The Dakota Valley wrestling squad had their hands full on Tuesday, Dec. 13 as they travelled to Elk Point for a triangular against tough conference foes Vermillion and Elk Point-Jefferson (EPJ). The Panthers lost their dual with the Tanagers in a good contest by a score of 23-48. They fell to the Huskies 10-54.

Union County’s elected officials were approved for a raise at the Union County Board of County Commission meeting Dec. 13. As of next year, elected officials will see an increase of $2 per hour, except Union County State’s Attorney Jerry Miller who is receiving a $7,000 raise.

Despite windy winter weather a lot of fun was had at the North Sioux City library for their “Cookies & Cocoa at the Library” event. Santa Claus was the guest of honor as he made an appearance to talk with all of the good little boys and girls in the library. He handed out candy canes and indoor snowballs to many, and even read a story to the crowd.

Due to changes in the 2023 school calendar, Dakota Valley students will now have two more days off from school instead of early outs. The Dakota Valley School Board made the decision at their meeting Dec. 12. The early out days marked for March 6 and April 3, 2023 were changed from early outs to no school days.

It wouldn’t be the holidays without a children’s music program, and Dakota Valley is spoiled when it comes to seeing students in kindergarten through 3rd grade perform for a crowd in December. This is all thanks to Sara Eckhoff, who has been teaching music for four decades and annually puts on a festive stage show that leaves all who attend in awe.

South Dakotans depend on their local community newspaper to keep them informed and connected and here are the facts. • Every month, 574,000 consumers – or 83 percent of South Dakota adults – read the local newspaper in print or online.

Two major ordinances were approved at the Elk Point City Council meeting Dec. 5.

We take pride at Dakota Valley in that we teach students from elementar y all the way through high school to be kind to their friends. We would like to say that this occurs 100 percent of the time. However, the truth is that many times students feel lonely, left out or outright excluded from their peers at school. In a world where children are bombarded with YouTube

South Dakotans depend on their local community newspaper to keep them informed and connected and here are the facts. • Every month, 574,000 consumers – or 83 percent of South Dakota adults – read the local newspaper in print or online.

Band Director Daryl Jessen and Choir Director Kari Wilmes conducted multiple students from 7th grade to 12th grade in the Performing Arts Center at Dakota Valley’s Winter Band & Vocal Concert on Dec. 2.