An annual tradition, the much loved “Cookies, Cocoa and Santa” event, took place at the North Sioux City Library on Thursday, Dec. 14. It was hosted by the library’s staff and ran from 10am to 6pm with Santa Claus making stops to visit children at 10:30am and 5pm.

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For the next two weeks, the Southern Union County Leader-Courier will have early deadlines due to the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. For those wishing to submit any announcements, advertisements or legals for the Dec.

A short discussion was held on the Elk Point-Jefferson School District’s Safe Return Plan to which no changes were made. The Safe Return Plan is a “blueprint is to provide a framework for how Elk Point-Jefferson Public Schools will respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the educational program within our school district during the 2022-2023 school year. The framework is structured using Components and tiers in order to allow the district to be flexible and responsive to changing public health circumstances. The presence of a formal document will also support the district in articulating its plan for next fall in a clear, comprehensive and transparent manner.”

The Jefferson High School Property (JHS) was first on the agenda for the Jefferson City Council, the only exception, the owner was present. The council moved into executive session for legal matters right away and reconvened in 10 minutes with a statement from the City’s Attorney Sabrina LaFleur-Sayler. She stated the former JHS property has been found in default and the city would proceed with the scheduled hearing Dec. 5 at 3:30 p.m. with Mayor Paddy Rigg as witness.

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There are various opportunities being made available to generate interest for future seniors to work in the state of South Dakota or help fill the labor gap. While programs such as Build Dakota Scholarship and others have formed, there are other opportunities available on the local level to those looking forward to high school graduation.

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The green community sign board outside of Jones’ Food Center has been a staple in Elk Point for many years. Because of the age of the sign, the fate of it was discussed at the Elk Point City Council meeting Dec. 4.

The holidays are here, however many Dakota Valley parents are looking ahead to spring as they volunteer their time to make the Panther’s After Prom, in 2024, a success. The event is scheduled to follow the formal dance on April 13, 2024 and go throughout the night into the early morning hours.