The Elk Point Community Ambulance Board celebrated one of their own recently as they recognized Joann (Staum) Vinzant for her 35 years of service. A native of Elk Point, Vinzant joined the town’s ambulance team in the 1980s as an emergency medical technician (EMT). She later became a valued board member.

The City Council of North Sioux City convened for its regular meeting on January 21, 2025, at 7:00 PM, led by Mayor Teel. In attendance were council members Mr. Benson, Mr. Bogenrief, Mr. Christenson, Ms. Christiansen, Mr. Davis, Mr. Green, Ms. Hoffman, and Mr. Meyer. City Administrator Jeff Dooley, City Finance Officer Amy Lilly, and City Attorney Sarah Kleber also assisted with the meeting.

After strong showings by the girls Cteam and junior varsity squads, on Friday, January 24, 2025, the varsity Panther girls found themselves down early versus Tri-Valley. It was senior night and there was a great crowd to cheer on Dakota Valley as they rallied for a fierce victory.

On January 21, 2025, the Union County Board of Commissioners convened for their regular session at the Courthouse in Elk Point, South Dakota. The meeting began promptly at 8:30 a.m. and was attended by Commissioners Michael Dailey, Tom Kimmel, Kevin Joffer, and Peggy Ustad.

It was a busy news day in regards to weather and politics on Monday, January 20, 2025. Arctic temperatures had Dakota Valley and Elk Point-Jefferson calling for late starts to the school day in order to keep morning commutes safe. The next President of the United States also took the oath of office in Washington D.C.

High school thespians at Elk Point-Jefferson have been putting in the work to ready themselves for this year’s one-act season. The group of talented students are set to perform “Bobby Wilson Can Eat His Own Face” by Don Zolidis.

The Dakota Valley School District’s regular Board of Education meeting took place on January 13, 2025, at 6:00 PM, led by Chairperson Kistner. In attendance were board members Kistner, Nilges, Norby, and Thompson, while Dooley was absent. A number of district administrators were also present, including Dr. Warzecha and Business Manager Sponder.

On January 13, 2025, the Elk Point-Jefferson Board of Education convened for its regular meeting at 5:00 PM in the high school study hall. The session was led by President Geary, and board members Brewer, Hanson, Jacobs, and Sayler were also in attendance. Superintendent Schonebaum, Business Manager Watterson, and various school principals, including Eriksen and Throener, as well as K-12 Dean of Students/ Activities Director Clercx, contributed to the discussions. Notably, there were no participants during the open forum segment of the meeting.

Big news in the community closed out 2024 as North Sioux City reopened Northshore Drive on December 31, 2024. The road had been closed to public traffic for months due to the June floods and subsequent damages.

Story contributed by Cassandra Schmith The Structured Learning Center (SLC) classroom (6th-12th grade and adult transition special education students) have joined forces with Union Bean Coffee in Elk Point.