currently 17 Dakota Valley players out for high school ball with it anticipated that some 8th graders will join once their middle school season wraps up in mid-December. Familiar faces can be seen this year as Head Coach Tammy Lilly returns for her 16th season of leading the Panthers.

The Panther boys high school basketball team hit the gym for the start of the practices on Monday, Nov. 27. Dakota Valley will look to continue their undefeated season winning streak that has been in succession for back-to-back years.

A community coat drive is being held in North Sioux City. In attempts to help those who are in need of warm clothing this winter season, clean and new or gently-used coats can be donated.

Pierre and Sioux Falls made the list of the top 25 small and large cities, respectively, in the newly released AARP Livability Index for 2023. Launched in 2015, the AARP Livability Index platform scores livability by using more than 50 national data sources, such as the U.S.

The first draft of the enterprise fund budget was presented to the Dakota Dunes Community Improvement District Board of Supervisors Monday, Nov. 20. In the water fund, there was a proposed rate increase which had been projected the year prior during a three-year rate increase scale.

The Giving Tree is up and ready for participants at Dakota Valley. The tree is located inside the High School Lobby.

A fentanyl scare throughout the last election season has all the states and counties looking for ways to prevent overdoses occurring through the mail. Information regarding House Bill 1162 was presented to the Union County Board of County Commissioners Nov. 28 at their meeting. HB1162 is an act to authorize employers to acquire and make available opioid antagonists.

The Annual David Romo Memorial Turkey Trot occurred at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve on Thanksgiving morning this past Nov. 23, 2023. It was a volunteer fun run that runners, joggers and walkers enjoyed from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. before embarking on their holiday plans.

Jefferson Beer Supply, local Siouxland brewery, will be hosting their second annual Santa Paws on Dec. 9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s a holiday photoshoot for your family and pet(s). Bring your dog, cat, rabbit, lizard or any other pet to come get photos taken with Santa Claus. Photography will be done by Cass Schmith of Back Roads Artistry. Each participant will receive three to five photos in an online gallery available the following day and one printed 5x7 which can be picked up in the taproom on or after Dec. 23.

William “Bill” Shorma is excited to announce his 2024 bid for re-election to District 17 House of Representatives. Shorma and his wife Marcie live in Dakota Dunes, and are involved in the Southern Union County communities and Clay County towns as well.