The first ever South Dakota National Civics Bee regional competition was held in downtown Sioux City, on April 7, 2026, with multiple Panthers competing. Held at the RE/MAX City Centre, and hosted by the Dakota Valley Business Council, students were quizzed on their knowledge of government and history in front of a crowd and three judges.

A strong community does not happen by accident. It takes good people, steady effort, and thoughtful planning.

The Union County Commission moved forward on a major courthouse and sheriff’s office expansion Tuesday while also approving a series of personnel changes, highway agreements and audit findings during a wide‑ranging March 31 meeting.

Dakota Valley’s prom was not the only formal affair in town on Saturday, March 28, 2026 as the Panther’s Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) also held their annual “Daddy Daughter Dance”. Approximately 230 people attended the fun event which took place in the Dakota Valley (DV) elementary school building.

Representatives from the City of North Sioux City, Union County, the McCook Lake Association, and the McCook Lake Izaak Walton League are meeting regularly and working together to support the long-term sustainability and future of McCook Lake. This includes ongoing recovery efforts following the 2024 flood. These groups recognize the significant impact the flood has had on the lake and surrounding properties. Cleanup and recovery efforts are ongoing, and there is a shared commitment to continuing this work as conditions allow and resources become available.

My name is Troy Redler, and I am an‑nouncing my candidacy for the South Dakota House of Representa‑tives in District 17 for the 2026 election cycle. As a small business owner and father, I felt it was the right time to step forward and serve.

William Shorma of Dakota Dunes said he will not seek re‑election to the South Dakota House of Representa‑tives and instead will run for the Union Coun‑ty Commission seat rep‑resenting District 1.

Early and absentee voting for South Dakota’s June 2 primary election will begin April 17, giv‑ing voters more than six weeks to cast ballots ahead of Election Day. Voters may cast absen‑tee ballots in person at their county audi‑tor’s office during regu‑lar business hours.

The Union County Commission moved for‑ward on a major court‑house and sheriff’s office expansion Tuesday while also approving a series of personnel changes, highway agreements and audit findings during a wide‑ranging March 31 meeting.