Each year, national nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) recognizes top sponsorship groups for excellence in serving their local community while helping to share the yearlong mission to Remember, Honor, Teach. Among the thousands of supportive groups honoring locally interred veterans through wreath sponsorships, WAA recently announced that special recognition has been given to five sponsorship groups for their contribution as the 2023 top groups in South Dakota.

On Tuesday, April 16, Ben Linden received the Hancher Finkbine medallion. This 107 year old award is the highest, most prestigious award given to students at the University of Iowa.

The Dakota Valley School Board called a special meeting on May 1 and held two executive sessions and approved the resignations and new hires. The first executive session for personnel matters had no motion made in open session.

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Auditions for Dakota Players’ original musical production of On the Road to Bremen Town theatre camp will be held at the EPJ middle school Gym on Monday, May 20 at 1 p.m. Dakota Players will guide the young talent of Union County and the surrounding area through a fun-filled, motivating week of theatre magic! On the Road to Bremen Town production is designed with suitable parts for every age, skill and experience level involved.

The South Dakota Newsmedia Association held its annual Awards Conference in Huron April 26. The Dakota Dunes/ North Sioux City Times had two 1st place finishes from reporter/photographer Kelly Riibe.

Competitive dancers from North Sioux City’s 5678! Dance Studio traveled to Orlando, FL on April 26-29 for The Dance Worlds Competition at Coronado Springs Resort & Convention Center. Five competitive dances qualified for the studio which is owned and operated by Melissa Strong.

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The Elk Point Car Wash, soon to be renamed to The Wave Auto Wash, switched hands in November 2023 and recently opened again in February 2024. Monte and Rachel Post of rural Canton purchased the car wash and have made extensive changes throughout the last few months.

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