The Dakota Valley community prepares to spread joy and support for our students through the annual giving tree initiative. The Giving tree is a beautiful reminder of our community's spirit of giving. Donating presents directly to students in need can help ensure every child experiences the joy of the holiday season. This initiative is a collaborative effort, with all items purchased going directly to benefit students and their families who may be facing challenges during this festive time.

North Sioux City heads to the polls to vote for a form of city government. The two forms of government are the current aldermanic form or a 5-commissioner municipality form comprised of 4 commissioners and one mayor. Both forms may employ a city administrator.

.

Nine Panthers, along with many other incredible musicians met up in Canton, South Dakota on November 26, 2024 for Region 1 Honor Band. The annual concert took place in the Canton Performing Arts Center and was well attended.

Auditions for Dakota Valley’s One-Act play were held just before Thanksgiving. This year the talented thespians will be performing “Oh, What A Tangled Web” by John R. Carroll. Anna Michaelson, Panther high school teacher and the play’s director, is excited for her students to start rehearsals.

On November 26, 2024, the Union County Board of Commissioners convened for a regular session at 8:30 a.m. Members present included Chairman Kevin Joffer, Tom Kimmel, and Peggy Ustad.

Band Director Preston Pohlman accompanied some very talented Huskies to Canton on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 for Region 1 Honor Band. It was an evening of wonderful music with Elk Point-Jefferson having the following band students attend: Tessa McMahan: EPJ Regan Rasmussen: Flute Natalie Wells: Trumpet Carter Langle: Trombone Thomas Hemmingstad Percussion Jillyan Vande Vegte: Percussion The concert took place in the Canton Performing Arts Center. Band students practiced all day together and were under the direction of Dr. Christopher Brandt from Morningside University in Sioux City. The large group worked on-stage all at once and also in sections throughout the course of the day.

This year marks a milestone for the EPJ Unified Champion School’s Special Olympics Bowling team, as they proudly completed their second season of participation in this engaging sport. The team is a vibrant mix of athletes and unified partners.

The aftermath of the June 2024 flooding is ongoing as many throughout Union County continue to repair, renovate and help. The local sports complex in North Sioux City was hit hard when the Big Sioux River rose to record levels. The main baseball field was submerged and sustained the most significant damage. Despite the disastrous flooding, volunteer efforts have pulled together to make sure youth in the area are still able to play ball.

On November 11, 2024, the Dakota Valley School District #618 Board of Education convened for a regular meeting at 6:00 PM. The session, was presided over by Chairperson Kistner, with board members Dooley, Nilges, Norby, and Kistner present. Member Thompson was absent.