DV students attend HOSA International Leadership Conference

Several Dakota Valley high schoolers traveled to Nashville, Tennessee on June 18-21, 2025 to represent the Panthers for HOSA which stands for Health Occupations Students of America. The International Leadership Conference (ILC) brought together HOSA students from all over the country and world for seminars, workshops, exhibits and competitive events.

DDHOA 4th of July reminders

On Tuesday, June 24, 2025 an email was sent by Dakota Dunes HOA Manager Kim Leif to the residents of Dakota Dunes regarding matters pertaining to the upcoming 4th of July holiday. Stated in the email was a reminder of when it is okay to shoot fireworks within the Dunes neighborhoods.

Legislators advocate for McCook Lake

Senator Sydney Davis serves on the Senate Committees for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Health and Human Services, and Taxation. Representative Chris Kassin serves on the House Appropriations Committee and the Joint Committee on Appropriations.

Murray, Riibe attend USAO Academy-Summer law camp

Soon to be Panther seniors, Alexandria Murray and Mia Riibe, attended the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) Academy-Summer Law Camp for 2025. The Dakota Valley students applied in the spring and had to submit an application as well as answer a variety of essay questions in order to be accepted. The students were alerted near the end of April or early parts of May, by the U.S. Attorney’s Office District of South Dakota, on their acceptance.

Toads, tunes, and more: Jefferson’s Days of ’59

Each July, the town of Jefferson, South Dakota, comes alive with the Jefferson Days of ‘59 Celebration. This five-day festival honors the community’s founding spirit with a blend of tradition, fun, and smalltown pride. This year’s celebration takes place from Wednesday, July 9, to Sunday, July 13, 2025, and the schedule is packed with activities for all ages.

Picklefest hosted by JBS

Jefferson Beer Supply is hosting a three-day celebration of all things pickle on July 11, 12, and 13. They will have pickle-flavored ale and food.

Castellanos-Rosales guilty

By: Kelly Riibe

It was a big day on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the Elk Point courthouse as the jury handed down a guilty verdict in the murder trial involving Alfredo Castellanos-Rosales and the stabbing of Jordan (Jordy) Beardshear. For almost two weeks, the court had been in session as state prosecutors and the defense team for Castellanos-Rosales presented their sides of the case.

Nature camps at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

Nature campers, Jody Moats and interns all play with a large parachute for a fun game during the “Wild for Wetlands” camp on June 19, 2025.         Photo by Kelly Riibe • times2reporter@gmail.com