Steve Cross, the assistant cross country coach for Elk Point-Jefferson, was awarded as the Area 2 Assistant Coach of the Year. He will receive a plaque either in February or March of 2023.

For many months, the fate of the Union County Fairgrounds has been deliberated by the Union County Board of County Commissioners. With the possibility of having to relocate the fairgrounds, the commissioners purchased what was known as the “Alcester Steakhouse” in attempts to have ground to relocate the fair.

Hunter Sharkey started working for Aaladin as a summer job when an opportunity through the school presented itself. Seniors can participate in a job internship program to receive real world employment experiences. Aaladin was more than willing to participate in the program, giving Sharkey school credit and a paid internship.

For over 15 years, Elk Point and surrounding communities have supported the local blood bank, LifeServe Blood Center, with at least six blood donation opportunities per year. Over the course of November, one blood drive was hosted to support the 150+ local hospitals that LifeServe Blood Center serves. They collected 17 units of blood which results in 51 has the ability to save up to 144 local lives.

Now is the time that people start to think about those that are less fortunate than themselves. Sometimes that means volunteering time or making donations to local food pantries, schools, churches or charities.

Dakota Valley High School’s One Act season has started with tryouts occurring on Nov. 16 and 17. Anna Michaelson, a language arts and journalism educator at Dakota Valley, is the advisor for One Act and this year’s play is “We are Masks” by Lindsey Price.

The Dakota Valley Giving Tree is up and ready for the generosity of the community. The tree is located in the Dakota Valley High School lobby.

Band and choir students in 4th-6th grade performed a winter concert on Dec. 1 to a full audience in Dakota Valley’s Performing Arts Center. The band and jazz band were under the direction of Drew Ohlendorf and the choir was directed by Kari Wilmes.

As with everything else in today’s economy, Dakota Dunes residents will be seeing a raise in the sewer rates come Jan. 1, 2023. The Dakota Dunes Community Improvement District Board of Supervisors held its monthly meeting Nov. 21, where the sewer and water rates were discussed as part of the 2023 Enterprise Fund.

For many months, the fate of the Union County Fairgrounds has been deliberated by the Union County Board of County Commissioners. With the possibility of having to relocate the fairgrounds, the commissioners purchased what was known as the “Alcester Steakhouse” in attempts to have ground to relocate the fair.