Panther high schoolers in speech and debate traveled to Aberdeen, South Dakota on March 6-7, 2026 for the annual state contest. Success was garnered as Dakota Valley brought home a state champion in Hrishika Vimalkumar who took top honors in the category of Informative Speaking.

South Dakota’s state wrestling tournament is always a memorable experience. And this year was something special for Dan Swatek of Elk Point. In addition to watching his son, Luke, win 5th place in the 150 pound weight class, Swatek was inducted into the South Dakota Wrestling Hall of Fame on February 28, 2026.

School parking lots, at Dakota Valley, were full as many attended the Panther’s annual “Donuts with Grown-Ups” event for the elementary and upper elementary students. Preschool through 3rd grade had a morning of frosted baked goods on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Students in 4th and 5th grade were able to invite their grown-ups to breakfast on Thursday, March 5.

Dakota Valley High School has hired longtime college coach Shane LaDage as its next head football coach, bringing more than 15 years of experience across multiple collegiate programs to the Panthers. LaDage spent the past four seasons as head coach at Briar Cliff University, where he focused on building a strong team culture and developing players on and off the field.

An induction ceremony for Dakota Valley’s National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) was held on Monday, March 2, 2026 in the Performing Arts Center. Stacey Langley, the NJHS adviser, coordinated the event. Ella Greene and Aubrey Bird, Panther 8th graders, served as the masters of ceremony.

A Message from Mayor Chris Bogenrief Staying Connected Close to Home At times, the world beyond our community can feel heavy. Headlines move fast, national conversations grow loud, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by stories happening far from home.

SeniorsMasonMarxand Tanner Neiman brought home honors from the first ever “Mr. EPJ” contest held on Monday, March 2, 2026. In pageant style fashion, eleven Huskies competed in a runway walk, interview and talent show all in an effort to win the crown. Marx was named “Mr. EPJ” and Neiman won “Fan Favorite”.

Jefferson Beer Supply will mark St. Patrick’s Day with corned beef, specialty beers and live traditional Irish music on Sunday, March 15.

The Jefferson City Council reviewed progress on a community safety study, heard plans for a full season of brewery events and approved routine financial actions during its regular meeting March 2 at City Hall.

The Elk Point City Council held a public hearing on a zoning amendment tied to a Thermobond expansion, approved an engineering services agreement and set a special meeting date during its regular meeting March 2 at City Hall.