On April 3, the Elk Point- Jefferson High School band traveled to Vermillion High School to participate in the Region 1 Large Group Music Contest. The band performed “Symphonic Prelude” by John Cacavas, Arisoso by G.F. Handel arr. John Kinyon, and Kaleidoscope by Frank Bencriscutto. Three judges gave a rating based on a number of categories such as Tone, Accuracy, Interpretation, Technique, etc. The band received a Division 1 or Superior rating, which is the highest rating and so did the choir. The judges also give us constructive feedback to continue to improve our sound.

Twenty-four EPJ students put on the play “Too Many Detectives at the Murder Mansion.” The play had not one, but 11 famous detectives including Sherlock Holmes, Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, Batman, the Scooby Doo and the Mystery Crew, Miss Marple, and Sam Spade and two not famous ones, Kane and Christie. They were all called to Madame Doyle’s house to solve the murder of Madame Doyle. The cast and crew put in several hours memorizing their lines and blockng, to bring the show to light and it had not one, but three endings.

Dakota Valley senior Karlee Hughes earned the honorable distinction to attend the 2024 Youth Leadership Forum at Northern State University from June 2-6, 2024. Many from across South Dakota applied and over 100 were interviewed with Hughes making the final cut.

South Dakota Representative Dusty Johnson recently paid a visit to the CNOS – Dakota Dunes Clinic. This visit underscores Congressman Johnson’s commitment to understanding and supporting the innovation in healthcare in South Dakota and the tri-state region.

U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson visited the Dakota Valley School District on April 2.

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Atrophycamehomewith the Panther high school jazz band from Norfolk, NE on Tuesday, March 26 as Dakota Valley claimed 1st prize in the Level II band category. They also received a Superior plus rating per band director Daryl Jessen in what was a very successful day for DV.

Former South Dakota American Legion Post #319 Commander Michael Kumm passed the torch to 2024 Commander Timothy Waugh. Officers for 2024 are Finance Officer Gene Christiansen Jr., Commander Timothy Waugh, Service Officer Lisa Schenzel, Vice-Commander, Chaplain Dave Young, and Adjutant David Roepke, Historian Gregory Johns and Sergeant of Arms Robert Ballard.

The 2024 Primary election candidate lists have been released. The primary election will be held on Tuesday, June 4 from 7 a.m.

The Union County Board of County Commission meeting on April 2 had a lot of insurance talk and was wrapped up in 2.5 hours. The county’s current Wellmark, health insurance plan, was due.