The Dakota Valley School Board voted Feb. 9 to hire Jeff Hamm as the district’s next high school principal, making the leadership transition the central action of a meeting that also included approval of a major roof‑replacement project and several personnel changes.

Elk Point-Jefferson’s Karlene Stabe was named the 2026 Outstanding Biol‑ogy Teacher, by the South Dakota Science Teaching Association (SDSTA), dur‑ing a professional develop‑ment conference that hap‑pened on February 5-7, 2026. Recognition for Stabe came at the annual STEM ED Conference, in Huron, South Dakota, which is hosted by SDSTA as well as the South Dakota Council of Teachers of Mathematics (SDCTM).

The Elk Point‑Jefferson Board of Education moved through a full agenda Feb. 9, approving personnel actions, reviewing district finances and celebrating a wide range of stu‑dent accomplishments during its regular monthly meeting.

Family and friends gathered Friday morning at the Union County Courthouse to dedicate a memorial bench honoring longtime Sheriff Dan Limoges on the second anniversary of his passing. The bench, crafted by Davis IronWorks of Irene, South Dakota, was installed outside the courthouse as a permanent tribute to Limoges, who served as Union County sheriff for 33 years and was widely regarded as a steady leader and mentor in South Dakota law enforcement.

As February reminds us to appreciate what we love, I’ve been reflecting on what makes North Sioux City such a special place to live and lead. Although my wife and I made the move to North Sioux City in 2022, I’ve been familiar with the area for a long time.

The North Sioux City Commission advanced two major infrastruc‑ture initiatives Monday night, approving a se‑ries of property acquisi‑tions for the Northshore Drive Realignment Proj‑ect and authorizing a multi‑year water meter replacement program. Mayor Chris Bogenrief called the Feb. 2 meet‑ing to order at 6 p.m. with commissioners Ju‑lie Burhoop, Lynn Hoff‑man and Vincent Tucker present. Commissioner Jessica Strain was ab‑sent. City Administrator Jeff Dooley, Finance Of‑ficer Amy Lilly and City Attorney Sarah Kleber also attended.

Union County Sheriff Jim Prouty an‑nounced his cam‑paign for re-election, reaffirming his commitment to keep‑ing Union County safe, supporting law enforce‑ment professionals, and serving residents with integrity, accountability, and common-sense lead‑ership.

Kendall Hanson is the voice of the Huskies and a familiar face throughout the area. He grew up in the area and is a Husky high school alumnus. While many know him, even more recognize his tone and dictation from the countless EPJ livestreams he has called over the past few years.

The Union County Commission handled a full agenda Tuesday, approving abatements, awarding bridge contracts and appointing a new interim Register of Deeds during its Feb. 3 regular meeting at the courthouse. Chairman Kevin Joffer called the meeting to order with commissioners Michael Dailey, Bob Ballard, Tom Kimmel and Peggy Ustad present.

The Elk Point City Council approved new util‑ity rates, playground equipment and several equip‑ment purchases during its regular meeting Feb. 2 at City Hall. Mayor Deb McCreary presided, with council members Amanda Abraham, Ben Irlbeck, Kris Hurlbert, Shelby Penfield, Renee Irwin and Meghan Austad all present.