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The Elk Point‑Jef‑ferson Board of Educa‑tion covered technology updates, staffing needs, building projects and student achievements during its March 9 regu‑lar meeting, while also approving resignations, volunteer coaching ap‑plications and Board of Equalization appoint‑ments.

Panther high schoolers in speech and debate traveled to Aberdeen, South Dakota on March 6-7, 2026 for the annual state contest. Success was garnered as Dakota Valley brought home a state champion in Hrishika Vimalkumar who took top honors in the category of Informative Speaking.

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South Dakota’s state wrestling tournament is always a memorable experience. And this year was something special for Dan Swatek of Elk Point. In addition to watching his son, Luke, win 5th place in the 150 pound weight class, Swatek was inducted into the South Dakota Wrestling Hall of Fame on February 28, 2026.

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.

The North Sioux City Commission approved several development actions Monday, including multiple final plats in the Union Crossing project and a $3.7 million contract for reconstruction of Northshore Drive.

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.