May 8 through May 12 marked the final week of school for Dakota Valley seniors. The graduating class took semester tests on Wednesday, May 10 and Thursday, May 11 before saying goodbye to the Panther hallways.

Electronic Communications, Inc. Systems (ECI) has been in North Sioux City since 2011.

According to the Union County Sheriff’s Department the suspect wanted in a Dakota Dunes murder was apprehended in Mexico, not far from the border on May 12. Authorities stated Alfredo Castellanos-Rosales was expelled from Mexico and turned over to the U.S.

Area patients now have even more options for life saving diagnostic tools thanks to CNOS and the new Imaging Center expansion at their Dakota Dunes Clinic location. The grand opening for the expansion was held May 9.

The Elk Point-Jefferson School District held its annual awards ceremony for staff, April 28. The following staff were recognized: • Retirements: Toni Hall – 29 years of service to EPJ and Jefferson schools.

Mother’s Day weekend and Dakota Valley graduation typically collide on the calendar to make for busy and memorable moments. This year it is especially true as half a dozen mothers have twins graduating in the 2023 class.

For the last 12 years, the Elk Point and Jefferson communities have supported the Elk Point-Jefferson Education Foundation through their donations to the annual Chili Cup. The Chili Cup began 12 years ago when then EPJ Superintendent Brian Shanks tasked Melissa Curry with developing an annual event to raise money.

Changes over the last few months have been noticed happening by travellers and residents of Union County at Park Jefferson Speedway. Most noticeable was the dirtwork being done in what used to be the spectator parking area.

On May 2, the PEO chapter (in Elk Point) hosted a reception at The Pointe Golf & Event Center to present this year’s scholarship recipients and their moms. “Our scholarships are given in the names of Leona Gronveld and Linda Chris Nearman who were both beloved school teachers at EPJ,” President Chapter A Noreen Jorgensen said.

The Jefferson City Council met in regular session May 1 and once again discussed two properties under old business. Once the old business was conducted, Mayor Joe Bogenrieff stepped down and council member Paddy Rigg was named mayor-elect.